Sen. Ernst visits with Ohnward Bank on county tour


As part of her 99-county tour across Iowa, Sen. Joni Ernst spent time with Ohnward Bank & Trust employees in Monticello on Aug. 9. The group discussed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as how the trade war and tariffs are impacting the agriculture industry. (Photo by Kim Brooks)
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     Sen. Joni Ernst was in Monticello last week, Aug. 9, as part of her 99-county tour. Her Jones County stop led her to Ohnward Bank & Trust to meet with bank leaders and employees concerning the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

     “What we want to do is receive feedback from community banks and see how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that we just passed, how that is working for them,” offered Ernst. “The feedback is tremendous.”

     Ernst shared how Ohnward Bank’s multiple locations were able to provide their employees with bonuses due to the tax cuts.

     “They’ve been able to support their employees in so many other ways,” she said.

     She praised Ohnward and the employees for also contributing to their local communities.

     “One of the things they (Ohnward) mentioned, which I think is really important, is that they give $100 to each of their employees to contribute toward a charity or group of their choosing in their local communities,” she said. “And by having the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it helps free up some of that money in order to do that. They’re engaged in a lot of community support activities.”

     Ernst said many communities throughout Iowa have been able to thrive due to the Act.

     “And that’s really good for the rural areas,” she said.

     Another topic of discussion while at Ohnward centered on the trade war and increased tariffs. Ernst said she repeated sentiments from the Administration in Washington, D.C. with those at Ohnward. “They (the Administration) do hope to have the deal with Mexico done by the end of August, before Labor Day,” provided Ernst. “And they are also hopeful that we can get Canada on board as well. That will provide a little bit of optimism.

     “I did tell them, as I always tell the Administration too, we can’t take optimism to the bank. So we really need to get these trade deals done,” urged Ernst.

     As to whether Ernst’s voice, as well as that of Sen. Chuck Grassley and Congressman Rod Blum, is being heard by the President and his Administration, Ernst felt her point is getting across that the trade war is not good for farmers in rural Iowa.

     “I think the President has been right to step up and do what he has been doing,” she said of putting pressure on other nations concerning trade. “Put the pressure on, but let’s get these trade deals done.”

     Ohnward Bank officials also spoke about federal regulations and the effect on banks of all sizes. “Too much (regulations) smothers out any innovation,” Ernst explained. “So we want to do regulation in a smart manner.”

     She said there are times when regulation is necessary, but at times, it can go too far. “Especially when you’re comparing really large national banks to smaller community banks that are not able to compete. Regulation can really hurt small banks,” she said.

     Earlier last week, Ernst made comments at another of her county visits regarding U.S. relations with Russia and North Korea. She relayed those thoughts again in Monticello, saying conversations should be had in regards to open dialogue with those countries. “But beyond that, we need to be very cautious because I don’t trust either North Korea or the Russians,” she said. “And we see that playing out today with additional sanctions against Russia, which I think is a great thing.”

     Ernst said open dialogue is always a good thing, whether it’s with adverse countries or Congressional leaders.

     When asked about the political divide in D.C., particularly the Senate, Ernst said it’s quite evident on partisan issues. “But I will also say that there are times when we can pull together quite well and get things done,” she said.

     One of those bi-partisan measures, which Ernst serves as a conferee on is the Senate Farm Bill, which is set to expire at the end of September.

     “I do think it is going to be bi-partisan,” she said. “It was bi-partisan coming out of the Senate, so that’s my main focus right now and in the near future. Get it done; get it wrapped up. We have to have a Farm Bill.”

 

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