(Atlantic, Iowa) (Updated 2/24) – Iowa Third-District Democrat Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D) held a Town Hall meeting in Atlantic, Wednesday evening at the Atlantic Public Library. She discussed issues she’s worked on, and continues to try and hash out with her fellow Congressmen and Senators. Like Republican Senator Charles Grassley, who spoke earlier in the day Wednesday, in Atlantic, Axne focused on the Infrastructure Bill and the money that’s coming to Iowa for: Highway Aid; Bridge Repairs; Public Transportation; Broadband service; Cybersecurity and more.

Rep. Cindy Axne (2/23/22) Ric Hanson photo

That breaks down into: $3.4-billion to address Iowa’s 403 miles of highway that are in poor condition; $432-million for repairs and revitalization of more than 4,500 bridges; $305-million to address the 40% of transit vehicles that are beyond their expected lifespan.

Axne said “It’s been a heck of a whirlwind” of activity in Congress over the past year to keep towns alive while COVID was still making its presence known. She said “I spent most of last year working on bills that would literally just ensure that Atlantic, southwest Iowa, Iowa and this great country of ours can stay afloat, and prosper.” She added, “We made it through…with more money in people’s pockets, more health care opportunities for people to get vaccinated…”

Axne spoke about the benefits to Iowans of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). During the Q&A from those who attended the Town Hall. One of the questions from a person whose brother is a severe diabetic and has trouble getting his medical equipment.  Axne said every year since she’s been in office, she and others have tried to find ways to lower the cost of prescription drugs, but “We are stopped at every turn,” according to the Congresswoman. “The Senate isn’t moving anything that we need to move.”

The best she and her colleagues can do right now, though, she says is to start with the most expensive and most used drugs, and getting those costs reduced. She spoke also about the Surprise Medical Billing Act, which was written into law and protects people covered under group and individual health plans from receiving surprise medical bills when they receive most emergency services, non-emergency services from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and services from out-of-network air ambulance service providers.

She’s also currently working on a bill that helps provide greater access to funding from the U-S Department of Justice for small police departments (with less than 200 employees).

There are also items in the bill to provide “De-escalation training” for officers, to give communities a chance to overcome issues police have to address, like mental health and domestic issues. The bill includes support for body cameras and more.