I hope you and your loved ones are well, staying healthy and taking the proper precautions during this trying time.
As we face the unprecedented challenge before us, it’s critical that we all work together and support one another until the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
In Congress, I am working every day to ensure our heroic health care workers receive the much-needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to stay safe as they combat the coronavirus and care for patients.
In Congress, I am working every day to ensure our heroic health care workers receive the much-needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to stay safe as they combat the coronavirus and care for patients.
Just this week, I led over 30 of my colleagues in calling for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure rural hospitals receive their fair share of the $100 billion Congress approved for healthcare providers through the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
One in 5 Americans live in rural America, and rural hospitals were struggling to stay above water before this public health crisis. HHS must ensure these hospitals are getting the funding they need to stay open and provide services to Americans who have nowhere else to turn.
I’m also fighting to ensure Congress provides more economic relief to American workers who have fallen on hard times as the nation undergoes social-distancing policies that have grinded our economy to a halt.
I’m also fighting to ensure Congress provides more economic relief to American workers who have fallen on hard times as the nation undergoes social-distancing policies that have grinded our economy to a halt.
With over 17 million workers filing for unemployment benefits in the past three weeks—a staggering and record-shattering number—Congress must provide relief to folks who are struggling to pay rent and keep food on the table.
That’s why I, along with Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib, and Senator Kamala Harris, led over 50 of my colleagues in calling for Congress to provide recurring direct payments to American families until this pandemic subsides and businesses can begin to reopen. The CARES Act provided a one-time payment of $1,200 to individuals making less than $75,000, but I believe more relief will be needed.
Because American students are not immune to the economic hardship we’re going to face, I’ve also called for Congress to close the dependent gap on any additional direct payments, meaning dependents above the age of 16 could receive direct payments as well, which was a critical oversight in the CARES Act.
These are just a couple of the actions I’ve taken this week to advocate for Missourians in the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri, and you can be certain that I will continue to put you and your family first so as the government continues to respond to this pandemic.
Resources
The CARES Act was the largest stimulus package in American history, commensurate with the challenge we are currently facing. I want to make sure you have the relevant resources to best understand how you, your family, and your business can access these programs and get immediate economic relief.
As I mentioned earlier, the CARES Act provided direct payments to most Americans. The IRS has created a portal for Americans to update their direct deposit information in order to get their rebates more quickly. You can access that portal here.
Additionally, those who receive Social Security benefits do not need to fill out any additional forms with the IRS. Social Security beneficiaries will automatically receive their rebate.
That’s why I, along with Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib, and Senator Kamala Harris, led over 50 of my colleagues in calling for Congress to provide recurring direct payments to American families until this pandemic subsides and businesses can begin to reopen. The CARES Act provided a one-time payment of $1,200 to individuals making less than $75,000, but I believe more relief will be needed.
Because American students are not immune to the economic hardship we’re going to face, I’ve also called for Congress to close the dependent gap on any additional direct payments, meaning dependents above the age of 16 could receive direct payments as well, which was a critical oversight in the CARES Act.
These are just a couple of the actions I’ve taken this week to advocate for Missourians in the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri, and you can be certain that I will continue to put you and your family first so as the government continues to respond to this pandemic.
Resources
The CARES Act was the largest stimulus package in American history, commensurate with the challenge we are currently facing. I want to make sure you have the relevant resources to best understand how you, your family, and your business can access these programs and get immediate economic relief.
As I mentioned earlier, the CARES Act provided direct payments to most Americans. The IRS has created a portal for Americans to update their direct deposit information in order to get their rebates more quickly. You can access that portal here.
Additionally, those who receive Social Security benefits do not need to fill out any additional forms with the IRS. Social Security beneficiaries will automatically receive their rebate.
I’ve put together more resources for you to access other various programs available through the CARES Act on my website. You can go to my website to find more information and resources on the various provisions below:
Rebates
Unemployment Insurance
Housing
Small Business Guide
Emergency Paid Sick & Family Leave
If you have more questions about these programs or how to access benefits, please call our office at 816-842-4545 or email MO5COVIDHelp@mail.house.gov to leave a message, and we will be sure to get back to you as quickly as possible. I ask for your patience, as we’re experiencing a surge in requests, but we want to help.
As Congress seeks to pass the 4th coronavirus stimulus package in the coming weeks, it’s important that I hear directly from constituents about what would help get them through this crisis. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you need assistance or want to share an opinion.
Until next time, please stay safe.
Seventy-five years ago this week, Harry S. Truman became president and his story began right here in Lamar, Missouri. The complete story of Truman, the kind of leader we could use now, and the town where he was born is told for the first time in The Buck Starts Here: Harry S. Truman and the City of Lamar, available now in paperback and e-book.
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