In this time of difficulty, thank you for all you are doing to protect your family and our community.  I am writing to keep you abreast of the latest developments in Washington to protect America’s health care system, to protect workers, and protect small businesses.  Thus far we have passed two bills.  A third very large third bill is on the way.

Here are some basic components of the bill as it stands and other policies already enacted:

Individuals and Families

• Most Americans are going to get a check: $1,200 per adult; $500 per child.  If you are on Social Security or make no money, you still get a check.
• Unemployment benefits are significantly expanded, including for self-employed and independent contractors.
• If you are older, the minimum distribution for retirement requirement is waived.
• The 10% early withdrawal fee on retirement accounts is waived on coronavirus-related distributions.
• The federal income tax filing date has already been extended.

Small Businesses and Nonprofits

• If you keep your people employed, you can get a loan.  For eight weeks, the portion of the loan that covers payroll, mortgage interest or rent will be yours to keep.
• Payroll taxes are delayed until 2021 or later.
• For six months, principal and interest on existing SBA loans are waived.

Health Care

• Provides additional funding for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of coronavirus and expands health insurance coverage.
• Expands nutrition services, Medicare, and Medicaid.
• Prioritizes Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review of certain promising treatments and allows emergency use of certain diagnostic tests not yet approved by the FDA.
• Essential medicines and medical equipment––Made in America.

The bill also provides significant emergency relief to distressed business sectors as well as states and municipalities, with common sense safeguards against abuse.  Business support is in the form of loans, not bailouts.

Things are moving rapidly and are subject to sudden change.  We can provide more detail on specific programmatic qualifications if you need.  Please know that my staff and I are here for