Getting through our public health emergency

It has been an exhausting week for many Iowans as we make immediate lifestyle chang-es to protect our families, workplaces and communities from the COVID-19 outbreak. Our jobs, schools, routines and plans have all been impact-ed.

As a legislator and fellow citizen, I am doing what I can to ensure this time of uncer-tainty is as short lived as pos-sible.

To protect public health, the Legislature on Monday voted to ensure that tools are in place to keep Iowans safe and that key government ser-vices will be available. We also suspended the 2020 session for 30 days.

Iowa Senate Democrats have established a webpage with emergency resources and information from key state of-fices, department and agencies at wp.me/p8aBRy-7oW. We will continue updating the page as new details become availa-ble.

Like you, I am now at home, doing my part to flatten the curve and save lives, as recommended by our public health experts.

But I am still working for you. As your state senator, I am here to help you navigate this difficult time. If you have questions, concerns or sugges-tions, please email or call me.

Most important, please take good care of yourself, your family, your friends and your neighbors. Together, we will get through this.

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.