“To make matters worse, the complex interactions of dozens of different programs create unintended cliffs and inhibit upward mobility.
Joni Ernst
The Public Record
Joni Kay Ernst is an American politician serving as the junior United States senator from Iowa since January 6, 2015. A member of the Republican Party, she is the first woman to represent Iowa in the U.S. Senate. Ernst has focused on issues such as agriculture, rural development, and veterans' affairs throughout her tenure. She has been an advocate for bipartisan efforts to address the needs of rural communities and has emphasized the importance of legislation that supports farmers and agricultural interests in Iowa.
“With misguided incentives, workers are encouraged to put off promotions, turn down full time work, and decline overtime opportunities to maintain eligibility for federal welfare programs.
“Benefits cliffs create a paradox where the federal government, in effect, penalizes workers and leaves them worse off for pursuing higher income.
“Benefits cliffs also create significant workforce challenges for small businesses seeking to grow their operations.
Small business employers hoping to reward top talent are instead faced with the reality that due to misguided federal policies, rewarding hard workers may actually harm their employees financially.
The Upward Mobility Act recognizes what most Americans understand: the best solutions often don’t come from Washington.
Today’s hearing will assist that effort by providing insights from our witnesses into how to spot the warning signs of rip offs and cover-ups.
Benefits cliffs create a paradox where the federal government, in effect, penalizes workers and leaves them worse off for pursuing higher income.
All Americans deserve timely and efficient mail service, and by bringing together numerous proposals representing impacted communities across the country, I know we can finally seal the deal.
For far too many small businesses and their employees, federal bureaucracy stands in the way of economic opportunity.
It’s time this issue is fully addressed so Iowans can rest assured that their mail is being delivered accurately.
To make matters worse, the complex interactions of dozens of different programs create unintended cliffs and inhibit upward mobility.
The values of hard work and self-sufficiency have defined who we are as a nation.
Over the past 50 years, the national poverty rate has barely moved — and Iowa is no exception.
Hard working folks shouldn’t be punished for doing what is right for themselves and their families.
By empowering states, the Upward Mobility Act will reduce government imposed barriers to financial independence and streamline the administration of federal welfare programs while taking measures to protect against fraud.
I’m proud to recognize their tremendous contributions by designating National Small Business Week.
I am revealing today that the Quality Learing Center also received nearly a quarter-of-a-million dollars from the SBA during the pandemic.
This week and every week, I am grateful for their tireless service and sacrifice that allows our nation to function.
It’s focused on improving financial traceability and accountability across the department.
As a mother and grandmother, I know firsthand that access to dependable, high-quality child care is essential for working families and the strength of our rural communities across Iowa.
In Iowa, we have a unique understanding of the ways biobased innovation adds value to our communities and businesses.





