Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer tours downtown Decorah

Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, a native of Sherrill, Iowa and the second-youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. House, has visited Decorah many times. She campaigned here rigorously in 2018 and quickly learned where in town to get a salad (Oneota Co-op) and ice cream (Sugar Bowl). After she was elected to Congress in 2018, to celebrate she spent a couple days up in Decorah, away from political chatter, and mentally preparing for her new responsibility.

Part of that responsibility is chairing the House Small Business subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade and Entrepreneurship. She visited Decorah Wednesday morning as part of a regional tour where she'll talk with constituents and business owners about economic policy and listen to their stories.

Rep. Finkenauer stopped first at the Chamber of Commerce, where she was greeted by a small group of constituents and community leaders. Shortly after, Rep. Finkenauer was given a tour of downtown by Mayor Lorraine Borowski, Chamber of Commerce Director Kristina Wiltgen, and Winneshiek County Development Director Stephnie Fromm.

As they toured the downtown, Rep. Finkenauer and Mayor Borowski spoke about the challenges constituents face in getting access to government programs. "There are a lot of good programs out there that people—for various reasons—don't know about," said Rep. Finkenauer. The congresswoman said a great deal of Iowa's rural development depends on getting people access to government programs.

Congresswoman Finkenauer noted and was encouraged by the number of downtown businesses owned and operated by women. The congresswoman spoke with the owner of Revelation, Renee Carlson, about the challenges of operating a small business—the unforeseen expenses, rises in rent, finding time for marketing and finding time for oneself.

Near the end of her tour, Rep. Finkenauer said, "One of my priorities in Congress is making sure my constituents have access to programs that make it possible for a small business owner to own their business and their building."

In 2018, Rep. Finkenauer beat Republican incumbent Rob Blum, becoming a red-to-blue success story for Democrats. The congresswoman is up for reelection in 2020, so Decorah is sure to see her campaigning here in the future.