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