Hartzler: Stimulus bill sends needed reinforcements to health care workers, families

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

Congress approved a third legislative package in response to the coronavirus this week. I supported this historic disaster relief package in response to the extraordinary adverse impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on small businesses, and most importantly on the hardworking people in our country.

We are fighting a two-front war – a public health battle and an economic battle. The solutions to this crisis must be as bold and extraordinary as the crisis itself. 

That’s why Congress has come together on this series of legislative packages to put the American people first and provide the protections they deserve.

Throughout the last several weeks since the coronavirus hit, constituents and community leaders from all over the district have expressed their fears over losing their jobs, having their businesses shut down, being unable to put food on the table for their families, not knowing when things will get back to normal.

Thousands of people are sick with courageous healthcare workers battling on the front lines. Meanwhile millions of Americans have lost their jobs because of the virus imperiling family budgets and devastating our economy.

This week’s bill sends needed battle reinforcements to both fronts, providing funds for the health care front to purchase more medical supplies and support our hospitals while also sending much needed help to businesses on the economic front so they can make payroll and keep their doors open.

It sends money directly to almost every household and supports those who have lost their job due to the COVID crisis.

Most importantly, it gives this nation hope. Hope that we will get through this by supporting our healthcare workers, enabling businesses to stay open and sending American families the funds needed to get them through.

While this bill is far from perfect and the price tag is sobering, I believe we are in an unprecedented battle and it is imperative we win this war. 

I voted yes and invite all Americans to join us in this battle by being vigilant in actions, sacrificial in service, and faithful in prayer. Together we will win this battle and move forward as a nation once again.

Here is a summary of the bill:

Help for Hardworking Americans

· A tax rebate check of $1,200 per individuals, $2,400 per couple, plus $500 per child to every American with incomes under $75,000 (individual) and $150,000 (couple). Beyond that income threshold, Americans will receive a lower rebate check with the maximum income that would receive some rebate at $99,000 (individual) and $198,000 (couple).

· Expanded unemployment benefits for those who have lost their job due to this pandemic. Eligibility includes self-employed and contracted workers.

Assistance to Small Businesses

· A new Paycheck Protection Program to keep people working by enabling small businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofits to secure a forgivable Small Business Administration (SBA) loan through their local lender to cover the costs of their employee’s salaries, interest on mortgage debt, utility expense, and rent from February 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020.

· Expedited capital for small businesses who have applied for an SBA Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan by advancing $10,000 on the loan to cover leave, maintain payroll, and pay debt obligations. This $10,000 does not have to be paid back.

· Debt relief to businesses with existing SBA loans (7(a), Community Advantage, 504, and Microloan) by paying the principal, interest and fees for these loans for six months.

Access to Health Care

· $16 billion for more medical supplies for our health workers including face masks, gowns, gloves, ventilators and respirators.

· Expanded telemedicine for our seniors by increasing the Medicare reimbursement.

· New authority for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to quickly approve the use of new medicines and treatments.

· $100 billion for a new program to help hospitals cover the expense they are incurring with COVID-19 including more funding flexibility for our rural hospitals.

· Robust funding for COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutic development with the guarantee these treatments will be made available at no cost to everyone once developed.

Help for Harmed Industries.

· Loans and grants for passenger and cargo airlines, and businesses critical to “maintaining national security.” To receive these funds, these industries must cap executive compensation for the duration of the assistance period and stock buybacks are prohibited during the duration of the loan. Borrowers must also maintain exiting payroll as of March 13.

· Additional funds through loans, loan guarantees, investments and more flexibility for banks and credit unions to provide businesses, states and municipalities with access to liquidity.