Ernst Supports More COVID Relief, Democrats Let Politics Get in the Way
The COVID-19 relief package Senate Democrats blocked included direct relief for farmers, families, schools, small businesses, vaccine development, and child care providers.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) supported the latest COVID-19 relief package today in the Senate, one that included
her provision for child care providers, access to a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for Iowa small businesses, additional support for farmers, unemployed Iowans, and much more.
“Whether it’s Iowa farmers, families, unemployed folks, small businesses, or child care providers, there’s no doubt about it, more support is needed to get through this pandemic. At a time when Iowans and the American people needed us to step up, Senate Democrats once again let politics get in the way. Earlier this year Congress came together, worked across the aisle, and provided relief during this pandemic, and it’s shameful Democrats couldn’t help us do it again. This pandemic does not care about politics; our friends across the aisle need to work in good-faith,”
said Senator Joni Ernst.
Background:
This targeted COVID-19 relief bill included Senator Ernst’s
Back to Work Child Care Grants Act of 2020, which supports the economic recovery and helps parents go back to work by providing nine months of financial assistance for providers to stay open, welcome children safely, and ensure a robust child care sector is available for families.
In addition, the legislation included funding for farmers and producers, something Ernst has been
fighting for, including calling on Republican leadership to include. The relief bill also allowed small businesses to get a
second pass at the Paycheck Protection Program—a successful lifeline that Ernst helped champion as a member of the Senate Small Business Committee.
The bill also:
- Includes legislation Senator Ernst worked on to allow more farmers to qualify for PPP loans.
- Allows local economic development organizations to receive PPP loans.
- Increases above-the-line deduction for charitable contributions in 2020 from $300 to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for those filing joint returns.
- Includes $105 billion in funding for K-12 schools and higher education.
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