This week, Governor Brian Kemp announced Georgia's State of Emergency will be extended until May 13th. He also extended shelter-in-place orders until April 30th to help combat the coronavirus outbreak. We can all continue to do our part and help slow the spread by:
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Listening and following guidance from the CDC, as well as directions from state and local authorities.
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Avoiding social gatherings, especially those with more than 10 people.
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Practicing strict personal hygiene: Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and sneeze or cough into a tissue.
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Using pickup or delivery options to support local businesses.
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Working from home if possible. Do not go to work if you feel sick.
ICYMI: I held a telephone town hall Tuesday night to answer questions from residents of Georgia's 12th District about the coronavirus outbreak.
During the call, I gave an update on three coronavirus packages I supported to get vital resources directly to Georgia. For those who were unable to participate in the call, here are some of the highlights.
Relief for Small Businesses: Paycheck Protection Program Resources
One of the most important provisions in the third phase of coronavirus legislation, or the CARES Act, is the creation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This new loan provides eight weeks of cash-flow assistance to small businesses and can be forgiven when used to maintain payroll and other eligible expenses. For more information you can contact your lender directly or visit sba.gov/coronavirus.
Other important PPP resources:
Congress is working on another phase of legislation to provide more relief for small businesses across the country. Unfortunately, yesterday Senate Democrats blocked an effort to unanimously add $250 billion more into the Paycheck Protection Program to help our small businesses that have been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. This is not a time to play politics, and I hope that we can come together and provide this necessary relief as quickly as possible.
2020 Congressional Art Competition Changes
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, students and teachers are required to submit high resolution photos of any art that they would like to enter into the competition via email to Christine.Rhodes@mail.house.gov no later than Friday, May 15, 2020. For more information about the annual high school art competition, visit my website.
On this Good Friday, I want to wish all those celebrating a healthy and meaningful Easter weekend.
Rural hospitals play a critical role in Georgia’s 12th District. Unfortunately, with the elimination of elective procedures due to the coronavirus outbreak, many rural hospitals across the country are experiencing significant financial loss and are at risk of closing their operations. It is important that Congress take decisive action to ensure our rural health care providers and medical facilities can continue operating during this current pandemic.
That is why I am a cosponsor of H.R. 6365, the Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act. The bill provides funding to stabilize rural hospitals and provide immediate financial relief to prepare and respond to the coronavirus emergency.
Do you have a bill that you would like to see highlighted or that you would like me to support? Share your thoughts with me! You can email me ⇒ HERE, contact any of our offices or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Sincerely,
Rick Allen
Member of Congress |
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