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Friends, 

As we move into a new year, I want to take a minute to reflect on how far we've come in 2021. This year, I helped secure historic investments in our infrastructure that sets Iowa up to receive more than $5 billion in the next five years and is projected to create 770,000 new jobs. 

I voted for the American Rescue Plan, which helped put over 4 million vaccines in Iowans' arms, 1.5 million direct payments to Iowans' pockets, almost $1 billion in Child Tax Credit payments into Iowa's economy and $2.9 billion for Iowa small businesses through Paycheck Protection Program loans.

I helped bring more than $114 million in federal grant money back to Iowa to support projects happening here locally, and ensured more than $930,000 owed to my constituents from the federal government was returned. 

Eleven of my bills were signed into law, and my office closed more than 700 cases on issues ranging from the IRS and Social Security to Medicare and flood recovery.

But, that's not all. Keep reading to learn more about the tax cuts I secured for Iowans and the investments that will help make 2022 one of our best years yet.

American Rescue Plan

I voted to put money straight into Iowans' pockets when the American Rescue Plan passed the House early this year. The legislation included $1,400 stimulus checks that were distributed to 1.5 million Iowans to help families make ends meet during COVID-19 economic disruptions. 

The Child Tax Credit, which brought $1 billion back to Iowa and provided $300 per child every month to more than 340,000 Iowans this year, was also included in the legislation. Because this was such a good program for Iowans I'm working to continue this tax cut. 

Hundreds of millions of dollars from this landmark relief legislation is already being used by the State of Iowa to make critical investments in our water infrastructure, child care centers, housing, manufacturing, and broadband.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

I voted for the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act this year, which sets Iowa up for success in the years to come. The bill is expected to invest $5 billion in Iowa's infrastructure and create 770,000 new jobs by 2025.

This will help replace old pipes that have been putting unsafe levels of lead into our drinking water, replace miles of roads and bridges, upgrade our airports, public transportation systems and so much more. 

More than $700 million of this money has already been allocated to Iowa to begin working on long-overdue projects, and I can't wait to see what happens as this money continues to reach our state.

Bills Signed Into Law

I spoke about the Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans' Mental Health Act on the House Floor on May 18, 2021.

Eleven bills I wrote and helped introduced were signed into law this year. The Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans' Mental Health Act was signed in June and will help expand mental health care for rural veterans. This piece of legislation meant a lot to me because I promised Brandon's mother, Bev, that I would fight to see this legislation through to the end so all veterans could have equal access to the services they need.

The legislation I wrote ensured first responders will be reimbursed fairly, and made sure those who were affected by the 2020 derecho receive the federal money they need to recover their losses.

I also wrote legislation to award Corporal Daegan Page, a marine from Red Oak, the Congressional Gold Medal. Corporal Page died while protecting innocent civilians, our allies and his fellow servicemembers in the final days of the war in Afghanistan. He died a hero and his service and bravery will never be forgotten.

Special Projects and Programs

"Lost in Translation," an acrylic and oil painting by Bondurant-Farrar High School Student Eli Clayton, won the 2021 Congressional Art Challenge in Iowa's Third Congressional District.

Every year, my office participates in special projects and programs, such as the Veterans History Project, Valentines for Veterans, the congressional art and app challenges, and more. 

This year, my office helped Drake University students collect the stories of 11 local veterans that were then sent to the Library of Congress, and helped students at the Willkie House in Des Moines send Valentines Day cards for the Disabled American Veterans organization.

Panels of judges put together by my office named Eli Clayton of Bondurant the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition and a group of students from West Des Moines Valley High School the winners of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge with their app that connects students who are passionate about computer science to local nonprofits.

More judges helped me narrow down a group of 17 applicants so I could nominate five students to U.S. service academies. 

I enjoy making sure Iowans are able to participate in these programs, and I'm proud to be able to help our next generation of leaders use these opportunities to better themselves. 

Casework and Grants

My offices in Council Bluffs, Creston and Des Moines helped more than 750 Iowans navigate federal services like the IRS and Social Security Administration and also helped folks who hadn't received their stimulus payments or Child Tax Credit payments. In all, my office returned nearly $1 million back to Iowa taxpayers this year. 

My office also worked hard to ensure our communities had the funding they needed to complete projects like child care centers and upgrades to their water treatment plants by securing federal grant money. My office helped secure more than $114 million this year for projects that will benefit everyone.

These projects always mean a lot to me because I know they will help so many Iowans. This year has certainly been one for the history books, and it's all because of everyone who reached out to my office this year. 

I'm thankful to everyone who shared their thoughts and perspectives with me as I pushed for legislative solutions and more in Washington, and I hope that dialogue continues next year. 

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a healthy and prosperous New Year! 

Be well, 

Cindy