Holly’s Headlines Update from the House for District 80 – April 3, 2020
by Holly Brink
Legislative Session Suspension Extended
Hello friends,
It is certainly and interesting and intense time as we are all experiencing the effects of COVID-19. I want to assure you that I am continuing to do all I can within my role as your Representative and I have your best interest in mind! As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns. Below you’ll find the latest update on the changing Coronavirus situation as of April 3rd, 2020.
Please like and follow my Facebook Page for the latest updates. I will continue to post frequent updates as they become available to me.
Governor Recommends Schools Stay Closed
On Thursday, Governor Reynolds recommended that Iowa schools remain closed until at least April 30.
Prior to suspending session, the Legislature waived missed school days up to April 13. Because the situation was continuing to evolve, the Legislature also gave the Governor the authority to waive additional missed school days. She can do this on a statewide or district-by-district basis.
Parents can find several tools and resources to help their kids continue learning on the Iowa Department of Education’s website. That link can be found here.
Legislative Session Will Remain Suspended
Following the Governor’s recommendation that schools remain closed, leaders in the House and Senate announced that the suspension of the legislative session will also be extended until at least April 30. The Legislative Council will meet soon to formally extend the suspension.
Speaker Pat Grassley’s statement on the extension:
“The health and safety of all Iowans is our top priority during this unprecedented situation. Continuing the pause on session is the right decision at this time but we hope to be back soon to complete our work. I want to thank each and every Iowan for doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19. I also want to thank Governor Reynolds for her strong leadership during this time of uncertainty. As Iowans, I have no doubt in my mind that we can get through this together.”
No “Shelter-In-Place” Order Needed at This Time
While some elected officials are calling for a shelter-in-place, Governor Reynolds says she is looking at the data and following the advice of public health experts who say that such a measure is not necessary at this time. Governor Reynolds has stated that her decision could change depending on what new data shows.
Governor Reynolds has already taken significant action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 such as closing non-essential businesses, suspending non-essential surgeries, and encouraging Iowans to stay at home and practice social distancing.
While many states have issued formal “shelter-in-place” orders, they often don’t do much more than what’s already being done in Iowa. In fact, some of the actions that Governor Reynolds has taken are oftentimes stronger than what other states have done even though they have a formal order in place.
Some of the additional reasons against a shelter-in-place order in Iowa include:
Iowa’s population density is much smaller than most states (The New York City metro area’s population density is nearly 100x larger than Iowa’s)
Iowa does not utilize mass public transit which often spreads disease
Iowa does not have large apartment buildings where thousands of people live
A shelter-in-place order would strain local law enforcement resources
Unemployment Policy Update
This week, Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced two unemployment insurance policies to implement the federal CARES Act that will help workers and self-employed business owners.
Workers: Effective immediately, employees who are or will affected by COVID-19 will no longer be required to use all paid leave prior to being eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. The CARES Act provided the state with a significant amount of additional funding to support Iowans during this unprecedented time.
Self-Employed Business Owners: The CARES Act has also expanded the number of people who qualify for unemployment benefits to include self-employed, independent contractors, nonprofit employees, and gig economy workers. Prior to the CARES Act, these individuals did not qualify for unemployment benefits.
Iowa SOS Makes Voting in the June Primary Easier
On June 6, Iowa will hold its primary election for federal, state, and local candidates.
To keep Iowa voters safe and healthy amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Secretary of State Paul Pate announced this week that he will mail all registered voters an absentee ballot request form. Because we are uncertain what things will look like in June, this will allow Iowans to receive a ballot and vote by mail in the comfort of their home.
Ballot requests will be mailed out in mid- to late-April. More information can be found on the Secretary of State’s website here.
Governor Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing State Public Health Emergency Declaration
Governor Reynolds issued a new emergency order that extends the closure of schools and many businesses through April 30 to slow the spread of COVID-19. Click here to view the proclamation.
In case you missed it, I hosted a virtual town hall with Representatives Hite, Meyer, and Bossman on my Facebook page. We answered many of the frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and its effects on our state. Click here to watch the video.
Please like and follow my Facebook page where I will be posting all updates as I receive them from the State’s leadership.
Even though things are rapidly changing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I want to remain as accessible as possible to you and provide my constituents with the latest information as it becomes available. I am here to serve you and will continue to keep you updated. Thanks all!
