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A new round of rental and utility assistance will provide up to 12 months of aid to those affected by the pandemic in Iowa. Governor Kim Reynolds made the announcement at her weekly news conference today.
The new Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program will open Monday. It will include 195 million dollars from the federal COVID-19 relief package. The assistance can cover past-due rent payments, past-due utility bills, and future rental assistance. The state will offer up to four months of mortgage payment assistance to help them avoid pandemic-related foreclosures.
Eligible past-due payments can go as far back as March 13 of last year. Eligible utility payments include electricity, natural gas, propane or fuel oil, water, sewer, and trash removal.
Iowa remains on track to open vaccine eligibility to all adults beginning April 5. Governor Reynolds said today that the state expects to receive an anticipated boost in vaccine allocation in the coming weeks.
Currently, Iowans in certain professions, aged 65 and older, and those with underlying health conditions that may lead to more severe cases of COVID-19 are eligible for the vaccine. However, appointments for the shots are still hard to come by.
Reynolds offered a prayer today for the family, friends, and coworkers of two staff members killed Tuesday at Anamosa State Penitentiary. Reynolds also asked people to be patient and respectful of the families as officials continue investigating what happened.
