OSCEOLA, MOUNT AYR, & CRESTON, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) this week joined community members, small business owners, frontline health care workers, and first responders to hear how the ongoing government shutdown is impacting essential services and local economies.
“I am meeting with Iowans everyday. They aren’t asking for much, just a government that is open and working for them,” said Rep. Nunn. “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.”
Osceola, Clarke County
Rep. Nunn met with local business owners and Chamber of Commerce leaders in downtown Osceola to discuss shipping delays, workforce shortages, and stalled federal programs that support Main Street commerce. Businesses expressed concern over paused Small Business Administration (SBA) services, delayed grants, and general uncertainty.
“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,” said Ty Wheeler, Osceola City Administrator.
Photos available here.
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County
At the Ringgold Neighborhood Center, Rep. Nunn visited with business owners, staff at the local thrift shop and food pantry, and service providers who are grappling with disruptions to federal programs like SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid. These services are at risk of running dry by the end of the month if the shutdown continues.
“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,” said Joana Putvain, Executive Director, Ringgold County Matura. “He listened to our needs in the county and was very sincere about what we have done for our county.”
Photos available here.
Creston, Union County
Rep. Nunn visited both Creston Greater Regional Health Center and the Creston Fire Department to meet with health care professionals, first responders, and local officials about the wide-ranging impacts of the ongoing shutdown. At the hospital, leaders stressed the urgent need to maintain critical services like Urgent Care and OBGYN, while also addressing workforce shortages. Rep. Nunn highlighted the $50 billion rural health care safety net included in the Working Families Tax Cuts, along with his bipartisan Train More Nurses Act and Train More Primary Care Doctors Act to grow Iowa’s medical workforce.
At the fire department, Rep. Nunn joined firefighters, law enforcement, and community members to hear concerns about equipment needs, staffing pressures, and how federal disruptions affect public safety operations.
“GRH would like to thank US Congressman Nunn and his staff for visiting our facility today,” said Kimberly Wheeler, Chief Quality Officer, Greater Regional Health. “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.”
“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,” said Creston Firefighter Dillon Daughenbaugh. “We are grateful to speak with him on important issues and for being accessible.”
Photos available here.
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