IA-01 Week in Review
One-Year Anniversary of Derecho and Field of Dreams
Friend,

This past Tuesday was the one-year anniversary of the derecho. I spent the day out in the community talking to Iowans, community leaders, and organizations about the lasting effects of the derecho and how our community is rebuilding stronger.
 
It was a bittersweet day—we lost so much in last year’s storm, and so many families, farmers, and businesses are still grappling with the damage and working to rebuild. It was truly inspiring to be with so many members of the community on Tuesday – it is evident that our whole community will continue to band together and help our neighbors and friends through the recovery process. There’s a lot of hard work still to come. 
 
Our day started off at a commemoration ceremony in Cedar Rapids with local officials, first responders, and members of the community. I was honored to participate in the Derecho Anniversary CommUNITY lunch at City Square Park in Marion.
 
Then, I helped a tree at Thomas Park with folks from Trees Forever and Marion’s Urban Forestry Division. We lost over 600,000 trees in the derecho—we have a long way to go, but every tree planted is a step in the right direction. I ended the day at the Future Focused: United Through Recovery event in Marion. We talked about plans to grow our economy and ways to help the community flourish while ensuring we are as prepared as possible for devastating weather in the future.
 
It was very surreal on the one-year anniversary of the derecho to have another storm. I drove up a little north of Alburnett to take stock of the damage. On the anniversary of the derecho, farmers dealt with even more severe weather.
 
Being on the ground in the days following the derecho and continuing to hear from so many Iowans who are still dealing with the resulting damage, has shaped how I view my role in Congress and my priorities in Washington.
 
I am focused on ensuring our community has the resources we need to rebuild and recover fully. A big part of the recovery process is building back in a more resilient way and ensuring we are better prepared for another disaster, if one should strike. 


Read on below for more updates on IA-01 and a recap of the Field of Dreams game in Dyersville!
 
Best,
A year later, and we are still in the middle of an uphill recovery process. Nearly every organization, business, farmer, and family I talk to still is grappling with derecho damage. I've heard from many Iowans at both the individual and government level who have been frustrated by FEMA's lackluster response to the derecho. Many who have applied are still waiting for a response from FEMA or have just given up dealing with the bureaucracy. This is unacceptable, and I am continuing to advocate at the federal level to bringing Iowans’ tax dollars home.

Photo Gallery: Commemorating the Derecho
Tree Planting Ceremonies in Cedar Rapids and Thomas Park in Marion
CommUNITY Lunch at City Square Park in Marion
Field of Dreams
It was incredible to see the Field of Dreams come to life in Dyersville this week and showcase our home for all who came to experience the town. 

Field of Dreams fans have long said “It’s not Heaven, it’s Iowa” and now they’re lucky enough to have experienced it for themselves. People might have been visiting for the first time to go to the game, but they’ll come back for more than baseball—they’ll return for the food, the unique sights, and the hospitality that you just don’t get anywhere else. Read my full op-ed on the Field of Dreams experience.

📰 Rep. Hinson in The Telegraph Herald: MLB game at Field of Dreams will showcase Iowa
Photo Gallery: If You Build It, They Will Come
Do you think we should spend $3.5 trillion more?
I am extremely disappointed that the Senate voted to move forward with a $3.5 trillion budget plan, and I know Iowans are sick and tired of the tax and spending spree on their dime. This budget spends trillions over the next decade, which will drive up prices at a time when inflation is already skyrocketing and making life less affordable for hardworking Iowa families. The legislation also paves the way for the death tax, an unfair tax on hardworking family farmers and small businesses, and could open the door to amnesty for illegal immigrants at a time when our border is in crisis. I'll continue fighting for Iowa taxpayers and working to put an end to the Administration's tax and spending spree. 
Do you agree with spending $3.5 trillion of your tax dollars?
Yes
No
Co-sponsor Alert: KEEP Telehealth Options Act 
The benefits of telehealth became increasingly evident during the pandemic, but rural Iowans face numerous challenges accessing these services. The lack of broadband connectivity makes it harder to participate in telehealth services such as patient monitoring, consulting, and appointment reminders.
 
It is critical that we invest in broadband infrastructure, particularly in rural communities, to expand access to care for our veterans, seniors, and others living in underserved communities. 
 
That is why I am proud to support the KEEP Telehealth Options Act, which will help Congress make informed decisions about improving telehealth access. 
 
I will continue working to expand access to telehealth so that Iowans in rural areas can more easily access health care services.
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