Next week is the second funnel-- another deadline in the process. To move forward, most bills must pass through a full chamber (House or Senate) and a full committee in the other chamber-- excluding tax or appropriation bills. Legislators are moving quickly to send bills to the Governor and at this time, are not shutting down or pausing work because of COVID-19. Folks at the State House are (generally) no longer shaking hands but instead using elbows to greet each other.
CORONAVIRUS IN IOWA
Testing at Iowa’s State Hygienic Laboratory has indicated two additional positive cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Iowa residents, a total of 16 positive cases. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) both cases are tied to the same Egyptian cruise as other positive cases. Both are older adults (61 - 80 years), one is from Johnson County and one is from Carroll County (previous positive cases reside in Johnson and Pottawattamie Counties). Both are recovering at home in isolation.
Several school systems (colleges, universities, and high schools) have opted to extend an already scheduled Spring Break. Most sports events have been either postponed or cancelled as well-- national list HERE.
The Federal Government passed an $8.3 billion emergency bill to address coronavirus--details HERE.
For the latest updates from the Iowa Department of Public Health, CLICK HERE.
FUTURE OF IOWA
SSB3116/HSB657,Invest in Iowa Act: SUPPORT, UNCHANGED
Expands Apprenticeship Opportunities Program and Last-Dollar Scholarship eligibility
Creates a pilot program to assist older students in earning a high school diploma while developing technical skills
Requires K-12 computer science and allows online learning
HF2575, Broadband Grant Tax Exemption: SUPPORT, UNCHANGED
This specifies that companies receiving grants for broadband expansion will not be taxed on those grants-- retroactive to cover grants received last year
GRAIN INDEMNITY FUND
SF2367/HF2566, Study of the Fund: SUPPORT, UNCHANGED
