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WEEK IN REVIEW
Dear Friend,
These past few months have not been easy on folks in our state. The coronavirus pandemic, and now, last week’s derecho, have tested Iowans and strained our resources. But Iowans are strong, and it’s times like these that make me so proud to represent our state. Like everything that comes our way, we’re going to get through this—together. And as always, I encourage anyone who needs assistance to reach out to my office. My staff and I stand ready to help in any way that we can.
This past week, I’ve been traveling the state on my 99 County Tour, meeting with local leaders, and hearing directly from Iowans, to help get folks the support they need. I’ve also launched a resource page on my website for Iowans who have been impacted by the derecho.
Demanding National Media Attention
After our state got hit by the equivalent of a Category 2 inland hurricane, there was nothing on the front page of any national news outlets. And I heard the frustration of my fellow Iowans about the lack of attention from the national media.
That’s unacceptable. After seeing the damage firsthand, I joined Fox Report to highlight the challenges Iowans are facing to the national media.
Click here or on the image above to watch my interview.
I also penned a column in the Cedar Rapids Gazette calling on the national media to cover the derecho.
Click here or on the image above to read my column.
Fortunately for Iowans, President Trump visited the state on Wednesday to hear about the derecho’s impact. I’m grateful to both the President and Governor Reynolds for acting quickly to get Iowans the support we need as we work to recover.
Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead
Lending a Helping Hand
Iowans helping Iowans—that’s how we’re going to get through this. I’ve been truly inspired by all the folks that are volunteering to assist others following the derecho. This week, I was able to thank some of these volunteers—at the Hiawatha Community Shelter and the HACAP headquarters.
In Cedar Rapids, I joined the folks at Horizons to help deliver meals to Iowans in need in Linn County. Horizons is just one example of the many Iowa nonprofits that have risen to the occasion to support our communities during both the derecho and COVID-19.
Fighting for Our Farmers
This week, I also visited Kerry’s farm in Jones County. Like so many farmers across the state, the derecho has destroyed his grain bins and his crops. I’m working to make sure crop insurance and assistance is available for our farmers and growers as they recover.
And, as one of the most relentless fighter’s for Iowa’s biofuel community, I know that farmers like Kerry can’t afford for the EPA to be playing games—these so-called “gap year” waivers need to be thrown out. That’s why, in our meeting with President Trump this week in Cedar Rapids, I brought the concerns of our farmers and producers right to the President and his administration.
Click here or on the image above to watch my conversation with President Trump.
100 Years of Women Voting
This week, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of women in Iowa, and across the country, gaining the right to vote. I joined Senator Chuck Grassley to pay tribute to the suffragettes who paved the way for women everywhere—including his mother!
Click here or on the image above to watch our video.
Bonus Read
Click here or on the image above to read my column in the Telegraph Herald.
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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