DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa State Auditor thinks Governor Kim Reynolds should be be working to free up hundreds of millions of dollars to help Iowans suffering during the pandemic.
“Every day of delay is another day of pain for Iowans around the state,” said Auditor Rob Sand. “This money belongs to Iowans and it should be in their hands to help survive this pandemic not sitting in state government accounts."
Sand says the state is sitting on $700 million that could be used to to provide financial help to people and businesses.
He thinks Governor Reynolds should have called a special session of the legislature to get the money out.
Sand noted a thousand Iowa restaurants could close because of the pandemic and hospitals are projected to lose $433 million.
He made his thoughts known during a virtual presentation Thursday.
Governor Reynold has said the state doesn’t have enough money to make everyone whole, and has argued Congress should approve additional federal aid.
Congress is working on a stimulus package, but can't agree on financial aid to state and local governments.
Reynolds held a budget hearing at the state capitol Thursday.
Republicans, who control the legislature, have spoken about using excess state money to offer tax breaks to Iowans. GOP lawmakers have generally praised the state's handling of the pandemic.
Iowa currently has the country's fourth lowest unemployment rate at 3.6 percent.
The state finished the most recent fiscal year at the end of June with a $305 million surplus.