×

Where is the COVID relief?

There was a great deal of activity at the Capitol this week. We had lengthy debates and voted on two constitutional amendments that will not go on the ballot until at least 2022 and 2024. We also debated and voted to send schools back to face-to-face learning in the next two weeks without any new COVID guidelines, resources for schools like testing, or even input from local school leaders.

Last week, I worked with my colleagues to introduce a package of bills to help Iowans deal with the coronavirus pandemic, called Build Back Iowa. I’m disappointed the legislative leaders did not take action on any of those ideas this week. No financial help, no rent or mortgage relief, no unemployment benefits, no help for small businesses, no food bank assistance, no additional ways to stop the spread of this virus – nothing that helps people hurting from 10 months of crisis. Our top priority this year must be COVID relief and recovery and we need to take action quickly.

As a teacher, I want to get kids back to school. We know they learn best in face-to-face learning. This week the CDC published an article on how to get kids back to school safely. They recommend the use of masks, social distancing, frequent hand washing, testing and cleaning and sanitizing facilities.

I put forth an amendment to the “face-to-face” learning bill requiring that schools follow the new CDC guidelines in order to have students back in the buildings 100 percent of the time. Unfortunately, it was voted down along party lines. As a teacher, I know in-person learning is best and I want kids back to school, but I want them back safely. We now know that kids can be back in the classroom when we follow the advice of public health officials.

Overall, it was a disappointing week as divisive issues and partisan politics took the main stage. COVID relief will help all Iowans. I came to the statehouse to work together to help Iowans, not to further my own agenda. I hope my fellow lawmakers will listen to the people of Iowa and focus on helping Iowans today to meet our immediate needs.

——

Sue Cahill is the State Representative

for District 72. Contact her

sue.cahill@legis.iowa.gov.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today