South Iowa News

Representative Zach Nunn of Iowa’s 3rd District visited several communities this week to discuss the effects of the ongoing government shutdown with local business owners, health care workers, and first responders. His visits included stops in Osceola, Mount Ayr, and Creston.

In Osceola, Nunn met with downtown business owners and Chamber of Commerce leaders to talk about challenges such as shipping delays, workforce shortages, and interruptions to federal programs that help small businesses. Local businesses expressed worries about halted Small Business Administration services and delayed grants.

Ty Wheeler, Osceola City Administrator, said: “The City of Osceola extends its thanks to Congressman Zach Nunn for visiting City Hall to discuss the impacts of the government shutdown, ongoing infrastructure and public safety needs, and for touring the downtown district to meet with local business owners.”

In Mount Ayr at the Ringgold Neighborhood Center, Nunn spoke with business owners, food pantry staff, and service providers facing uncertainty as federal programs like SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid are threatened by the continued shutdown.

Joana Putvain, Executive Director of Ringgold County Matura, said: “Thank you to Congressman Zach Nunn for taking time out of his busy schedule and coming to see what Ringgold County Matura is all about. He listened to our needs in the county and was very sincere about what we have done for our county.”

Nunn also visited Creston Greater Regional Health Center and the Creston Fire Department. At the hospital, he discussed staffing shortages and emphasized a $50 billion rural health care safety net within recent tax legislation as well as his bipartisan efforts through acts aimed at increasing Iowa’s medical workforce.

Kimberly Wheeler, Chief Quality Officer at Greater Regional Health said: “GRH would like to thank US Congressman Nunn and his staff for visiting our facility today. We appreciate Congressman Nunn taking time to ask our leadership team for their input on important healthcare issues facing GRH and Iowa hospitals in general. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with both state and federal representatives to ensure GRH can continue to meet our mission to provide the highest quality health care and service to our patients and families served.”

At Creston Fire Department, local officials shared concerns about equipment needs and staffing during disruptions caused by stalled federal funding.

Creston Firefighter Dillon Daughenbaugh said: “We appreciate Congressman Nunn for taking time with members of the Creston Fire Department, Union County Sheriff’s office and Creston Police Department as well as community members. We are grateful to speak with him on important issues and for being accessible.”

Rep. Nunn called on Senate Democrats to end the shutdown by passing a continuing resolution sent from the House over a month ago. He stated: “I am meeting with Iowans everyday. They aren’t asking for much, just a government that is open and working for them. With funding for essential programs including SNAP, WIC, and Head Start set to run out at the end of the month, and federal loan and support programs at a standstill, I’m calling on Senate Democrats to set aside their partisan demands and immediately pass the clean continuing resolution the House sent them over a month ago.”