Press Releases

“Right now, there is insufficient transparency for a program that’s loaned $510 billion in taxpayer dollars to help our most vulnerable businesses survive the coronavirus pandemic and its economic burdens,” Rep. Axne said. “As I said last week, the idea that we would get no details on how $500 billion of federal aid is being spent is simply unacceptable. Ensuring that PPP is effective in reaching those who need it most requires disclosure of how this money is being spent, and I’m confident that measures are available for Treasury and the SBA to allow for more transparency and accountability while preserving that balance.”

“In Iowa’s most recent election, we saw record turnout despite a widespread health crisis in large part thanks to universal distribution of absentee ballot requests by state election officials. But now, even as our public health officials have made it clear that coronavirus will not be completely gone by November, the Iowa Senate has advanced a measure that outlaws that proactive outreach. This could force vulnerable Iowans to choose between their health and their inalienable right to vote this fall, and it amounts to blatant voter suppression. I’m glad that members of the Iowa House of Representatives have removed that outright restriction in their version of the bill, and I’m calling on state legislative leaders and Governor Reynolds to approve a final version of this election bill that protects Iowans’ right to safely vote. I also urge Secretary of State Pate to affirm, for the sake of Iowans who remain at an elevated risk for coronavirus, that he will employ a similar outreach program this fall to protect Iowa voters.”