FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 4, 2020
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Iowa Dems Dispatch: Highlights from the Hawkeye State
Iowa Democrats spent the week fighting for the issues that matter most: health care, the ag industry, USPS, and more
DES MOINES — In a week riddled with another dramatic uptick in coronavirus cases and conspiracy theories peddled by Senator Joni Ernst to downplay the toll of the COVID-19 crisis, Iowa Democrats spent the week fighting for the issues that matter most. In the midst of President Trump’s historic recession and a global pandemic, Democrats are working hard for better access to health care, Iowa farmers, the postal service, and more.
Vilsack Praises Biden’s Bond with Iowa Farmers, Criticizes Trump’s Failed Ag Agenda:
Former Governor Tom Vilsack praised Vice President Biden’s commitment to fighting for Iowa farmers and the Renewable Fuel Standards Act at virtual campaign stop — and criticized President Trump’s chaotic trade war and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that has left farmers behind.
Sioux City Journal: Vilsack touts Biden’s commitment to Iowa farmers during virtual campaign stop
“‘Biden recognizes the bond between Iowa farmers and the renewable fuel standards (RFS) act,’ Vilsack said. ‘He’ll work hard to strengthen that bond.’ […]
“‘Every time President Trump had the choice between helping out big oil or farmers, big oil won out,’ he said.
“In addition, Vilsack said, Biden would take more decisive action against the spread of COVID-19 as well as its impact on Iowa’s economy.”
Quad City Times: Vilsack: Trump overpromised, underdelivered for Iowa farmers
“Vilsack contends former vice president and current Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden promises a trade policy that recognizes the importance of going after China, ‘in a smart effective way with the rest of the world so that China can’t use retaliatory tariffs against our farmers.
“‘(Trump) contended he was going to provide the best trade deals possible for farmers,’ Vilsack told reporters Wednesday. ‘The reality is he went against China alone (and) didn’t take the time to develop an alliance of nations being similarly situated and mistreated by the Chinese.’
“That resulted in retaliatory tariffs from China on U.S. farm products, steel and aluminum that drastically lowered U.S. corn and soybean exports, increased equipment costs and created crop surpluses that drove down commodity prices.”
Greenfield Advocates for USPS, Safe Vote by Mail During Pandemic:
While Senator Joni Ernst spent her week under fire from health care officials and Iowa and national press for peddling dangerous, unfounded conspiracy theories about COVID-19 infection rates and disparaging frontline workers and medical professionals, Theresa was hard at work protecting the postal service. On Tuesday, Theresa called on Ernst to start doing her job and pass legislation to better fund USPS so every Iowan can safely vote by mail in November. Later in the week, she also toured a JBS meatpacking plant in Marshalltown with UFCW Local 1149 to focus on protecting frontline workers.
The Gazette: Theresa Greenfield wants Joni Ernst back in Washington to increase Postal Service funding
“Calling for quick action to fund and protect the U.S. Postal Service, Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield on Tuesday called on U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst to end her ‘vacation’ and go back to Washington to demand Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell open the Senate for business.
“‘You know, we’re just here today to talk a little bit about why it is so important that the U.S. Senate, and in particular Sen. Joni Ernst, get back to Washington and put politics aside and get to work to protect the Postal Service,’ Greenfield said during a virtual news conference.
“‘Ernst, she skipped town, and she should be in Washington right now doing her job to pass this critical legislation and more,’ Greenfield said. ‘This really ticks me off, I have to tell you.’”
Marshalltown Times Republican: Greenfield tours JBS to view improvements
“U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Theresa Greenfield wanted to see what JBS has done to improve conditions for workers. Greenfield is running against incumbent U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) in the November general election.
“She toured the facility on Thursday and said the employees and members of the UFCW 1149 were very welcoming.
“‘They are really focusing on protecting the workers,’ Greenfield said. ‘They are making sure everyone is healthy and safe. I think they have done a good job.’”
Finkenauer’s New Ad Highlights Public Service, Work Ethic:
On Tuesday, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer’s campaign released its latest ad highlighting Finkenauer’s inspiration for public service: her late grandfather, a firefighter for the Dubuque Fire Department. His service is her motivation to fight for lower drug prices, family farms, and everyone in Iowa’s 1st congressional district.
Hart Releases Health Care Plan, Commitment to Affordable, Accessible Care:
Rita Hart’s life has been shaped by access to care — her mother had a chronic health condition and spent years in hospitals and clinics. Rita will work to ensure all Iowans have access to the affordable, high-quality care they deserve.
The Gazette: Rita Hart says she’ll push to reverse privatized Medicaid system in Iowa
“Democratic Iowa congressional candidate Rita Hart would push to reverse Iowa’s privatized Medicaid system and provide ‘quality, affordable health care’ for all Iowans by seeking to build upon a threatened federal health care law.
“‘Like it is for so many Iowans, health care is personal for me,’ Hart said in a statement announcing her health care plan.
“A former Democratic state senator and lieutenant governor candidate now running for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District seat, Hart, in an essay posted at Medium.com on Monday, talked about her mother’s years spent in and out of hospitals and clinics because her heart was damaged by rheumatic fever. Hart also talked of a quadriplegic nephew paralyzed by an accidental gunshot wound.
“‘Health care should be a right, not a privilege,’ the 64-year-old farmer and 20-year educator from Wheatland wrote. ‘That means everyone should have access to critical care, and no one should go broke because they can’t afford it.’”
Axne Fights for COVID-19 Relief, Meets with Iowa Farmers:
Congresswoman Cindy Axne spent the week advocating for a new COVID-19 relief package for struggling Iowans. She met with dairy farmers in Cass County to answer questions and ensure that their concerns were being addressed in Congress.
Radio Iowa: Axne says another Covid relief package should pass ASAP
“Axne, a Democrat from West Des Moines, says the partisan stalemate between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the White House must end.
“‘We have people who won’t come off of a negotiation because of some pet project they’ve got in there,’ Axne says, ‘instead of focusing on the big issues we’re facing right now — people who need some money in their pocket because they’re unemployed.’
“Axne says the final package must include money to provide enhanced unemployment benefits and relief to renters.
Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network: Axne meets with local dairy farm
“‘It’s important to stay in touch with the people who are producing our food in this country as we go through one of the most difficult times that we’re facing with Covid,’ Axne said. ‘I want to make sure I’m answering any questions they have and finding out if there are any other problems that we need to be addressing in policy. Coming out and visiting with Kelly and Christy and Midwest Dairy was very informative, and it helped me understand what I need to continue to push for out in Washington.’”
Scholten Continues Meeting Iowans, Toured Derecho Damage
While the Trump administration took over three weeks to tour any of the derecho’s devastation, Iowa Democrats — including JD Scholten — have been on the ground, helping their neighbors since the storm hit. This week, Scholten continued his tour of Iowa’s 4th congressional district and met with farmers struggling to pick up the pieces after the storm.
