Key COVID-19 updates

Even in these tough days, I am filled with hope and grateful to be an Iowan. I see so many folks encouraging and support-ing one another. Keep it up! We all need a boost right now.

Everyone’s situation is a little different: some are sick; some have lost their jobs; some are caring for others under challenging circumstances; and some have been home alone for weeks.

Many Iowans continue to punch the clock daily, spend-ing long hours doing essential jobs. Telework is not an op-tion for them.

In times like these, we see the value of a safety net. It’s helping thousands of Iowans get through a sudden turn of events they had no control over.

Iowa had about 167,000 new unemployment claims in the first three weeks of the COVID-19 crisis. That number will continue to rise as more self-employed, gig workers and independent contractors apply for the expanded unemploy-ment insurance authorized in the federal CARES Act.

Also telling: Iowa has seen a 32 percent increase in week-over-week applications for food and cash assistance and a 6 percent increase in week-over-week enrollment in Medi-caid, according to the Iowa Department of Human Ser-vices.

Please make use of whatev-er assistance you need. It was designed for times like these. When seeking help, check online for the best way to con-tact an office, business or or-ganization. Be patient. Phone lines are often busy with callers who don’t have internet ac-cess.

Based on projections, we still have at least two to three weeks before Iowa hits its worst point for this virus. I hope you and your loved ones remain healthy and safe. The best thing we can do to short-en this pandemic is to stay home as much as possible.

Sen. Amanda Ragan (D-Mason City) serves Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Senate District 27. She can be reached at 515-281-3371 or 641-424-0874. Email her at aman-da.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.