Finkenauer Pushes for First District Recovery Priorities in Coronavirus Emergency Aid Package
WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released her priorities she pushed to have included in the third coronavirus response supplemental - Preparing Iowa Communities & Protecting our Families.
The response plan consists of nine main issues that Finkenauer prioritized after consulting with Iowa families, employees, business and community leaders, and would provide economic, financial, and medical relief to the thousands of Iowans struggling as a result of the outbreak.
"As Iowans work together to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Congress and the White House must also address any disruptions resulting from closures and the slow-down of our economy," Finkenauer said.
In addition to voting in favor of two emergency relief packages, Finkenauer has been pressing top federal officials for resources and ways to prepare our local communities and health systems. She also fought for federal resources to aid Iowa's small businesses. The Congresswoman has asked community leaders for continued feedback as they persevere on the frontlines of the outbreak. On Thursday, she held a telephone town hall with public health officials and other authorities to answer constituent questions. Congresswoman Finkenauer will continue working to ensure Iowans have the critical information they need.
The nine priorities included in the plan are:
Unemployment Benefits for Short-term Employees -As states offer unemployment benefits to employees who were either laid off or unable to work due to coronavirus, we must ensure that Iowans affected through no fault of their own do not fall through the cracks.
Emergency Aid for Service Industry, Hourly, and Construction Workers -Paid leave policies and unemployment benefits will help many families cover their bills. However, we need emergency resources for those who cannot wait for these systems to be set up or may not otherwise qualify but have immediate needs to pay their bills. Assistance should include direct cash payments of at least $1,000 or more as needed.
Mental Health Services - During this time of crisis, we need robust mental health services in place. From the effects of social isolation to the stress associated with being laid off or caring for a loved one, additional support will be necessary to help Iowans cope with the fallout of this outbreak.
Child Care for Health Professionals, Frontline Iowans, and First Responders - As schools close and daycare facilities shut down, Iowans who are on the frontlines of responding to this crisis and taking care of our communities need childcare options.
Address Shortages of Personal Protective Equipment -As cases of coronavirus increase throughout the state and more instances of community spread emerge, more frontline healthcare staff will need personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects them so they can continue serving Iowans and protecting our communities.
Workplace Safety -While our medical professionals are well-trained on how to manage and control possible exposure, many Iowans who are needed to continue working throughout this crisis are not. Frontline workers—like bus drivers, factory employees, grocery store clerks, and emergency plumbers—need to know that they are safe on the job. Clear guidance and additional resources will be needed to help protect these workers while they provide critical services.
Support for Healthcare Providers and Testing Availability - Iowa’s rural areas are already struggling to maintain healthcare providers and access to key services. We must ensure our hospitals, community health centers, and health care facilities across Iowa have the support, supplies, and capacity to treat critical coronavirus cases and help individuals seeking testing and treatment.
Assistance for Restaurants, Small Businesses, and Hotels -Businesses that rely on foot traffic will suffer the biggest financial hit with ongoing closures and social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Congress should address these issues through temporary financial support to cover documented losses.
Assistance for Communities & Essential Services -With a drastic slowdown in tourism, travel, and purchases, cities may need assistance to stay solvent long-term, provide leave to members of the public workforce, and to ensure that important public services like trash collection, police, fire and EMS services continue throughout the outbreak.
Congresswoman Finkenauer’s Ongoing Response Efforts:
On March 19, Finkenauer held a telephone town hall for constituents in the First Congressional District. Health officials from Black Hawk and Linn counties participated and answered questions, as well as the liaison for Dubuque City and County Emergency Health Response Team.
Finkenauer also sent a letter to federal health officials on March 19, urging them to ensure Iowa medical professionals have the necessary protective equipment to treat patients.
Finkenauer joined a call for President Trump to use his authority under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to increase production of necessary medical supplies. On March 18, President Trump announced he would use the authority to avoid supply shortages.
On March 17, Finkenauer reached out to community leaders in Iowa asking for their concerns, priorities and more info on how the outbreak is affected local economies.
On March 15, Finkenauer sent a letter to Governor Kim Reynolds encouraging the state to create a more centralized location for key information, including consideration of school closures.
Finkenauer voted to pass an emergency package to help Iowa families and health professionals impacted by coronavirus on March 14.
Taking early action, Finkenauer voted to approve a critical coronavirus funding package to help expand testing and research. Finkenauer also sent an oversight letter to the Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar seeking specific answers on whether local health agencies and hospitals have the tools they need.
On March 13, Finkenauer helped host a Small Business Committee hearing on Coronavirus and asked a witness about health and safety, and financial security for hard-working Iowans impacted by coronavirus.
Finkenauer followed up that hearing 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. Later that day, 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. Finkenauer has also spoken with Governor Kim Reynolds for an update on Iowa’s response to coronavirus.