By David Pitt, Associated Press
DES MOINES Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand is sharply criticizing Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for not calling the Legislature into an emergency session to approve spending at least a portion of the $1 billion the state has accumulated in ending balance, reserve and emergency funds.
Sand, a Democrat, said in his annual budget review that restaurants and bars will lose $1.4 billion and roughly 1,000 could close due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and delayed action in Congress.
He said hospitals in the state have lost $443 million despite federal aid and many are at risk of closure.
ICYMI – Progress Iowa’s 8th Annual Holiday Party was last night but you can still catch the speeches below on YouTube or on Progress Iowa’s Facebook page
“We are thrilled to be joined by Senators Klobuchar, Booker, and so many terrific Iowa leaders. And we are proud to highlight the amazing work of Sara Anne Willette and the Legislative Black Caucus this year,” said Matt Sinovic, executive director of Progress Iowa. “These leaders stepped up and fought for the truth, progressive values, and crucial protections. At our holiday party we will get the opportunity to look back at the work we all did together in 2020, but also provide a call to action as we move forward into 2021.”
Iowa Auditor: Governor could use state savings for virus aid
By DAVID PITTDecember 18, 2020 GMT
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand sharply criticized Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Thursday for not calling the Legislature into an emergency session to approve spending of at least a portion of the $1 billion the state has accumulated in ending balance, reserve and emergency funds.
Sand, a Democrat, said in his annual budget review that restaurants and bars will lose $1.4 billion and roughly 1,000 could close due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and delayed action in Congress. He said hospitals in the state have lost $443 million despite federal aid and many are at risk of closure.
IPR
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds is returning $21 million of federal coronavirus relief funding that she initially allocated for a new human resources software system.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Monday she is returning $21 million of federal coronavirus relief funding that she initially allocated for a new human resources software system, after the U.S. Treasury Office of the Inspector General affirmed its earlier finding that it was not an allowable use of CARES Act money.
According to a news release, that money will be returned to Iowa’s Coronavirus Relief Fund by the end of the week. That will leave a total of $47.3 million left to be allocated by the Dec. 30 deadline.