Senator gives students lesson in government

Source: New Hampton Tribune

By Emily Schwickerath

Iowa’s history-making U.S. senator left the partisan politics in Washington, D.C., Friday, when she spent time with New Hampton High School government and civic students.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, the first female veteran to serve in the Senate, talked with instructor Cory McDonald’s students as part of her mission to visit all of Iowa’s 99 counties.

Questions from the students ranged from her service in the National Guard, her daily life in Washington D.C. and why she chose to run.

She spoke passionately about her 24 years of National Guard service and veterans issues — pointing out that her first authored bill in office was one to prioritize mental health care through the Veterans Administration.

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