With $5 billion coming into Iowa from the landmark federal infrastructure package, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Des Moines, said bridges, highways and internet service, among a host of other boosts, rural and urban, will dramatically improve Iowans’ lives over years.

“I love the fact that we got this infrastructure bill here,” said Axne, who joined U.S. Sen Charles Grassley, a Republican, as the only two members of the Iowa delegation to support it. “I’m proud to have voted for it. I’m sad to see that my other colleagues didn’t find the value in this, because I sure do.”

Axne said the changes being brought from improving Iowa infrastructure equate to money in people’s pockets, and more opportunities for their families.

“It’s about living a lifestyle where you’re not paying $300 a year to get your car fixed because of potholes,” Axne said. “Seventy-five percent of the kids in the state have lead in their system and the pipes are a part of that, so we’re going to start bringing healthier lives to the people across our district.”

On other topics, Axne, speaking with The Jefferson Herald by phone, said she has high hopes for a cattle market transparency bill. She is working on that legislative priority with Grassley. She said the bill will level the playing field for Iowa’s cattle producers.