No. 24-2187 ___________________________

Karla Smith, on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated; Holly Bladel

Plaintiffs - Appellants

v.

Kimberly Reynolds, in her official capacity as Governor of State of Iowa; Beth Townsend, in her official capacity as the Director of Iowa Workforce Development; State of Iowa

Defendants - Appellees ____________

Appeal from United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa - Central ____________

Submitted: March 19, 2025 Filed: June 2, 2025 ____________ Before GRUENDER, BENTON, and SHEPHERD, Circuit Judges. ____________ GRUENDER, Circuit Judge.

Karla Smith and Holly Bladel sued Iowa state officials and the State of Iowa (“Iowa”) after Iowa opted out of federal programs made available during the Covid- 19