We must re-open Iowa, to protect lives and the livelihoods of Iowans. The on-going challenges of COVID-19 impact every aspect of life. Across the state, three million Iowans are working to best protect citizens from the pandemic, and ensure our communities survive as life with COVID becomes the “new normal.”
Tragically, more than 130 Iowans lost their lives to COVID-19. This month also marks Iowa’s highest unemployment rate, with 170,000 citizens out of work while still trying to support families and thousands of main street doors closed. Over the past weeks, I have spoken with hundreds of you about the impact to your life. “Zoom meetings” with small businesses that are eager to re-open and serve customers; socially distanced discussions with doctors and first-responders on the status of COVID’s spread and resources to mitigate the threat; teleconferences with agriculture leaders on maintaining a family farm when markets crash; FaceTime discussions with parents and teachers on remote education resources; and 24/7 texts and e-mails to help Iowans qualify for grants, unemployment, low-interest loans, and tax deferment.
This May Day week, we mark a change in the battle against COVID-19 – going from defense to offense. Working together, Iowa has plan to protect our most vulnerable citizens, while pulling-out of the economic nose-dive of the last 60-day. Below is our strategy and resources to re-open Iowa.
TESTING. Governor Reynolds led efforts to increase testing with a public-private partnership to improve the health of the general public and prioritize relief to the most vulnerable. The initiative provides drive through testing for those who qualify after taking an online assessment at testiowa.com. The goal of the program is to allow the state to administer 3,000 tests per day at the various drive through locations throughout the state.
SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS. An additional $30 million in grants from the Iowa Small Business Relief Grant Program will is available for main street and small business. The Iowa Economic Development Authority announced additional businesses that applied for the program will be considered for new awarded.
SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF FUND: President Trump signed $310 billion in relief programs for small businesses through the Small Business Administration. Small businesses can apply immediately to help off-set costs due to the pandemic.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM: Iowa’s employers can apply for low-interest loans for up to eight weeks of payroll costs including benefits. The program is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Already nearly 30,000 Iowa businesses received loans totaling more than $4.3 billion.
EDUCATIONAL TOOLS FOR STUDENTS: Since 87 percent of Iowa school districts are providing students optional resources to learn, The Department of Education provided consolidated learning resources for families.
VOTER RESOURCES FOR THE JUNE 2 PRIMARY: Voters are encouraged to maintain social distancing or if unable to vote in-person, request an absentee. Iowa has expanded early voting by mail. Iowans now have 40 days to cast their vote at home for the upcoming primary.
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID HELP: Students may be able to defer payments and waive interest on federally held student loans until Sept. 30. Also, the collection of defaulted student loans has been suspended. Students will not be required to pay back federal student loans and Pell Grants if they withdraw from courses due to the COVID-19 emergency. In addition, students who withdraw will not have this semester counted against their lifetime eligibility for federal financial aid. Students may continue collecting work-study pay, even if they are unable to work due to school and workplace closures.
HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS: Iowans who have a federally backed mortgage have the right to request a maximum 180-day forbearance if they are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: Another 27,912 Iowans filed initial claims for state unemployment benefits in the last week. Unemployment payments for individuals who were self-employed are now being provided. If an employer recalls employees to work, unemployment benefits will end; businesses must notify Iowa Workforce Development if an employee selects not to return to work.
STUDENT LUNCH LOCATIONS: The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program has 303 approved Grab and Go meal sites in Iowa to provide meals and snacks to children who might go without while schools are closed due to COVID-19. There are several in our community.
As ever, it is an honor to work with so many in our community fighting to beat back the impact of COVID-19. I will continue to work to protect the lives of Iowans and ensure our communities can endure. As efforts and resources continue to emerge, I will provide updates at facebook.com/FriendsForZachNunn.