In spite of being in recess from the current session, the Iowa Legislature has attempted to keep up with the ever-changing situation involving the COVID-19 pandemic with bills designed to help people through the crisis.

State Senator Jake Chapman, (R) District 10, says the legislation passed and proposed has been varied and far reaching. Most critical among those was a continuing resolution that would extend the current fiscal year’s budget 60 days after June 30th in the event the Legislature is recessed longer than anticipated. Chapman says another important bill suspends the days required for public schools to operate, as districts statewide have temporarily closed due to concerns over the virus.

Other legislation that has passed or is ongoing include: unemployment benefits; granting the Governor to transfer money within the state budget; and an economic stimulus package. Chapman adds, dealing with the impact of COVID-19 is no small task, but he emphasizes that cooperation is key. “This is a coordinated effort between local, state, and federal (entities). And everyone has a role to play in this process to make sure that everyone can get back on their feet as quickly as possible, and get back to some level of ‘normal’ that we were at before this coronavirus hit. And I’m optimistic that Iowans and Americans will quickly rebound from COVID-19.”

To learn more about how the Legislature is dealing with the pandemic, click the link below to listen to the recent Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Chapman.

https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2020/03/25/lets-talk-dallas-county-3-25-2020-jake-chapman/