Iowa House Democrats Newsroom
Coronavirus Update, 3-28-20
The President signed another coronavirus relief act on Friday. The stimulus plan is the largest relief effort in US history and includes support for health care workers, businesses, and employees impacted by the coronavirus. Americans will also get stimulus checks beginning in April. There were 56 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 reported on Friday, [...]
Coronavirus Update, 3-27-20
There were 34 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 reported on Thursday, a 23% increase over yesterday which brings the total to 179 positive cases. The Governor issued another Public Health Emergency Declaration on Thursday and here are some highlights: No more non-essential or elective medical and dental procedures are to be performed Telehealth parity: [...]
McKean Calls For Aid to Small Businesses with One Employee
State Representative Andy McKean of Anamosa sent a letter to state officials today requesting small businesses with only one employee be eligible for assistance just like other small businesses. “While I’m grateful the state is taking steps to support small businesses, we can’t leave thousands of small businesses behind because they only have one employee. We [...]
Coronavirus Update, 3-26-20
There were 21 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 reported on Wednesday, bringing the total to 145 positive cases. 41,890 Iowans applied for unemployment last week, up from 2,489 the week before, and represents the highest level of claims ever recorded in the state. To file an unemployment claim, visit https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/file-claim-unemployment-insurance-benefits. A Presidential Disaster Declaration [...]
Coronavirus Update, 3-25-20
There were 19 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 reported on Tuesday, bringing the total to 124 positive cases. In addition to the 1st COVID-19 death in Dubuque County, there are 18 Iowans hospitalized with COVID-19, 9 have been discharged and are recovering, and 63 were never hospitalized. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) and [...]
Coronavirus Update, 3-24-20
New grants are available for small businesses (2-25 employees) experiencing a loss in business due to coronavirus; sales tax deferments are also available. Learn more at www.iowabusinessrecovery.com. There were 15 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 reported on Monday, bringing the total to 105 positive cases To date, there have been 2,043 negative tests conducted [...]
Coronavirus Update, 3-23-20
22 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 were reported on Sunday, bringing the total to 90 positive cases The Governor issued another Health Disaster Proclamation, some of the highlights include: Suspending all foreclosures on residential, commercial, and agricultural property Closing salons, medical spas, barbershops, tattoo establishments, tanning facilities, massage therapy establishments, and swimming pools Waives [...]
Coronavirus Update, 3-22-2020
Another 23 positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 were confirmed yesterday, bringing the total to 68 in 17 different Iowa counties Iowa businesses are now eligible loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA), apply here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ State officials are encouraging any Iowans who have recently traveled out of the state or country to self-isolate for 14 [...]
Coronavirus Update, 3-21-20
Another Public Health Emergency Declaration was issued yesterday by the Governor. Here are some highlights: Suspends penalty and interest on late property tax payments Evictions suspended Temporarily allows bars & restaurants to sell alcohol as drive up/carry out Iowa small businesses are encouraged to quickly fill out a survey from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) [...]
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 [...]
Coronavirus Update; 3-20-20
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 [...]
Coronavirus Update; 3-19-20
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports there are nine additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 38 positive cases. The new cases are in Johnson, Polk, Dallas, Washington, and Winneshiek Counties. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6201) has been signed into law. Highlights are below and here is [...]
Marie Gleason Kicks Off Campaign in House District 94
Bettendorf -- Marie Gleason, a John Deere retiree and community activist, announced her candidacy today for the Iowa House District 94 which includes Bettendorf, Riverdale, Panorama Park, and Pleasant Valley Township. “It’s time for new leadership in the Iowa House who will fight for strong public schools, affordable healthcare, and good-paying jobs with benefits. I'm proud [...]
2020 Weekly Bill Tracking, Thurs. March 5 – Wed. March 11
WEEKLY BILL TRACKING Thurs. March 5 – Wed. March 11, 2020 HOUSE DEMOCRATIC RESEARCH STAFF Appropriations HF 2377 Public Safety Fund. Legislation creates a public safety equipment fund, but has no appropriation. (passed Appropriations Committee 25-0) to House Appropriations Calendar. HF 2406 Disaster Recovery Fund. Creates an disaster recovery fund under the Iowa Finance Authority with [...]
2020 Weekly Bill Tracking, Thurs. February 27 – Wed. March 4
WEEKLY BILL TRACKING Thurs. Feb. 27 – Wed. March 4, 2020 HOUSE DEMOCRATIC RESEARCH STAFF Agriculture HF 2372 Farm Chauffeur License. The bill exempts certain farmers from needing a chauffeur license to transport their goods. (passed House 79-19) to Senate Agriculture HF 2566 Grain Depositors Indemnity Fund. Calls for a study of the expansion to credit-sale [...]
2020 Weekly Bill Tracking, Thurs. February 20 – Wed. February 26
WEEKLY BILL TRACKING Thurs. Feb. 20 – Wed. Feb. 26, 2020 HOUSE DEMOCRATIC RESEARCH STAFF Agriculture HF 2325 Drainage District Publication. Makes changes to what must be posted for land classification for purposes of assessing land. (22-0) to House Calendar HF 2548 Special Minors Farm Drivers License. Creates a new special minors farm drivers license for [...]
Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek Announces Run for Iowa House
Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek announced today he will run for the Iowa House in District 73, which includes eastern Johnson County, parts of Muscatine County, and all of Cedar County. “After 35 years in law enforcement, I’ve learned how the policies made in Des Moines affect our local communities in Cedar, Muscatine, and Johnson Counties. It’s time [...]
Steckman Seeks Seventh Term Representing Cerro Gordo County In Iowa House
Wednesday, February 26, 2020 For More Information, Contact: Rep. Sharon Steckman, 641-583-2484 steckman3@hotmail.com STECKMAN SEEKS SEVENTH TERM REPRESENTING CERRO GORDO COUNTY IN IOWA HOUSE Iowa House Assistant Democratic Leader and State Representative Sharon Steckman of Mason City announced on Wednesday that she will seek a seventh term to House District 53. District 53 [...]
Representative Dave Jacoby to Seek Re-election in District 74
Tuesday, February 25, 2020 For More Information, Contact: Rep. Dave Jacoby, 319.430.9793 davejjacoby@aol.com JACOBY TO SEEK RE-ELECTION TO IOWA HOUSE State Representative Dave Jacoby of Coralville announced today that he will seek re-election to the Iowa House of Representatives in District 74. The district includes Coralville, portions of western Iowa City, and Penn Township. [...]
First Legislative Deadline
On Friday, February 21, 2020 , the Legislature hit the first self-imposed deadline to narrow the number of bills still eligible for debate, called the “funnel”. While there are a few exceptions for tax and budget bills, any bill that has not cleared a House or Senate Committee is dead for the year. Click to see [...]