Finkenauer Passes Legislation to Support Iowans Impacted by Coronavirus Pandemic

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) helped pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act through the House. The package would provide payroll security for people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, and to provide testing at no cost to help slow the virus’ spread. 

“We need to take this outbreak seriously, and as we begin to identify more people who have come in contact with coronavirus, we need to ensure hard-working families are not taking a devastating financial hit should they need to stay home,” Congresswoman Finkenauer said.“So many people are living paycheck to paycheck and they simply cannot afford to miss two weeks of pay. The package we passed today will help Iowans feel they can self-quarantine, if they’re advised to by healthcare professionals, and not have to worry about missing their rent or mortgage. It’s important this bill will expand testing for the virus by ensuring folks don’t need to choose between the test and paying their bills.” 

The legislation passed today would:

• Create an emergency paid family leave program to ensure families aren’t financially devastated by being quarantined/treated for coronavirus. It will also allow for parents to take time off if their child’s school or day care center closes.
• Ensures all Americans can be tested for coronavirus without needing to pay
• Expand meals for seniors in need and for kids to maintain access to healthy meals
• Protectsfront-line health care workers by ensuring person protective equipment is more widely available and treated as an emergency need
• Strengthens unemployment benefit programs
• Prevents states from cutting Medicaid benefits

The legislation, if passed by the Senate and signed by the president, will significantly improve the federal response for the coronavirus outbreak and especially ensure working-class families are not financially devastated.

Taking early action last week, Finkenauer voted to approve a critical coronavirus funding packageto help expand testing and research. Finkenauer also sent an oversight letter to the Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azarseeking specific answers on whether local health agencies and hospitals have the tools they need.

This week, Finkenauer helped host a Small Business Committee hearing on Coronavirusand asked a witness about health and safety, and financial security for hard-working Iowans impacted by coronavirus. 

Finkenauer followed up that hearingon Thursday morning with an oversight letter asking the Small Business Administration (SBA)about their progress on providing information on small business assistance to Iowans along with what methods they will be doing outreach to Iowa businesses. Thursday evening, the SBA posted this information webpage.

Finkenauer also published a coronavirus informational page to help Iowans access important information regarding the global pandemic. The page is available at https://finkenauer.house.gov/coronavirus-information

Finkenauer’s office has been in contact with area hospitals, business organizations, schools and colleges with respect to the virus to understand any ongoing concerns. Friday, Finkenauer also spoke with Governor Kim Reynolds for an update on Iowa’s response to coronavirus.