Ernst Answers Questions from Iowans in Quad Cities Area on COVID-19 Relief

RED OAK, Iowa – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, participated in a telephone question-and-answer session hosted by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and the federal relief packages she helped pass over the last few weeks. Senator Ernst answered questions from Iowans in the area and provided a summary of the resources that have been made available to the state’s families and small businesses.

Click here or on the image above to watch Ernst discuss her Q&A session with Iowans in the Quad Cities.

“Iowans from every corner and county of our state have faced unforeseen challenges and hardships as a result of COVID-19, especially our families, small businesses, and communities, which is why I’ve fought hard and across the aisle to swiftly secure relief for our state” said Senator Ernst, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee. “Throughout this pandemic, I’ve continued to stay in constant communication with Iowans throughout the state, and I was glad to have the opportunity today to speak directly with folks in and around the Quad Cities about the resources we’ve secured for them and our small business community. While these are tough times, us Iowans will get through it – together.”

“As a Chamber it’s important that we work hard to elevate our business community’s voices to our elected officials,” said Paul Rumler, President and CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber.  “We know they are listening and we are grateful for not only the opportunity to continue this dialogue, but the swift action Congress has taken to provide resources.”

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Ernst has been in constant communication with Iowans from every corner of the state to ensure they are receiving the support they need, including Iowa’s small business owners and workers.

Background on Ernst’s efforts to combat COVID-19:

Senator Ernst has fought to deliver relief to all Iowans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of her efforts:

• Delivered major wins for Iowa’s workers, employers, health care industry, and more in the bipartisan Phase 3 package.
• Supported  the “Phase 1” bipartisan package to provide additional resources to federal, state and local authorities.
• Helped pass the “Phase 2” bill to provide paid sick leave, free COVID-19 diagnostic testing, and increased support for nutrition for seniors and children.
• Called for an ‘all hands on deck’ approach to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Urged the Senate to prioritize relief for hospitals, community health centers, and workers on the front lines.
• Announced a proposal to immediately redirect the over $350M in the Presidential Campaign Election Fund to be used to purchase specialized face masks and personal protective equipment.
• Asked the State Department to immediately act to get Iowans stranded abroad back home.
• Sought tariff relief for Iowa’s businesses by calling on Treasury to defer all tariffs during the pandemic.
• Held a telephone town hall with thousands of Iowans to help answer some questions and hear directly from folks.
• Hosted another telephone town hall with Iowa’s seniors and elderly community.
• Participated in discussions at the State Emergency Operations Center with Governor Kim Reynolds.
• Joined Governor Reynolds at her press conference to give an update on federal relief efforts.
• Discussed the need to work together – at federal, state, and local level – to tackle COVID-19.
• Published a column on everyone doing their part to protect seniors and fellow Iowans from COVID-19.

For additional information for Iowans on COVID-19, you can visit Senator Ernst’s website, which includes resources for families and individuals, small businesses, and seniors.

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