Senator Joni Ernst Champions Local Initiatives and Education Reform in Iowa

In a recent series of engagements in Iowa, Senator Joni Ernst has been proactively addressing key issues affecting both the educational and small business sectors. At Morningside University, she engaged with representatives from local colleges and universities, shining a light on challenges facing students and institutions due to complications with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Ernst underscored the importance of the U.S. Department of Education focusing on resolving these FAFSA-related concerns, emphasizing their significant impact on student enrollment and the broader educational landscape.

Senator Ernst’s commitment to local communities extended beyond educational institutions. In a notable gesture of support for the entrepreneurial spirit within Iowa, Ernst recognized The Cottage of Crawford County as her “Small Business of the Week.” This Denison-based business, owned and operated by Cindy and Taylor Borkowski, has quickly become a cornerstone of local commerce. Specializing in home decor, The Cottage has not only offered a diverse range of products but has also played a pivotal role in community involvement and leadership. The selection of The Cottage by Senator Ernst highlights her ongoing effort to celebrate and encourage small business excellence across the state of Iowa.

Beyond her focus on small business and education reform, Senator Ernst’s itinerary included a visit to Hunt A Arts Elementary School and the Siouxland Human Investment Partnership. Each stop further demonstrated her dedication to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening Iowa’s communities and fostering environments that enable success across ages and industries.