Iowa is extending the deadline for filing and paying state income taxes to July 31.
An additional six positive cases were reported in Iowa on Thursday, bringing the total to 44. State officials have created a new map to track the infections by county here: https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus
Businesses in Iowa will soon qualify for disaster loans through the federal Small Business Administration (SBA). The Iowa SBA office is encouraging business owners to start the application process and get supporting documents in order so loans can be processed quickly when Iowa becomes eligible. Download the application here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/PaperForms
After federal officials announced a 60-day suspension of foreclosures and evictions for single family homeowners with Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgages, state officials are working to help Iowans understand if they are included in the suspension. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have also been ordered to suspend foreclosures for the next 60 days.
Wellmark has made the decision to provide payment parity for services provided by telehealth (aka virtual visit) until at least June 16.
A new Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions document created by the Iowa House Democratic Research Staff with continuous updates is available here: https://bit.ly/2UjkO80
Alliant Energy announced they will be temporarily suspending disconnections for customers.
Key Points in the Governor’s Public Health Emergency Declaration, March 20
Property Tax Payments Suspended
Temporarily suspends any penalty or interest for the late payment of property taxes. This suspension is effective until April 16, unless the order is lifted sooner, but may be extended if the proclamation is extended.
Evictions Suspended
Temporarily suspends some forcible entry and detainer actions, more commonly known as an eviction until at least April 16
Alcohol Sales
Permits the sale of carry-out, delivery, drive-thru of alcohol for unopened bottles of alcohol for bars and restaurants and suspends some fees. The declaration also suspends some reporting requirements.
Open Meetings
Permits public meetings or hearings by electronic means to improve the functions of government while maintaining social distancing practices
The proclamation also allows related state agencies to implement the state’s public health emergency plan
Trucking Weight limits and Hours
Allows vehicles transporting food, medical supplies, cleaning products, and other household goods to be oversize and overweight, not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight without a permit
Lifts provisions relating to hours of service of motor carriers and drivers carrying the above goods
Weapon Permit Procedures
Temporarily suspends personal delivery of applications for permits to acquire pistols or revolvers regulations but directs sheriff’s office to still accept through other means
Temporarily suspends professional/non professional permits to carry and permits to acquire provisions; suspension does not extend to permits being used to purchase if permit is expired
Helpful Links With More Information
For the latest updates on coronavirus and to learn more about prevention efforts, go to the Iowa Dept. of Public Health at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus
For Iowans with questions about COVID-19, a public hotline is open 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431
Criteria for getting tested for COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html
For updates related to child care, child welfare, Medicaid, and social workers, go to the Dept. of Human Services page at https://dhs.iowa.gov/COVID19
For businesses, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is compiling resources available (including grants) at www.iowabusinessrecovery.com
For workers displaced due to coronavirus, unemployment benefits may be available in 7-10 days from filing. Click here to apply:
https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/file-claim-unemployment-insurance-benefits