DES MOINES, IA — Iowa Forward Executive Director Emily Holley released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor reported a third week of soaring jobless claims this morning:
“Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley have failed the estimated 67,334 Iowans who filed for unemployment last week by voting to limit unemployment benefits at a time when working families need them most. Senators Ernst and Grassley owe these Iowans both an explanation and an apology for their votes. This coronavirus pandemic has already taken an enormous toll on the physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing of Iowans — we shouldn’t have to worry about our senators making things even worse.
“We expect our elected officials to put Iowa families first, and call on Senators Ernst and Grassley to prioritize real relief for regular Iowans over keeping their corporate donors happy.”
On March 15, Senators Ernst and Grassley voted to prevent an extra $600 in unemployment benefits from helping Iowans who have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Iowa Voices is an issue advocacy, education-focused organization that communicates with Iowans on key issues as they apply to Senator Joni Ernst and her voting record.
Party line vote.