Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Refugee Resettlement Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Iowa senator says state will introduce emergency funding to support refugees after federal cuts
Summary
Senator Trone Garriott of Dallas said he is filing state legislation to provide emergency funding to refugee resettlement programs after federal support was cut; he cited 891 refugees in Iowa within their initial 90-day resettlement window and warned programs are struggling.
Senator Trone Garriott of Dallas told the Iowa Senate on Jan. 30 that he will file legislation to provide emergency state funding for refugee resettlement programs after recent federal funding cuts.
Garriott said the federal resettlement system guarantees 90 days of initial support for newly arrived refugees and described the current funding as insufficient. “Each refugee gets $1,650. Period,” Garriott said, adding that programs also receive about $1,300 per refugee for staffing during the 90-day period to help with health care, legal processes, work placement and other services.
Garriott said the federal reductions have left programs scrambling. “There are real lives at risk. Currently, there are 891 refugees in Iowa on their 90 days. 445 of those people are children,” he said. He told colleagues the state is missing $2,500,000 in federal funds and argued that every dollar invested in refugee resettlement generates broader economic activity.
Garriott said he is filing a bill to provide emergency funding to resettlement organizations and asked fellow senators to sign on. He framed the measure as keeping Iowa’s commitments to newly arrived legal refugees and cited the state’s tradition of welcoming new arrivals. He also said volunteers and furloughed staff at resettlement agencies have been providing assistance amid staffing cuts.
The senator characterized refugees as thoroughly vetted and legal immigrants who need support to become independent within 90 days. Garriott said the administration’s policy change precipitating the funding shortfall was “reckless,” and urged the Senate to act so local programs can continue services.
Separately during the session the chair announced that, pursuant to Senate rules, Senate File 173 was referred from the calendar to the Committee on State Government. Later, the senator from Winneshiek moved to adjourn; the chamber approved the motion by voice vote and adjourned until Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 9 a.m.
Garriott’s remarks came during a floor statement and do not, by themselves, create a binding appropriation; he said he would file legislation for the matter to be considered formally.
