![]() ![]() "What's your favorite job?" she wondered. "How long have you worked here?" she asked him 12 years, Weaver told the Senator. Phenicie of Burlington when he discovered the Senator browsing second-hand clothing next to him.Įrnst visited the back room, where she met Hope Haven client Ian Weaver, who was refurbishing donated items for resale. "I'm going to vote for you," declared a surprised Dean K. He said Ernst made sure nonprofits were included in the stimulus Paycheck Protection Program established by the CARES Act, providing a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll by paying up to 8 weeks of payroll costs, including benefits.Īt Hopefully Yours, Ernst strolled the aisles, meeting staff and employees, who were outnumbered by the shoppers. "I believe she’s an informed and effective advocate for persons with disabilities. "She gets it," Bartles said of Ernst afterwards. The three talked about the need to include funding for front line staff hazard pay, overtime and personal protective equipment in the next stimulus bill.īartles said Democrats in Congress support addressing those needs, but Republicans have yet to come on board. In a non-public meeting, Bartles and Castillo discussed the lack of a nonprofit work force and a stimulus package in Des Moines County. The Burlington visit wasn't just a meet-and-greet campaign appearance: Ernst, who is a strong supporter of non-profit organizations that provide services to Iowans with disabilities, met privately with Hope Haven Executive Director Bob Bartles and director of employment services Eva Castillo before heading downtown to tour - and shop - at Hopefully Yours, which is owned by Hope Haven. The Senator also visited Louisa, Washington, and Keokuk counties on the southeast leg of her 99 County Tour. The store allows individuals receiving care to work while learning the skills to grow in life. ![]() Hope Haven is a private non-profit organization providing vocational, residential, community employment and living services for over 350 mentally and physically challenged persons. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is running for re-election in November, and on Friday she spoke in Burlington to Hope Haven Area Development officials and later with shoppers at Hopefully Yours, a thrift-and-gift shop operated by Hope Haven. It was less of a campaign stop than a shopping opportunity. ![]()
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