[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 69 (Thursday, May 8, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2863-S2864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           EMMET COUNTY, IOWA

 Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa 
lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to 
foster economic development, make smart investments to expand 
opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well-
being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and 
revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been 
deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these 
local efforts.
  I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and 
this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an 
accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in 
Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in 
scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and 
spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in 
projects that have made a big

[[Page S2864]]

difference in local communities across my State.
  Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and 
residents of Emmet County to build a legacy of a stronger local 
economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, 
safer community.
  Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has 
worked with me to secure funding in Emmet County worth over $4.5 
million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I 
have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $15.5 
million to the local economy.
  Of course my favorite memory of working together has to be the 
community's commitment work to secure Harkin wellness grants. From 
increasing physical activity to promoting workplace wellness and 
educating students about the dangers of tobacco, this funding has 
provided the key to reducing health care costs and helping Iowans live 
a longer, happier life. Through the five programs included in the 
Lifestyle Challenge, participants lost a collective 3,467 pounds and 
clocked 23,911 hours of activity. Emmet County has been at the 
forefront of this effort, so I look forward to learning how they have 
implemented healthier living in their community.
  Among the highlights:
  Investing in Iowa's economic development through targeted community 
projects: In Northwest Iowa, we have worked together to grow the 
economy by making targeted investments in important economic 
development projects including improved roads and bridges, modernized 
sewer and water systems, and better housing options for residents of 
Emmet County. In many cases, I have secured Federal funding that has 
leveraged local investments and served as a catalyst for a whole ripple 
effect of positive, creative changes. For example, working with mayors, 
city council members, and local economic development officials in Emmet 
County, I have fought for over $1.3 million for the Iowa Great Lakes 
Community College for work on renewable energy programs, helping to 
create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
  School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a 
classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That's why, for the 
past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa 
Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators 
in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and 
renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million 
have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair 
efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new 
schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed 
incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has 
a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the 
years, Emmet County has received $3.3 million in Harkin grants. 
Similarly, schools in Emmet County have received funds that I 
designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $175,000.
  Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town 
in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate 
for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the 
House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 
10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the 
decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include 
effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, 
progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; 
renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our 
rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized 
through the farm bill, Emmet County has received more than $1.4 million 
from a variety of farm bill programs.
  Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first 
responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to 
respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as--
for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Emmet County's 
fire departments have received over $660,000 for firefighter safety and 
operations equipment.
  Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all 
Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. 
That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease 
prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of 
initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only 
at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and 
workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical 
preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe 
places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy 
decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only 
save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to 
the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 
75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Emmet County 
has recognized this important issue by securing $120,000 in wellness 
grants.
  This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, 
and specifically Emmet County, during my time in Congress. In every 
case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and 
empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Emmet 
County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, 
this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I 
have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, 
richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity 
to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

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