|
For regular updates on my work in Washington and information on when I’ll be in your neighborhood, sign up here for my e-newsletter.
Friends,
Health care experts are predicting the days and weeks ahead will be some of the toughest we've faced in this coronavirus outbreak. And as we've mourned the loss of 26 Iowans over the course of this crisis – we've all strived to do everything possible to protect our state from further outbreak.
Over the past days, I've been working with our state and local leaders to ensure every community in Iowa's Third Congressional District is getting the resources and assistance it needs to battle this outbreak.
Read on to find some of those resources and to get an update on some of my work:
A New Resource Guide for Iowa Families & Businesses
Congress has passed three robust packages of legislation to help families, businesses, and communities deal with the effects of coronavirus.
There is a lot of information, so I've put together a resource guide for folks who are looking for a quick understanding of what's available to them – including information on direct payments, business assistance programs, and emergency paid sick leave.
Download the guide here.
Iowa Needs a Stay-At-Home Order
Last week, the Iowa Department of Public Health predicted a first 'peak' of COVID-19 cases in Iowa could come in just a matter of weeks.
While Governor Reynolds and our state leaders have done a lot to slow the spread of coronavirus in Iowa, I believe we need to use every tool at our disposal to provide clear guidance to all citizens, keep our vulnerable populations safe, and protect our health systems from being overwhelmed.
That's why last week I wrote to Governor Reynolds, urging her to implement a statewide 'stay-at-home' order.
Read my letter to Governor Reynolds here.
Launching a 16-County Virtual Tour of Southwest Iowa
I started my Virtual District Tour with a listening session with the Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) based in Atlantic.
This week, I launched my Virtual District Tour of Iowa’s Third Congressional District to survey and further assist response to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in Iowa.
During my first year in office, I visited each of the Third District’s 16 counties at least once a month to ensure I was hearing from all of the Iowans I represent in Washington. While we are honoring the guidance of our health care professionals by staying home and limiting in-person meetings – I want to ensure the concerns and questions of my neighbors in southwest Iowa are still being heard.
Over the coming weeks, I will hold virtual meetings with county emergency managers, first responders, health care providers, business owners, farmers, and community organizations to survey the ongoing effects of COVID-19 on Iowa’s families and economy and bring those stories back to Washington.
Learn more about my Virtual District Tour here.
Additional Resources
Unemployment Insurance & Assistance
If you lose your job during the coronavirus outbreak, you can apply for unemployment assistance here or by calling (866) 239-0843.
Both business owners and employees are eligible to apply for unemployment benefits. You can find a step-by-step guide on doing so here.
Small Business Assistance
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
If you need:
Visit the SBA’s website for an overview of the SBA’s response to the coronavirus, along with a list of resources.
Other Quick Links
State of Iowa Coronavirus Resources
CDC Coronavirus Resources
FAQs for Families & Small Businesses During the Coronavirus Outbreak
If we work together, I am confident that Iowans will get through this COVID-19 outbreak and, when the public health threat has passed, we will come back stronger than ever.
I am grateful to all of our health care professionals, grocery and pharmacy clerks, volunteers, National Guard members, first responders, and many other Iowans who are helping to keep us safe, healthy, and protected during these challenging times.
Thank you,
Cindy
|
