DES MOINES, Iowa (KMTV) — On Wednesday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds provided an update COVID-19 response efforts in the state.
While 46% of those eligible to be vaccinated have chosen to get the shot, Reynolds said many are still opting out. The governor said she believes this may be due to some confusion regarding information that’s available about the vaccines and said the state will be rolling out a PSA campaign in addition to ongoing public relations efforts to increase demand.
Another way the state of Iowa is changing the vaccination game is by setting up, through a partnership with area pharmacies and public health departments, popup clinics such as one that was set up at last night’s Iowa Cubs game. Reynolds said another clinic is set for tonight’s second game and that popup clinics will likely be used elsewhere going forward.
Eventually, they will appear on the state’s COVID-19 site https://vaccinate.iowa.gov/.
At this time many of the state's counties are declining doses due to a lack of demand but Reynolds hopes that will change with the popup clinics and PSAs.
The governor also talked about bills being discussed in Iowa’s House and Senate.
As the house and senate near the end of their sessions, Reynolds said she is poised to sign off on a change in the way that the state pays for the mental healthcare needs of those receiving government benefits.
Currently, such programs are paid for by property taxes. Senate File 587 would shift those needs to the state’s general fund. Reynolds believes the model would be “more sustainable” and give Iowans property tax relief that some have been calling for.
The governor, when asked, also commented on a possible bill that would ban transgender athletes from competing in sports with other athletes of their gender.
While the bill has yet to reach her desk, she said she would sign off on such a bill on the principle of “fairness to girls.”
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