KIMT-TV 3 - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed authorizing emergency measures and supplemental appropriations for key government services to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“Every Iowan has a role to play in limiting and mitigating the spread of COVID-19. These measures will fund core services and also give schools the flexibility to keep their students safe,” says Governor Reynolds. “I appreciate lawmakers working together on legislation that funds key government services and additional emergency measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.”

The new law provides:

• Supplemental appropriations for Medicaid ($88.98 million)

• Supplemental appropriations for other health programs ($1.8 million)

• Supplemental appropriations for state hygienic lab ($525,000).

• Limits some standing appropriations (non-public school transportation, instructional support, AEA funding).

• Requires a review of FY 2020 appropriations and to make appropriations for the first two months of FY 2021.

• Authorizes the Governor to waive school instructional time requirements for schools that close due to the COVID-19 virus.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also sign legislation Tuesday allocating $200 million toward an emergency and long-term grant program to respond to the needs of health care and long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our health care facilities are Minnesota’s first line of defense against COVID-19,” says Governor Walz. “I am proud of this urgent, bipartisan action to support our state’s health care infrastructure during this unprecedented public health event.”

The bill puts $50 million toward the state’s public health response contingency account and $150 million to create a health care response fund which would be used to distribute grants. Any money still in the account on February 1, 2021 will be returned to the General Fund.

“Protecting the health and safety of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic means investing in our state’s health care infrastructure,” says Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Our goal must be to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent our health care system from being overwhelmed, so that every patient gets the care that they need when they need it.”