U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) is working diligently to hear the needs and concerns of Iowans during this time, and in turn, taking Iowans’ voices directly to the negotiating table as the Senate works on the third relief package—Phase 3—for Iowa families, workers, and small businesses.
This morning, Ernst held a telephone town hall, where she had the opportunity to connect with Iowans from across the state to discuss COVID-19 and the work she’s doing at the federal level to address it. Ernst was joined by Iowa Department of Public Health Deputy Director Sarah Reisetter to highlight the action that’s being taken at the state level to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to the telephone town hall, Senator Ernst is hosting a number of phone calls with small business owners, health care professionals, farmers and producers, economic development leaders, bankers, and Iowans from all backgrounds, industries, and places across the state to hear from them during this challenging time. As a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, Ernst continues to listen to the needs and concerns from Iowans as she fights for their priorities in the Phase 3 relief package, which the Senate is swiftly working through right now.
Background:
Senator Ernst has helped secure resources for Iowans across the state facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Phase 1 package that the Senate passed, and the president signed into law just a couple weeks ago, Ernst assisted in providing additional funding for federal, state, and local agencies and health partners who are on the front lines of combatting the virus.
In addition, just yesterday, Ernst supported a second bipartisan package—Phase 2—that delivers relief for Iowa families, workers, and seniors. President Trump signed this critical relief bill into law last night. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act:
- Provides for emergency paid sick leave for workers impacted by COVID-19
- Provides additional emergency family and medical leave for individuals who need to care for a child at home due to school or child care closures.
- Reimburses businesses fully for wages through a 100% federal tax credit, including for those who are self-employed.
- Assists vulnerable Americans, including seniors and children, access vital nutrition and food during this difficult time
- Ensures that Americans have access to free COVID-19 diagnostic testing when their doctor says a test is needed
To learn more about Senator Ernst’s discussions at the State Emergency Operations Center with Governor Kim Reynolds last weekend, click here.
To watch Senator Ernst discuss the need to work together – at federal, state, and local level – to tackle COVID-19, click here.
To watch Senator Ernst call for an ‘all hands on deck’ approach to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.
To read Senator Ernst’s column on everyone doing their part to protect seniors and fellow Iowans from COVID-19, click here.
For more resources and information on COVID-19, you can visit Ernst’s website here.
