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Friends, 

I’m back in Washington this week for consideration of a wide range of policy priorities that will help Iowa families, businesses and communities – including debate over what the next federal coronavirus aid package will contain. I will keep you updated on what’s happening here in Washington, but here’s a quick recap of some of what we’ve already accomplished this week.

Also, don’t forget to read on to the end to find out how your photo could be the next banner photo on my website or Facebook page!

Helping Members of the Iowa National Guard and Reserves Get Skills Training, Jobs When Reentering Civilian Life 

I held a roundtable with Rep. Timmons from South Carolina to talk about our new bill, the Transition for Success Act.

The men and women of the Iowa National Guard protect our communities every single day. Many of them have deployed overseas multiple times, and now they are serving us during this coronavirus pandemic. Their service should be afforded the same gratitude and opportunities for successful growth as other members of our armed forces.

Last week, I introduced bipartisan legislation to provide in-demand skills training and employment assistance to members of the National Guard and Reserves who are within 180 days of transitioning into civilian life. Our bill, the Transition for Success Act, would allow these servicemembers to participate in the Defense Department’s SkillBridge program.

We also introduced the bill as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, and I’m proud to say it was included and advanced out of the House this week!

Protecting Older Iowans and Others in Group Living Homes from the Threat of COVID-19

The CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health both confirm our seniors are at the highest risk of serious illness from COVID-19, especially those living in nursing homes and other congregate living communities.

In fact, 87% of all COVID-19 related deaths in Iowa have been folks over the age of 61 – and data that was recently available on the IDPH’s dashboard showed the mortality rate in our long-term care facilities was 17 times higher than the statewide rate.

These statistics show just how important it is for us to have robust testing for the residents and staff of these facilities – and I wrote to Governor Reynolds to ask for specific steps to ensure we’re protecting our most vulnerable population.

In addition to seeking a mobile TestIowa team that can provide additional testing, I also asked the Governor to improve the transparency of data collected from these facilities. In this public health crisis, Iowans need to know the whole truth when it comes to the spread of this virus – and be confident that decisions are being made with as much data as possible in mind.

You can find my letter by clicking here.

Ensuring Iowa’s Hospitals Don’t Forfeit Aid That Helped Keep Their Doors Open During COVID-19

In March, Congress created the Provider Relief Fund through the CARES Act to provide federal aid for hospitals, clinics, and other health centers to ensure they would be open and fully staffed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then we have seen hundreds of millions of dollars coming back to Iowa providers.

Following the first round of funding, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) changed how the allocations of the Provider Relief Fund would be calculated – meaning not only do some Iowa providers get less in subsequent payments, but that they also might be forced to repay funding they’ve already used to keep their doors open these last few months. 

Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska and I wrote a letter to HHS to ask them provide clarity to our providers that they will not have to repay these funds so they can focus on the crisis at hand rather than having their budgets slashed.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Enter the IA-03 District Photo Contest!

Just like my e-mail updates, I use social media channels to keep in touch with people across central and southwest Iowa and give updates on how I’m working for you and how my office can serve you.

But my cover photo could now use a refresh – and I’d like your help so my Facebook page, website, and other channels can better represent the beautiful area we all call home.

If you have a great photo of the scenic landscape, unique architecture, or neighbors enjoying a community event in one of the 16 counties of Iowa’s Third Congressional District, I hope you’ll consider entering our photo contest. The three winning photos will be featured on my social media channels for one year.

Contest participants must be residents of Iowa’s Third Congressional District. You will have until Friday, July 24th at 6pm CT to enter. For more information on how to enter, click here.

I look forward to seeing your great photos!

Cindy