Click here to watch a recording of the zoom event
Iowans encouraged to visit IowaAtWork.com to learn about the local impact of Biden administration policies, and IowaVoices.org to share personal stories
Farmers, local leaders, and public officials spoke during an Iowa Rural Roundtable last night, to educate people across Iowa about the positive impact the Biden administration has had for our communities.
Across Iowa, the Biden administration has expanded broadband access to grants for childcare centers, improved our infrastructure, and increased local housing investments, among other tangible improvements to Iowa’s small towns and rural areas. In total, at least $7.8 billion has been invested by the Biden administration in Iowa.
“We’re at a critical moment for the nearly 8.5 million homes and small businesses across the country who don’t have access to high-speed internet,” said Chris Hall, a federal program officer with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. “Here in Iowa, it will impact schools, access to healthcare, and create good jobs. And the Biden-Harris administration is providing the investments we need to connect everyone in America.”
“We’re frustrated with those who ignore the values we hold dear in our rural communities and we’re glad to be working on another path forward with the Biden administration.” said Aaron Lehman, President of the Iowa Farmers Union. “We appreciate the partnership from an administration that values hard working people, the ability to work together, and that rewards our innovative farmers and rural communities. With that partnership in place we’ll be in a better position to take care of one another in times of need, and hold our soils and natural resources as essential to who we are and how we make a living.”
“Everyone benefits from the programs of the Biden administration, whether it’s protecting our freedom to access reproductive health care, or connecting medical providers and patients with high-speed internet access,” said Dr. Emily Boevers with Iowans for Health Liberty. “Our state is also last in OBGYNs per capita, so advocating for more training opportunities and more chances to recruit across the state has to be a priority.”
“On our farm we raise beef, pork, pastured chickens, turkeys, lambs, and we direct-market nearly everything we sell,” said LaVon Griffeion, a farmer from Polk County. “During the pandemic when meat was in short supply in grocery stores, the USDA, through Biden’s Build Back Better Initiative, awarded Iowa farmers millions of dollars for food grown, raised and processed in Iowa. I was the recipient of that funding twice for our meats.”
Speakers during the roundtable included:
Aaron Lehman, President of Iowa Farmers Union
Chris Hall, Federal Program Officer Iowa, NTIA
Shirley Vermace, Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors
LaVon Griffieon, Polk County Farmer
Amy Ameling, Executive Director, Little Sprouts Children’s Center
Dr. Emily Boevers, MD, OB-GYN
The Iowa Rural Roundtable was hosted by a coalition including Progress Iowa, Iowa Farmers Union, AFSCME Council 61, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, Iowa Citizen Action Network, Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, Common Good Iowa, Iowa Main Streets and Country Roads, Health Care for America NOW Iowa, Lower Drug Prices Iowa, and RuralOrganizing.org.
