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WEEK IN REVIEW
Dear Friend –
As your United States Senator, I’ve been working tirelessly for folks across our state – from our farmers and producers, to our small businesses, and our veterans.
Between the challenges Iowans are navigating during COVID-19 and the derecho aftermath, to the battle with mental health issues many veterans face after returning from the frontlines, I’m fighting to ensure Iowans have the resources and support they need.
Here are some highlights of a few items I’ve been working on this week.
Standing Up for Our Farmers
As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I continue to fight for Iowa’s farmers during COVID-19, derecho recovery, and the extreme drought that has impacted large pockets of our state. I discussed my ongoing efforts on an episode of Iowa Farm Bureau’s “Spokesman Speaks” podcast.
Click here or in the image above to listen to the podcast episode.
This week, after pushing my friends across the aisle, they decided to join me in standing with our farmers by replenishing funds for the Commodity Credit Corporation – something I’ve been advocating for to ensure our farmers have certainty with our Farm Bill programs.
Following the derecho, Iowa cooperatives and their members have been hurt and are in need of critical relief. That’s why I urged USDA to provide Iowa agricultural cooperatives with additional support as they continue to rebuild from the devastating storms.
Small Businesses Need More Relief
COVID-19 has caused great financial uncertainty and economic instability for Iowa small businesses, and they’re in need of additional relief as they continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
Click here or on the image above to see more from our visit to Urban Dreams.
In Des Moines, I visited with the folks at Urban Dreams alongside Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) to discuss the importance of supporting minority-owned small businesses during COVID-19.
As members of the Small Business Committee, Senator Tim Scott and I are working to help our small businesses get a second pass at the Paycheck Protection Program that’s been a critical lifeline for our small businesses during the pandemic.
Expanding Broadband Access
Having access to quality broadband and high-speed internet is essential for Iowa’s economy – and it’s become increasingly important during COVID-19. In the Senate, I’ve been working across the aisle to ensure Iowans have access to broadband to support their everyday life.
As a member of the Small Business Committee, I’m working on a bipartisan effort called the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act that would help the Small Business Administration (SBA) improve programs to ensure our small businesses have access to rural broadband.
Combatting Veteran Suicide
Our veterans have served our nation selflessly in defense of our freedoms. After returning home from the frontlines, many of them are often faced with a new battle: overcoming mental health issues and thoughts of suicide.
As a combat veteran myself, I understand the challenges our servicemembers face after returning home. That’s why I’ve been continuing my work in the Senate to combat veteran suicide.
This week, I teamed up with a couple of my Democratic friends on a new bill that would designate one week per year as “Buddy Check Week” to organize outreach events and educate veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks.
Honoring Gold Star Families
To recognize Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, I joined Senator Tim Scott to help package flags for Iowa Gold Star families at Iowa Select Farms in Des Moines. This week, and every day, we are forever grateful for the sacrifices made by our fallen servicemembers and their loved ones.
Click here or on the image above to see more from my visit to Iowa Select Farms with Senator Tim Scott.
BONUS READ
This pandemic doesn’t care about politics. This isn’t about getting a win or a loss, it’s about delivering more resources to folks across the nation. It’s about supporting our front line workers, our main street businesses, our schools, child care centers, health care systems, and farmers.
Click here or on the image above to read my column with Senator Tim Scott.
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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