|
WEEK IN REVIEW
Dear friend –
The derecho that swept across Iowa earlier this month has created immense challenges for communities throughout our state. It’s been a rough go, but Iowans are resilient and continue to help one another during this difficult time.
Click here or on the image above to watch more from my tour of derecho damage.
At the federal level, I’m fighting to ensure folks have the support they need as we work to rebuild. My staff and I are here to help, including my Derecho Recovery Resources webpage that includes information on how to receive assistance during this challenging time.
Supporting Iowa Farmers
The derecho has damaged millions of acres of crops and farmland throughout our state, leaving Iowa’s agriculture community hurting and in need of assistance as they work to rebuild.
Our farmers need relief, which is why I’m urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to grant Governor Kim Reynolds’ Secretarial Disaster Designation request for 57 Iowa counties that suffered losses.
While working to ensure our farmers have the support they need to recover from the derecho, I’m also continuing to ensure they have access to new markets for their products.
Fair market access for our dairy industry was a key pillar of the USMCA, which is why I’m calling on the USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative to hold Canada and Mexico accountable for their trade commitments to Iowa’s dairy farmers.
Urging the Feds to Remove a Harmful Fee Placed on Homeowners
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented financial hardship on homeowners across Iowa and the country. Many folks are looking to secure monthly savings by taking advantage of historically low interest rates and refinancing their mortgage.
At a time when families are facing financial hardship and looking to secure savings, government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac proposed a fee that would be placed on homeowners who refinance their mortgages beginning in September.
As a result of this fee, refinancing a home could cost Iowans an additional $1,400 on average. That’s why I’ve urged the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mark Calabria to rescind the fee.
After my urging, the FHFA announced they are delaying it until December 1, 2020. While this is a good first step, I’m continuing to push for the fee to be eliminated completely.
Addressing Iowa’s Child Care Crisis
As a mom, and living in a rural community, I know firsthand the importance of having access to quality, affordable child care. Iowa has been facing a child care crisis that’s only been worsened by COVID-19. That’s why I’ve been working across the aisle on a number of measures to ensure our working moms and dads have access to child care.
Click here or on the image above to see more from my visit to Wapello County.
In Jefferson County, I met with members of the Fairfield Economic Development Association and Early Childhood Iowa to hear how they’ve been working to construct a new child care center in Fairfield. We also discussed my bill – the ACCESS Act – that would increase access to federal funding for child care development.
In Wapello County, I heard from local leaders about how they’re working to address Iowa’s child care crisis. Both of these these conversations are so helpful as I continue to take Iowans’ voices and ideas with me to ensure families have access to affordable, quality child care.
Fighting For Small Businesses
During my 99 County Tour this week, I continued to hear directly from small businesses in Washington and Keokuk County on how they’ve been impacted by COVID-19. The challenges these folks are facing are the reason I’m fighting to ensure our small businesses get additional support and our communities are able to get back on their feet.
Click here or on the image above to see more from my visit to Washington County.
I also saw firsthand the innovation our state continues to pioneer – from solar energy to advancements in research. These visits were a reminder of how resolute Iowans are as they continue to recover from the derecho and fight the pandemic.
BONUS READ
Between the derecho and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been a trying year for folks across Iowa. The challenges we’re facing as a state, and a nation, are some of the toughest in a lifetime. But it’s in these dark times that the light can shine through. I believe in Iowans.
Click here or on the image above to read my column in the Carroll Times 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!
|
