WASHINGTON – One year after the derecho storm hit Iowa, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, released a video highlighting the resiliency of Iowans who, in an instant, saw their communities, farms, and small businesses devastated.
“One year ago, Iowa was struck by a disastrous storm. In an instant communities, farms, and small businesses were devastated and lives were turned upside down. The derecho came quickly but the damage it inflicted would change things forever for countless Iowans,” she said.
“After the storm, I was on the ground at some of the areas hardest hit. It reminded me of my time serving in the Iowa National Guard after the devastating floods struck Cedar Rapids in 2008. My troops and I were on the ground to help clean up and support local efforts. Like then, the Iowa communities that were impacted by this disaster came together and pulled through. Today, there is still a long way to go for the many who were affected. But through it all. I have been moved by the stirring spirit of Iowans and encouraged by the resilience our communities have shown,” Ernst added.
Ernst, along with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, successfully passed their bipartisan legislation to provide tax relief to the individuals, families, and small businesses impacted by the Iowa derecho. The bill was signed into law as part of the year-end package.
After the derecho hit the state, Ernst was on the ground to see firsthand the damage caused by the derecho. Ernst visited Cedar Rapids, Maxwell, and Mechanicsville to survey the storm damage, meet with local officials, and hear directly from Iowans affected by the severe storms.
“This was truly a year unlike any other. Iowans faced so many different and difficult experiences. We face tests many of us could never have imagined. But through it all, we persisted. Our state has been through tough times before and we are sure to go through them again. The derecho proved one thing we’ve always known. Iowans are resilient,” Ernst said.
