Capitol Notebook: Disaster assistance now available for Iowans left jobless by flooding

Iowans left unemployed or whose employment was interrupted due to severe storms that spawned tornadoes, straight-line winds and record flooding in recent weeks can now apply for jobless benefits.

Iowa Workforce Development announced Wednesday that Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available for eligible workers in Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth and Sioux counties, which were hit by severe weather that began June 16.

The assistance was authorized as a result of a major disaster declaration requested by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and signed Monday by President Joe Biden. The declaration, among other provisions, expand eligibility for unemployment benefits and provides assistance to those self-employed, including farmers and business owners.

Additionally, federal authorities added three more Iowa counties to those eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance following severe weather a month ago. Eligible individuals in Adams, Cedar and Jasper counties whose employment was lost or interrupted due to severe weather May 20-21 may now apply for assistance, according to Iowa Workforce Development.

A previous announcement made such benefits available to residents in Adair, Polk, Story and Montgomery counties.

Applications must be filed by Aug. 23 for impacted individuals in northwest Iowa. The application deadline for individuals in Adams, Cedar and Jasper counties is July 23.

Individuals can receive up to 27 weeks of benefits as long as his or her unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster. Eligibility for the benefits will be determined on a week-to-week basis.

To apply and for more information, go to Iowa Workforce Development’s Unemployment Benefits Online Application System at workforce.iowa.gov.

State Auditor warns of scammers after flooding

State Auditor Rob Sand urged Iowans on Wednesday to be alert for people preying on flood victims.

“Iowans are known for rallying around victims of natural disasters. Communities come together to help with cleanup and provide for people who have lost everything,” Sand said. “Unfortunately, natural disasters are also calling cards for con artists.”

Sand and the Federal Emergency Management Agency encouraged Iowans affected by recent disasters to be aware of common scams that occur after a disaster, including fake housing inspectors and building contractors, phony disaster donation efforts and calls or texts requiring account information in exchange for financial assistance.

FEMA representatives will never ask for payment for disaster assistance, inspections or help with applications. They also will not promise disaster grants in exchange for payment.

Don't give banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect personal financial information.

Individuals should also be wary of contractors offering repair or cleanup services such as tree or debris removal, and should deal only with a reputable local contractor.

Sand offered the following tips:

Individuals who suspect they are the victim of a scam should report it to their local police or sheriff's department. They can also call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 (TTY call 711)

Public asked to weigh in on behavioral health services

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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is hosting a series of public comment sessions as the department works to establish behavioral health districts.

Gov. Kim Reynolds last month signed into law a plan to streamline and combine Iowa’s delivery system for mental and behavioral health services — which advocates hope will improve access and outcomes for Iowans.

The new law combines Iowa’s total of 32 mental health and substance use regions into seven unified behavioral health districts, while placing disability services under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. The proposal aims to improve a system that both state officials and advocates agree is badly fractured.

Dates of the upcoming public session are:

More information about the behavioral health alignment is available at hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/system-alignment/ibhss.

Officials urge sober driving ahead of July Fourth

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State public safety officials are reminding drivers of the dangers of drunken driving and urging people to stay sober and alert ahead of the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, a person was killed every 39 minutes in a drunken driving crash on U.S. roadways in 2022. The Fourth of July holiday is one of the deadliest on Iowa roads, according to state officials. From 2019 to 2023, a total of 32 traffic deaths were reported in Iowa during the holiday. People driving impaired under the influence of alcohol accounted for half the reported deaths.

From July 3 through July 7, law enforcement across the state will be on high alert for signs of drunken driving and taking steps to remove impaired drivers from the road, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

“If you sense any level of buzz, it is your duty to stay away from the driver's seat. For some people, even one drink is too many to drive safely,” Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes said in a statement. “Unfortunately, many drivers don’t realize how impaired they are or feel they’re still good to drive after consuming alcohol. That’s why GTSB launched a new campaign this year to remind Iowans, No One’s a Good DRUNK Driver.”

State public safety officials are reminding Iowans there are plenty of options to help those who have been drinking get home safely: Plan for and designate a sober driver, schedule a ride-share or taxi, or use a community’s sober ride program.

“When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, be proactive — take away the keys, find a safe ride home, or offer a couch,” according to the traffic safety bureau.