Iowa City council to discuss using ARPA funding to give 319 people left out of raffle

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – 319 individuals in Johnson County who weren’t picked to obtain American Rescue Plan Act funding are hoping town council would use a number of the additional funding town obtained again to assist them out.

Johnson County, Iowa Metropolis, and Coralville put aside practically $3 million to raffle off for individuals who didn’t obtain federal stimulus checks or those that have been low-income and impacted by the pandemic. Johnson County first distributed the $2 million it put aside to Johnson County residents. Iowa Metropolis then distributed its funding to Iowa Metropolis residents; as soon as all Iowa metropolis residents have been paid out, that they had practically $700,000 additional.

“It’s been so tough, we’ve actually been relying on that cash,” Nancy Raudales.

Raudales acquired an e mail that she certified for this system, however later realized she wasn’t picked for the raffle. Regardless of Iowa Metropolis not utilizing all of the allotted funds, and Raudales having an Iowa Metropolis handle, she lives in an unincorporated a part of town.

“I’ve a child on the way in which, and I would like that cash to assist with bottles, diapers, and garments for the child,” Raudales mentioned.

All hope wasn’t misplaced after the Iowa Metropolis Fact and Reconciliation Committee voted unanimously to advocate town council use the additional funding to assist the 319 excluded individuals. Town council is holding a piece session Tuesday to debate doubtlessly serving to these individuals. On Saturday, The Iowa Catholic Employee Home spoke to members of town council on the matter.

The councilmembers received’t act throughout the work session assembly, however individuals like Raudales mentioned this was a step to creating issues proper for these omitted.

“I feel it’s essential that town does give the funds to the employees that have been omitted,” Raudales mentioned. “We’re not quite a bit; there’s just a few.”

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