Today, Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny, released the following statement supporting Governor Reynolds’ decision to phase-in the easing of restrictions in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Governor Reynolds has shown steady leadership during this time, working to manage the spread of the virus and maintain the production and delivery of essential items like food and medicine to people around the state and around the world. I know those decisions were difficult and I respect her work in balancing those needs. Easing restrictions in counties with no or limited virus activity is a safe and responsible approach to moving forward. Even in those areas, maintaining social distancing and heightened personal hygiene remain as important now as they were in the early days of the outbreak.”

“With the measured steps taken by the governor today, Iowa begins the process of rebuilding our economy. I look forward to additional steps in the coming days and weeks to rebuild what was the best economy in the history of this state. Prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the state had strong wage growth, low unemployment, and significant demand for skilled labor. With the policies set in place since 2017, which the legislature will continue to pursue when it returns, I believe Iowa will see that dynamic economy begin to return.”