Don’t fall victim to program’s rules

Be prepared if you received state JumpStart money and will accept a federal buyout. JumpStart was a good program for Iowans, but like some governmental programs that are created in a short amount of time, it is often not well thought-out. From the beginning, we asked hard questions and no one seemed to know the answer. Let's face it, the rules to this program have changed so many times after it was created that not too many people would know the answer.

If you were affected by the flood, are you going to hold the government accountable for this program? Call your local representatives and senators. Ask good questions before signing the dotted line. Should a “forgivable loan” that you pursued and applied for be treated as a “dual benefit?” Be sure to ask - your financial matters are at stake.

My family is very grateful for the assistance we received; however, it's for the principle of the matter. Don't give money to those in need, change rules after the fact, and then ask for it back. It will create unexpected financial burdens for many JumpStart recipients.

If the federal buyout process was not so slow and full of red tape, additional programs would not be needed, thus avoiding this type of situation altogether.

Krista Fischer

Elkader