Hawkeye Reporter

A college-based ranking placed Iowa first overall with the quickest COVID-19 recovery. 

Rounding out the Top 5 in the ranking by Wallethub.com was Nebraska, Alaska, South Dakota and New Hampshire.

In a report for Wallethub.com, analysts from Yale University, Howard University, Towson University, Drexel University and SUNY Buffalo ranked every U.S. state according to how quickly they recovered from the COVID-19 crisis. They used three key metrics: COVID-19 health, economy and labor market, and leisure and travel.

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds joined a Republican-led Iowa Legislature to create the policy that helped contribute to Iowa’s high ranking, GOP supporters say.

Iowa also ranked in the top five for both the fewest hospital staffing shortages and the fewest hospital supply shortages. Iowa was second for the highest increase in daily job postings, helping drive its economic recovery.

An opinion piece published by The Gazette and written by Iowans for Tax Relief Government Relations Direction Victoria Sinclair noted, "Despite what The Gazette editorial board may think, it is possible to have a successful COVID-19 response while delivering tax cuts and freedom. Our governor and Legislature did a phenomenal job this legislative session. I am grateful to live in a state where their leadership created an environment where I am still employed, my taxes are set to decrease and the COVID-19 pandemic is drawing to a close."

Reynolds is the 43rd governor of Iowa and the first female elected governor in 2018. Prior to being elected governor, Reynolds served four terms as the Clarke County treasurer before being elected as a state senator in 2008.