| ICYMI: Congressman Allen Holds Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall |
WASHINGTON – Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) held a telephone town hall Tuesday night to answer questions from residents of Georgia's 12th District about the coronavirus outbreak. Congressman Allen gave an update on three coronavirus packages he supported to get vital resources directly to Georgia. For those who were unable to participate in the call, here are some of the highlights:
Larry in Hephzibah asked what is being done to help small churches suffering financial loss due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing,
Congressman Allen: “Faith-based organizations are eligible to receive the same Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Payment Protection Program SBA loans that small businesses can receive. The same limitations that apply to all other recipients of these loans apply to churches, but there are no additional limitations that churches have to abide by.
“Your organization will not be sacrificing its autonomy or its First Amendment or statutory rights if it requests and receives a loan.”
Nancy in Sylvania asked what can be done to protect grocery store workers, like her son, who are continuing to work.
Congressman Allen: “First of all I want to thank your son and all those continuing to do essential work. The Georgia Department of Health and the CDC have set guidelines for businesses. I want to highlight a few and I want to encourage your son to communicate with his employer, as many grocery stores are setting their own guidelines on top of what the government already has in place.
“The Georgia Department of Health recommends: Reinforce good hand hygiene tips and other common-sense precautions with employees and patrons. Arrange the workspace to optimize the distance between employees, ideally at least six feet apart. Urge high-risk employees to stay home. Urge employees to stay home when they are sick and maximize flexibility in sick leave benefits. I would encourage you and your son to visit the Georgia Department of Health and CDC websites for further information to stay safe while working at essential businesses.”
Cindy in Evans asked if independent contractors can file for relief under the CARES Act.
Congressman Allen: “Starting April 10th, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
“Additional guidance will be available on SBA.gov later this week.”
Penny in Blythe asked about unemployment benefits for individuals who were about to start a new job but were unable to due to the coronavirus impacting the business.
Congressman Allen: “Based on the information you shared with me you would qualify. The law created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which provides benefits (including the $600 boost) for unemployment, partial unemployment, or inability to work that began on or after January 27, 2020 and ends on or before December 31, 2020.
“I would encourage you to contact the Georgia Department of Labor to apply. You can visit dol.georgia.gov for more information.”
For more information and a list of coronavirus resources, visit Congressman Allen’s COVID-19 page at allen.house.gov/covid-19.
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