Fourth District Focus: My town hall with students at OABCIG high school in Ida Grove
My tour across the 36 counties of Iowa’s 4th Congressional District once again took me back to Ida County. In 2024, I kicked off my 36 County Tour in Ida County meeting with Ida County Sheriff Wade Harriman and the department’s faithful K9, Ghazi. On another stop in 2024, I made my way over to Hi-Way Products and Hawkeye Fabrication in Ida Grove to learn more about how I can support Iowa’s manufacturers and small businesses from my position on the House Ways and Means Committee.
For the first stop in Ida County on my 5th biannual 36 County Tour, I was back in Ida Grove to meet with OABCIG high school students to help them prepare for their government class test. We also discussed the exciting opportunities waiting for them after high school, FAFSA, and community college dual credits.
On February 7th, I helped introduce the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act. This legislation restores the decades-old standard that exempts the value of assets found on family farms and at small businesses from being assessed as part of a family’s net worth when Iowa families submit the Federal Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) for college aid purposes. Assets like land, combines, and other pieces of equipment are not readily liquid assets and shouldn’t count against a bright young student’s chances of receiving financial aid. This is unfair discrimination against the agricultural community.
The future of Iowa depends on our next generation of leaders. This is why it’s so important to ensure that we’re giving them the tools that they need to grow and succeed. Last Congress, I introduced the Improving Brain Health in Schools Act—which was supported by the American Psychiatric Association and Brain Health Now—to help Iowa schools provide brain health care to students. Brain health must be treated the same way as physical health. Too many people – especially our children – struggle from depression, anxiety, and other brain health challenges but lack access to safe outlets, quality care, and support systems. To ensure a brighter tomorrow for Iowa, we need to set the next generation up for success.
I always enjoy my stops in Ida County. I cannot wait to be back to learn more from residents about ways that I can more effectively represent them in Congress. I would like to thank OABCIG teachers and administrators for allowing me to chat with their students and I would like to wish the Falcons many blessings in the rest of their school year!