Sen. Ernst Joins Governor Reynolds, Provides Update on Her Efforts to Get Federal Relief to Iowans
RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined Governor Kim Reynolds for her press conference yesterday to provide an update on the relief Ernst has helped secure for Iowans during the COVID-19 pandemic in the multiple bipartisan packages Congress has passed and the president has signed into law.
Siouxland Proud reporting in part: “…Ernst broke down the CARES Act signed by President Trump on Friday. She said the act will also expand unemployment insurance by $250 billion to support laid-off workers.
“Ernst mentions that help for seniors is also on the way. Iowa seniors who meet the income requirements will be included as part of the planned direct payment and checks even if they haven’t paid into the IRS for several years. The CARES Act also expanding Medicare telehealth services for our most vulnerable population. ‘If they are worried about the COVID-19, and they don’t want to get out to their pharmacist, it does require that Medicare Part D cover that cost of those prescriptions, and allow for a ninety-day prescription,’ said Sen. Ernst.”
The Des Moines Register reporting in part: “U.S. Sen Joni Ernst also joined the conversation via a teleconference from her home in Red Oak to tout the $2 trillion stimulus package designed to keep the economy from freefalling during the coronavirus-induced shutdown. In addition to direct checks to Iowans of up to $1,200, plus more for children, Ernst noted that the Small Business Administration can now give loans to some nonprofits. Nearly $1 billion will go to aging and disability services programs, which include meals on wheels.”
KCAU also covered Senator Ernst’s report on the federal relief packages, saying in part: “Senator Joni Ernst is saying ‘Iowans will soon be receiving some much-needed federal relief, and that includes loans for small businesses struggling amidst the COVID-19 outbreak…” Watch KCAU’s full coverage by clicking the image below.
Click here or on the image above to watch the KCAU coverage of Ernst’s remarks at yesterday’s press conference.
Background on Ernst’s efforts to combat COVID-19:
Senator Ernst has fought to deliver relief to all Iowans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of her efforts:
- Delivered major wins for Iowa’s workers, employers, health care industry, and more in the bipartisan Phase 3 package.
- Supported the “Phase 1” bipartisan package to provide additional resources to federal, state and local authorities.
- Helped pass the “Phase 2” bill to provide paid sick leave, free COVID-19 diagnostic testing, and increased support for nutrition for seniors and children.
- Called for an ‘all hands on deck’ approach to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Urged the Senate to prioritize relief for hospitals, community health centers, and workers on the front lines.
- Announced a proposal to immediately redirect the over $350M in the Presidential Campaign Election Fund to be used to purchase specialized face masks and personal protective equipment.
- Asked the State Department to immediately act to get Iowans stranded abroad back home.
- Called for crackdown and proper education on scammers targeting seniors and at-risk Iowans during COVID-19.
- Held a telephone town hall with thousands of Iowans to help answer some questions and hear directly from folks.
- Hosted another telephone town hall with Iowa’s seniors and elderly community.
- Participated in discussions at the State Emergency Operations Center with Governor Kim Reynolds last weekend.
- Discussed the need to work together – at federal, state, and local level – to tackle COVID-19.
- Published a column on everyone doing their part to protect seniors and fellow Iowans from COVID-19.
For additional information for Iowans on COVID-19, you can visit Senator Ernst’s website, which includes resources for families and individuals, small businesses, and seniors.
