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Government & Public Policy Information

As governments respond to the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, The Partnership continues to monitor the status at all levels in an effort to keep our Members, Investors and the community updated. We’ve compiled the updates and resources available.

Federal  |  State  |  Local

Federal

White House Press Conferences streaming: whitehouse.gov/live

  • U.S.-Canadian border closed for non-essential traffic
  • U.S.-Mexico border closed for non-essential traffic

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates: cdc.gov/coronavirus

  • Social distance from a minimum of 6 feet
  • Use of a simple cloth-based covering when going into public
  • Everyone 16 years of age and older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

U.S. Housing and Urban Development updates: hud.gov/coronavirus

U.S. Small Business Administration updates: sba.gov/coronavirus

  • The State of Iowa is working with small businesses through each of the 99 counties to draw down funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. A link to request assistance can be found here
  • The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll, information can be found here
  • The SBA offers low-interest federal disaster loans to certain private nonprofit organizations following a federal disaster declaration for public assistance. Learn more here

U.S. Department of Education updates: ed.gov/coronavirus

U.S. Department of Treasury updates: treasury.gov/coronavirus

  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) FAQ answered here
  • Track the status of your stimulus check from the IRS here

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updates: uscis.gov/coronavirus

  • Any responses submitted within 60 calendar days after the response deadline set forth in the RFE or NOID will be considered by USCIS before any action is taken

U.S. Department of State updates: state.gov/coronavirus

  • All airline passengers must present a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovering from COVID-19 when returning to the United States. Your test must be within three days of your flight, or your proof of recovering from COVID-19 must be within the last 90 days. Your airline will not let you return to the United States if you do not have a negative test result or proof of recovery

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): transportation.gov

  • The deadline of Oct. 1 to obtain a Real ID has been postponed until Sep. 30, 2021

U.S. Department of Environmental Protection (EPA): epa.gov/coronavirus

  • The EPA has issued a temporary policy regarding reinforcement of environmental legal obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic for civil violations only, with variances depending on category.

Congressional updates: congress.gov

  • The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074) passed the U.S. House on March 4, the U.S. Senate on March 5 and signed by President Trump on March 6. The $8.3 billion legislative package does the following: 
    • $7.8 billion will be used to bolster vaccine development, research, medical equipment stockpiles and for state and local health budgets
    • $500 million will be used for telehealth medicine
    • $20 million for SBA loans and $20 million for SBA operations
  • The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) passed the U.S. House on March 14, the U.S. Senate on March 18 and was signed by President Trump on March 18. The legislation does the following:
  1. Provides supplemental funding for nutrition assistance through USDA programs SNAP, WIC and the Emergency Food Assistance Program along with U.S. Department of Human Services programs to provide nutrition assistance to the elderly population
  2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires certain businesses to develop and implement a comprehensive infectious disease exposure control plan to protect health care workers
  3. Establishes a federal emergency paid leave benefits program to provide payments to employees taking unpaid leave due to the coronavirus outbreak
  4. Expands unemployment benefits and provides grants to states for processing and paying claims
  5. Requires employers (fewer than 500 employees) to provide paid sick leave to employees (applies April 1 - Dec. 31, 2020)
    1. Up to two weeks (80 hours, or part-time employee's two-week equivalent) of paid sick leave
    2. 100% of pay (up to $511 daily) for Federal, State or Local quarantined isolation order due to COVID-19. Or advised by health provider to self-quarantine. Or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking medical diagnosis
    3. 67% of pay (up to $220 daily) for caring of individual affected by COVID-19 symptoms or quarantined
    4. Up to 12 weeks of paid leave and expanded family and medical leave paid at 67% (up to $200 daily) if caring for child whose school or place of care is closed due to COVID-19
  6. Establishes requirements for providing coronavirus diagnostic testing at no cost to consumers
  7. Treats personal respiratory protective devices as covered countermeasures that are eligible for certain liability protections
  8. Temporarily increases the Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)
  • The third phase of Coronavirus aid legislation, “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act” or the “CARES Act” (S. 3548) was signed into law on March 27. A summary of the legislation, provided by the U.S. Chamber can be found here.
    • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): a new $349 billion loan program established to support and encourage employers to keep employees on the payroll to receive loan forgiveness. Businesses under 500 employees, including sole proprietors, self-employed, independent contractors and 501c3 organizations are eligible.
      • Paycheck Protection Program FAQ answered here
    • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): this existing loan program is expanded to nonprofits, including 501(c)(6) organizations, for loans limited to $2 million and personal guarantee requirements waived for $200,000 or less. Includes an optional $10,000 forgivable cash advance and can be used for payroll, paid leave, continuation of health care benefits, operating costs such as utilities, mortgage and rent payments among other obligations that cannot be met due to revenue losses.
    • Additional $17 billion for current SBA loans to cover six months of payment
    • $500 billion for loan programs and Federal Reserve credit facilities, including but not limited to air carriers, air maintenance, cargo air carriers and business critical to national security. Businesses, states and municipalities that meet the requirements may be eligible.
    • Direct payments to taxpayers equal to $1,200 per individuals ($2,400 joint return) plus $500 per child, phased out for incomes above $75,000 ($150,000 joint).
    • Extends unemployment insurance by 13 weeks and includes a four-month enhancement of benefits. State have the option to agree to an additional $600 per worker, per week unemployment compensation payment. Additionally, unemployment insurance benefits were extended to sole proprietors, self-employed and independent  contractors.
  • The U.S. Senate amended H.R. 266 on April 21, providing $484 billion in additional appropriations into the following programs and became law on April 24. A summary of the legislation, provided by CNBC can be found here.
    • $310 billion in additional lending authority for the Paycheck Protection Program with some funds set aside to support loans issued by smaller lenders
    • $60 billion for separate disaster loans to small businesses
    • $75 billion for hospitals
    • $25 billion for virus testing

  • Congress has passed legislation (H.R. 7010) to allow for flexibility of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), containing the following provisions:

    • Extends the eight-week period, during which PPP funds must be spent in order to receive loan forgiveness, to 24 weeks or until the end of the year, whichever comes first.
    • Provides additional flexibility for for the use of PPP funds, requiring a minimum of 60% to be spent on payroll costs and up to 40% spent on other approved non-payroll expenses such as mortgage, rent and utilities in order to achieve forgiveness.
    • Businesses have up to five years, instead of two, to repay any money owed on PPP loans.
    • Extends safe harbor provisions specific to rehiring, noting the inability to rehire and/or the inability to return to the same level of business activity due to public health related restrictions.
  • Congress has passed legislation (H.R. 133) a $900 billion piece of legislation. The package will extend aid to millions of households through stimulus checks, enhanced federal unemployment benefits and money for small businesses, schools and child care and vaccine distribution.
    • Watch here for the summary of H.R. 133 presented by Nyemaster and Goode PC Law Firm.
  • Congress has passed and President Biden has signed the $3.9 trillion American Rescue Plan on Thursday, March 11, 2021. It includes targeted aid dedicated specifically to the restaurant industry, new provisions for small businesses across other industries and more money for the Paycheck Protection Program. A summary of the plan can be found here. Some provisions include:
    • Airport
      • $14 billion to extend the Payroll Support Program (PSP). Allows funding for eligible air carrier and contractors through Sept. 30, 2021.
      • $8 billion for airports for cost related to personal, cleaning, sanitation and janitorial services.
    • Broadband
      • $7.2 billion to create an Emergency Connectivity Fund to reimburse schools and libraries for internet access and connected devices for students and teachers learning remotely due to the pandemic.
    • Child Care
      • $40 billion for child care agencies and aid to providers affected by the pandemic.
      • $15 billion of the funds will go to the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) to subsidize child care during the next year.
    • Child Tax Credit
      • Temporarily expands the child tax credit, increasing the amount to $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17 and $3,600 for children under age 6. The amount is gradually reduced for couples earning over $150,000 and individuals earning over $75,000 per year. Families eligible for the full credit would get payments of up to $300 per child per month from July 2021 through the end of 2021.
    • Education
      • $122 billion for the K-12 General Stabilization Fund.
    • Small Business Relief
      • $7.25 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), forgivable loans for businesses and nonprofits that use at least 60% of the funds on payroll.
      • $10 billion for the State Small Business Credit Initiative. Allows states to make low-interest loans and other investments to help their small business economies recover.
      • $15 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Loans that provide economic relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue.
      • $29 billion to create a grant program aimed at providing relief for restaurants.
      • $15 billion for the Shuttered Venue Grants Program. Grants that are intended to help museums, theaters, concert and other venues that had to shut down due to COVID-19 restrictions.
    • State and Local Assistance
      • $350 billion for fiscal relief for states and local governments. Local governments in Iowa will receive more than $1.4 billion.
    • Stimulus Checks
      • $1,400 direct payment for individuals earning up to $75,000 and couples earning up to $150,000. Individuals will also receive an additional $1,400 payment for each dependent claimed on their tax return.
    • Unemployment Benefits
      • Individuals on unemployment will receive an additional $300 per week through Sept. 6, 2021. It also reduces taxes workers are owed on unemployment benefits received in 2021.
    • Vaccine Distribution
      • $7.5 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to track, administer and distribute COVID-19 vaccines. An additional $46 billion will go toward diagnosing and tracing coronavirus infections and $2 billion will go toward buying and distributing various testing supplies and personal protective equipment.

State

Governor Reynolds holds press conferences and deploys frequent press releases: governor.iowa.gov/newsroom

  • Launched a website, Test Iowa, dedicated to Iowa's new initiative on COVID-19 testing here
  • The state has released a COVID-19 dashboard here

Local Action Tracker

  • The National League of Cities and Bloomberg Philanthropies have teamed up to collect and share actions taken by local leaders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. View here.

Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) updates: idph.iowa.gov

  • There are currently 1.16 million doses of vaccines administered in Iowa as of March 18
  • There are currently 344,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Iowa as of March 18
  • Watch IDPH Vaccine Webinar for Business, Agriculture and Industry here

Iowa Economic Development Authority updates: iowaeconomicdevelopment.com

Iowa Utilities Board updates: iub.iowa.gov

Iowa Department of Revenue updates: tax.iowa.gov

  • The deadline for filing and payment of 2020 individual income tax returns and first quarter estimated income tax payments for individuals is June 1, 2021. Find out more here.

Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) updates: news.iowadot.gov

  • The Iowa DOT has suspended rules on drivers’ license and vehicle registration renewal
  • Commercial Driver's Licesnse (CDL) holders in Iowa who have an expired medical examiner's certificate or a certificate that is about to expire will not have their CDL downgraded at this time
  • Any driver license that expired after Jan. 16 or later will not be enforced during this emergency period
  • The deadline of Oct. 1 to obtain a Real ID has been postponed until Sep. 30, 2021

Iowa Board of Regents updates: iowaregents.edu

  • Each university (Iowa State University, University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa) outlined their procedures for returning to campus here.

Iowa Department of Human Rights updates: humanrights.iowa.gov

Iowa Secretary of State updates: sos.iowa.gov

  • Partial closure through May 11
  • The office is directing customers to their online filing system, Fast Track Filing (FTF)
  • Temporary authorization of remote notarization

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) updates: iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov

  • Accepting applications for CARES Act benefits and will be processed as soon as IWD receives guidance from the federal government
  • Self-employed, independent contractors, nonprofit employees and gig economy workers or requesting an extension of benefits and are not currently filing weekly claims, please submit your initial application now
  • Iowans will no longer have to use all paid leave before being eligible for unemployment benefits

Iowa Economic Development updates: iowaeconomicdevelopment.com

The Iowa General Assembly updates: legis.iowa.gov

  • Iowa General Assembly Health Protocols can be found here

Iowa Attorney General updates: iowaattorneygeneral.gov/newsroom

  • Iowans should be aware of scams related to price gouging, bogus treatments, phishing or charity scams or investment fraud
  • Iowa Legal Aid resources and FAQ can be found here
  • Reporting of such scams can be emailed to consumer@ag.iowa.gov
  • State of Iowa legal aid question hotline (800) 332-0419

Local

County government updates on COVID-19 can be found at the following sites:

Because of COVID-19, cities in Greater Des Moines (DSM) are closing their offices and other city facilities to in-person visits and encouraging residents to use online features. Each city is providing services such as police and fire protection. City government updates on COVID-19 can be found at the following sites:

Adel

  • City Hall is preparing to reopen in May 2021
  • The Adel City Council is targeting June 2021 to meet in person
  • Utility payments can be made online or over the phone with transaction fees waived

Altoona

  • City buildings are closed
  • Residents and developers can file building permits and water bill payments online

Ankeny

  • All Ankeny’s city offices will be closed
  • Ankeny Public Library is open to the public. Capacity is limited to 75 and face coverings must be worn.
  • Encourages residents to wear masks in public
  • City has suspended rental inspections; fire department inspections; and police fingerprinting
  • Parks and trails are open

Bondurant

  • City buildings are closed
  • Utility payments can be made online or over the phone or check dropped in the drop box outside of city hall
  • Parks are open

Carlisle

  • City buildings are closed
  • Residents are encouraged to use drop box near in parking area east of Police Department

Clive

  • Clive City Hall lobby, Clive Library lobby and Dymond Public Safety Center are now open to the public

Des Moines

  • Mayor Cownie declared a state of emergency on March 15, which has since been updated to follow CDC guidelines of no gatherings of 10 or more people
  • City administration buildings will reopen to the public on an appointment-only basis on May 3
  • Des Moines police officers will resume parking meter enforcement on June 1
  • Masks required in all city buildings
  • Masks required in public spaces

Grimes

  • Utility payments can be made online, over the phone, or check dropped off at utility payment dropbox outside of city hall

Grinnell

  • City buildings are closed
  • Drake Community Library is open as of May 3

Indianola

  • City buildings are closed
  • Contact city officials via phone or email

Johnston

  • Johnston City office buildings are now open to the public
  • City Council, Board and Commission meetings continue to be held virtually

Norwalk

  • City buildings are closed indefinitely

Pleasant Hill

  • City Hall, the Doanes Park Youth Center, library and lobby of police station are closed

Urbandale

  • Encourages residents to wear masks in public

Waukee

  • Residents are asked to file permits and make payments online or to drop their payments off in the entryway drop boxes

West Des Moines

  • West Des Moines Public Library is open as of April 22

Windsor Heights

  • City buildings are closed

DART Updates: ridedart.com

  • DART has put new safety measures in place which will allow riders to use the front doors to board the bus and use the bus fareboxes beginning July 1
  • DART has resumed majority of service lines
  • DART is requiring riders to wear masks while riding

Des Moines Water Works

Additional Information

  • For those seeking help with human service needs, Iowans are encouraged to call or text the 211 service. Either call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 with questions.
  • Local community pages on Facebook can serve as a resource for neighborhoods, allowing individuals to share and respond to the needs of those needing assistance.