As coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, continues to dominate the news, I understand you may be feeling anxious about developments in the U.S. Rest assured, we are working together at the local, state and federal levels to address the situation and keep Americans safe. This week, after various briefings and updates from the Administration, the House passed $7.8 billion in emergency supplemental funding for the U.S. response to the coronavirus.
After attempts by House Democrats to politicize the matter and threats to add policy riders that would put politics before the health of the American people, we were able to pass a clean bill that provides critical funding for federal, state and local officials to combat the threat posed by this disease.
While we continue to work to get those on the frontlines of combating the virus access to necessary resources, there are steps you and your family can take to help prevent the spread of this new disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyday preventative actions, which you can find on their website along with more information about the coronavirus at www.cdc.gov/nCoV.
This week, I had meetings with various groups and organizations from all over Georgia.
Here are some highlights:
House Agriculture Committee Hearing with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue
During the hearing we discussed the state of the rural economy and I asked about pecan farmers who have been unfairly targeted by tariffs in India.
Community Office Hours
My office will be holding Community Office Hours across the 12th district during the month of March. Staff will be available to assist with a number of federal issues, including problems with federal agencies such as Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and others. A list of dates, times and locations is available on my website.
As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I often hear about growing student loan debt. With families throughout Georgia’s 12th district currently filing their taxes, I want to make sure the student loan interest tax deduction works better for married couples.
That’s why I am a cosponsor of H.R. 5863, the Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act. Current law penalizes married couples by only allowing them to take the deduction once, even if both spouses qualify. The legislation would maximize the student loan interest tax deduction that married couples can claim each tax year so they can put more money toward paying off their student loans and providing for their families.
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 |
