|
Dear Friend –
An essential part of my job as a United States Senator is hearing directly from Iowans in every corner and county of the state. This week, I had the opportunity to visit with biofuel producers, agribusiness leaders, diaper bank volunteers, and small business employees so I can bring their voices back to Washington.
Click here or on the image above for more on my visit to Kendrick Home Products in Edgewood.
Here are some of the highlights from what I’ve been working on this week:
More Access to Biofuels
From securing E15 year-round to extending the biodiesel tax credit, and getting rid of the “gap year” waivers, I’ve been fighting relentlessly for our renewable fuel producers.
Click here or on the image above for more on our visit to Mason City.
I visited Renewable Energy Group in Mason City with Senator Chuck Grassley and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig to discuss the recent wins we helped secure for our biofuel industry.
Following my urging, the Trump Administration announced they are investing in renewable fuel infrastructure in Iowa. The funding, which aims to increase sales of ethanol and biofuel in the United States, will allow Iowans and folks across the country greater access to higher biofuel blends like E15 – a cleaner, cheaper choice at the pump.
The administration’s action is a welcome victory for Iowa’s biofuel community, and one I’m proud to have fought for.
Protecting Iowa’s Seniors
Elderly Iowans are some of our most at-risk during COVID-19, and it’s critical that our nursing homes and long-term care facilities have the resources and support they need to provide high quality care to residents both during and long after this pandemic.
A recent report from the Senate Finance Committee sheds light on steps Congress can take to better protect nursing homes and their residents – including legislation that I’m supporting to increase personal protecting equipment and testing.
The bill would also establish strike teams that can rapidly respond to COVID–19-related crises in nursing homes, and increase access to tele-visitation so that residents can stay connected to family and their loved ones.
Increasing Access to Diaper Assistance
A clean diaper is a basic need for protecting the health and well-being of a young child. This pandemic has created diaper access issues, and it’s why I’ve been working across the aisle to get our diaper banks and families additional support.
Click here or on the image above for more on my visit to the Eastern Iowa Diaper Bank.
I joined volunteers at the Eastern Iowa Diaper Bank in Cedar Rapids on Thursday to help distribute diapers to Iowa families in need. I’m thankful for all the great work the folks at the Eastern Iowa Diaper Bank do to support Iowa’s new moms and dads, and I’ll continue working to get folks without access to diapers the support they need.
Helping Deliver for Iowa through the NDAA
As a combat veteran and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, I proudly supported the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included investments of over $100 million in support of army ammunition development.
Ultimately, the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown was chosen by the U.S. Army as a contract recipient. The long-term investment will benefit the more than 800 Iowa workers at the Iowa Army Ammo Plant and will stimulate the local economy by providing continued investment in the plant.
I’m so proud that our troops will soon have better, more precise artillery and that it will be designed and built right here in Iowa. This will not only create and sustain jobs, but help ensure the long-term future of the Iowa Army Ammo Plant.
BONUS READ
As Iowans know, biofuels are an essential part of our state’s economy. From Burlington to Cedar Rapids, and Sioux Center to Council Bluffs, and every community in between, Iowans depend on the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Click here or on the image above to read our column in the Mason City Globe Gazette.
Secretary Mike Naig and I will continue to fight tooth and nail at the state and federal level on behalf of Iowa’s biofuel community.
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!
|
