U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) recently kicked off his 45th consecutive year of meeting face-to-face with Iowans in every county.

Grassley began his annual 99 county meetings on Wednesday, March 19, in Grundy County with a tour of a local business, followed by a question-and-answer session with employees. Grassley then held 11 additional county meetings, hearing from Iowans in Marshall, Benton, Tama, Floyd, Chickasaw, Fayette, Black Hawk, Franklin, Wright, Humboldt and Webster counties.

“You can’t have representative government without dialogue between elected officials and the people we represent,” Grassley said. “I appreciate the opportunity to hold county meetings, answer questions and take comments. My annual 99 county meetings are one way I regularly keep in touch with Iowans to better represent them at the policymaking tables in Washington.”

Follow Senator Grassley on his 45th annual tour of Iowa here: https://www.grassley.senate.gov/about/events.

Background

For 45 years, Grassley’s annual 99 county meetings have been scheduled using the same formula, including open town hall meetings, as well as meetings with Iowans at factories, hospitals, schools, service clubs and small businesses. By holding these meetings in a variety of settings, Grassley ensures he hears from a cross-section of Iowans, including those who can’t take time off work or school to attend town halls.

No matter the setting, the format stays the same. Grassley welcomes questions or comments on any subject. Iowans set the agenda. After each county meeting, Grassley makes himself available for 15 minutes to answer questions from local reporters.