Ernst Resumes 99 County Tour, Continues Hearing Directly From Iowans

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) resumed her 99 County Tour for 2020 last week, hearing directly from Iowans as the state works to safely reopen. Following public health guidelines, Ernst visited with biofuel producers, local employers, and received an update on flood recovery efforts from communities still reeling from last spring’s devastating floods.

“Every year, my 99 County Tour gives me the opportunity to hear from Iowans directly, and that’s all the more important during this difficult time. As we take steps to safely reopen our state and get Iowans back to work, it’s crucial that we continue to communicate and work together—at the federal, state, and local levels, and with our businesses. Every industry and every single Iowan has been impacted by this pandemic, and that’s why I’ve made it my top priority to hear from folks across the state as we work through this crisis. And now, as the Governor has eased restrictions in our state, it’s important that, while following social distancing and public health guidelines, I’m meeting in-person with folks to ensure I can continue to bring their voices to Washington and fight on their behalf,” said Senator Ernst.

Last week, Senator Ernst visited Green Plains’ facility in Fremont County to discuss her efforts to support the state’s hardworking producers. Ernst also visited with major employers in Union and Appanoose Counties, learned more about a public-private partnership to increase connectivity in Decatur County, and received an update from local stakeholders on flood recovery efforts in Mills County and toured a levee breach rehabilitation project in Percival.

Since the outbreak of this pandemic, Senator Ernst has continued to connect with Iowans from every corner and county of the state. To date during COVID-19, Ernst has held eleven telephone town halls to help folks get access to the relief available to them, including Iowa’s seniors and agriculture community.

Senator Ernst has also held question and answer sessions with business owners and employees from across Iowa’s economy, including health care workers, farmers, small business owners, franchise owners, bankers, pork producers, cattlemen, public housing officials, restaurant owners, hotel and lodging employees, realtors, funeral directors, leaders of rural electric co-ops, broadband providers, credit union employees, chemical manufacturers, local mayors and city leaders, community college presidents, students, and many more.

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