Senator Ernst Prioritizes Election-Year Politics as Jobless Benefits Expire, Businesses and Farms Face Unprecedented Hardships
On Monday, Deere & Co. announced at least the fourth round of Iowa layoffs – nearly 600 jobs shed over the last year – as the company struggles under the “ripple effects” of the COVID-19 pandemic and the GOP’s haphazard trade policies.
But even as more Iowans are being forced out of work, Senator Joni Ernst is refusing to do her job in Washington and is delaying critical worker relief – leaving Iowans to fend for themselves during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
Instead, Senator Ernst has focused on election-year politics as she tries to rewrite her harmful record of standing in the way of aid for workers, farmers, health providers, and small businesses. Just last week – while letting jobless benefits expire – Ernst launched a new ad to cover up her vote against paid family leave and her failure to get Iowans the help they need.
“Iowa workers are needlessly suffering because Senator Ernst and the GOP failed to act,” said Jeremy Busch, Iowa Democratic Party spokesperson. “Instead of doing their jobs, Senator Ernst and her colleagues are putting partisan politics first, delaying critical relief, and proving why Iowans are ready for new leadership in Washington.”