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Sixth District Perspectives
with Congressman Ben Cline
Coronavirus Update
Since the coronavirus outbreak in the United States began, the federal government has acted swiftly to address the needs of Americans, and as your Representative in Congress, it is my top priority to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decisions affecting you and your loved ones. As such, you may be interested to hear that this week, the IRS continues to distribute Economic Relief Payments, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) is once again accepting applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). And finally, so that I can best represent your views, I would be honored if you would take a moment out of your day to fill out the below survey to express your opinions on the federal government’s handling of the pandemic.
Emergency Relief Checks:
To help individuals stay financially afloat through the lockdowns sweeping the Nation, the CARES Act provides Emergency Relief Checks to every American, and the IRS has begun the process of distributing them. There have been many questions surrounding the direct Emergency Relief Payments from the IRS. Please know that the payments do not need to be paid back and are not considered taxable income. To learn more, please visit irs.gov/coronavirus. You can use this portal to check your eligibility and to find out when you will receive your check.
Small Business Administration Loans:
Since it was created by the passage of the CARES Act in March, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been responsible for helping over 1.6 million businesses, including over 40,000 right here in Virginia, and saving over 30 million American jobs. However, last week, the program ran out of funds. It was absolutely critical that Congress replenish the PPP’s funds, and after a week of negotiations, a deal was finally reached in H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program Increase and Health Care Enhancement Act. Thankfully, as of Monday, the SBA is now accepting PPP loan applications once again. The program received an additional $310 billion in funding following the passage of H.R. 266 last week. If you have already applied for an SBA loan, you do not need to reapply. For more information on the PPP, click here to view answers to several Frequently Asked Questions. To learn more about the EIDL program, please visit sba.gov/disaster.
Hearing from You:
As your Representative, one of the things I value most is the opportunity to hear directly from Sixth District residents. Although COVID-19 has hindered my ability to connect with folks in person these past few weeks, it has not changed my interest in hearing from you. Therefore, I would encourage you to take the survey below so I can better understand your views.
With your response we will be sure to keep you up to date on the Congressman’s work on your behalf.
At cline.house.gov/covid-19, you can access further information about the coronavirus pandemic, including administrative, congressional, and state action that has been taken to curb the spread of the virus, resources for businesses, and information from the CDC on how to keep you and your families healthy. Rest assured, I will continue to monitor the situation in Virginia and around the country and work with my colleagues to ensure the full, coordinated force of the federal government is behind our efforts to stop the spread of this disease.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Congressman. During this time of uncertainty, please contact one of my district offices in Harrisonburg, Staunton, Roanoke, or Lynchburg if I can be of assistance to you.
Harrisonburg: (540) 432-2391
Staunton: (540) 885-3861
Roanoke: (540) 857-2672
Lynchburg: (434) 845-8306
If you experience symptoms or have been exposed to someone recently diagnosed with COVID-19, contact your doctor immediately to determine if you need screening.
Centers for Disease Control Resources:
Centers for Disease Control
How to Protect Yourself
Symptoms and Testing
If You Are at Higher Risk
If You Are Sick
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow @CDCgov on Twitter
Other:
Coronavirus Timeline
Keep Americans Connected
Travel Advisories from Department of State
FDA FAQs Regarding Masks and Gowns
Resources for Educators
The FDA Has Not Approved Any Home Testing Kits for COVID-19
IRS Unveils Their People First Initiative
The Virginia Department of Health Has Activated Call Centers Throughout the Commonwealth
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management Has Begun Accepting Donations
Social Distancing Guidelines Extended to April 30
Army Asks Retired Soldiers in Health Care Fields to Come Back for COVID-19 Fight
Governor Orders Closure of Non-Essential Businesses and Schools
How could the coronavirus affect my visit to Washington, DC?
State Corporation Commission suspends service disconnections for 60 days
Virginia Employment Commission waives the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits
Virginia DMV Closed - Driver and vehicle credentials have been extended 60 days
How to aid the relief effort
FDA Warns of Fraudulent Home Testing Kits
CDC Urges Americans to Limit Nonessential Travel
Trust Your Sources
Tax Day Moved to July 15th
Salem VA Medical Center Postpone All Non-Essential Procedures
For the latest updates from Washington, please follow my social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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