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Hearing Directly from You.
One of the key parts of my job as a United States Senator is hearing directly from Iowans about the issues that impact their everyday lives. As I continue my 99 County Tour across Iowa, I’ve been hearing from small businesses, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, pork producers, health care professionals and so many more Iowans on how they’ve been impacted by COVID-19.
Last week, I visited over a dozen counties to discuss how we can support Iowans as our economy continues to safely reopen. I met with folks to discuss the COVID-19 relief I’ve helped secure – including expanded telehealth services, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), mental health support, and relief for Iowa’s agriculture community.
Supporting Iowa’s Small Businesses
In Woodbury, Plymouth, O’Brien, and Emmet Counties, I had the opportunity to hear from small businesses and local leaders and discuss my continued efforts to support Iowa’s workers and businesses. I also highlighted my priorities for the next COVID-19 relief package – including my proposal to allow front line workers to keep more of their hard-earned dollars.
Click here or on the image above to read more about my visit to Woodbury County.
Supporting Our Ag Community, Renewable Fuel Producers
In Palo Alto County, I heard from a local biofuel producer about their challenges and successes during COVID-19. Through the years, renewable fuels—like ethanol and biodiesel—have become such an important part of our fabric across the state of Iowa. That’s why I will never stop fighting to promote the Renewable Fuel Standard and advocate for our farmers and producers.
Click here or on the image above to read about my visit to POET Biorefining in Palo Alto County.
Iowa’s hardworking livestock and poultry producers have also faced serious challenges during the pandemic. In Sioux County, I visited Premium Iowa Pork in Hospers to hear directly about the impact of COVID-19 on their production. Since the outbreak of this pandemic, I’ve been fighting to get Iowa’s producers the relief they need so that we can maintain a secure food supply chain.
Click here or on the image above to read more about my visit to Premium Iowa Pork.
As you know, Iowa is a leader in renewable energy sources – including solar and wind. I visited Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn High School in Cherokee County last week to hear how the school district is harnessing renewable energy to power their school and save on energy costs. Investing in renewable energy and expanding solar energy infrastructure is a win-win for Iowans.
Click here or on the image above to read more about my visit to Marcus.
Prioritizing Iowans’ Mental Health
There are countless organizations across our state that are providing critical support to Iowans who face mental health challenges – especially during COVID-19.
Click here or on the image above to read more about my visit to CFR in Fort Dodge.
At Community and Family Resources (CFR) in Fort Dodge and Grand Avenue Outreach in Spencer, I heard from health care and nonprofit leaders about the services they provide to Iowans struggling with mental illness and substance abuse. Funding through the CARES Act I helped pass has provided critical support for Iowa’s mental health system, and I will continue fighting for relief to ensure Iowans receive the care they need.
Discussing Police Reform with Community Leaders
The murder of George Floyd and too many others have brought to light the need for action, and I’m working to follow Iowa’s example in Washington. In Iowa, our legislature put politics aside and passed police reform legislation unanimously.
In Polk County, I met with Iowa state Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad at Creative Visions to discuss solutions for combating racial injustice in our state and nation. I’m proud of Iowa for passing bipartisan, commonsense police reform legislation, and I’m urging Congress to do the same. Like I’ve said before, we need more Iowa in Washington.
Click here or on the image above to read more about my visit to Polk County.
For more updates on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. and Iowa, be sure to ‘Like’ my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @SenJoniErnst, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Thank you!
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