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4-10-2020 Coronavirus Update

April 10, 2020

Latest Coronavirus Update from Congressman Jeff Duncan:

On this Easter weekend, please take time to reflect on the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the hope that his life, death, and resurrection bring to this world. Even in the hardest of times, remember – God is sovereign. I hope you and your loved ones have a blessed Easter.

Good News
Miracle Hill does great faith-based work in our community! They have opened a public prayer line as part of their ministry during the coronavirus outbreak. Read more about it HERE.

Clemson University students launched an online program to support small businesses. What started as a project to help the city of Clemson quickly grew to a platform in nine cities. Well done! Read about their work HERE.

Prisma Health's "VESper" device received Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to allow 1 ventilator to support up to 2 patients. The "VESper" is now being made and distributed to support coronavirus patients. Read more about it HERE.

These are just a few examples of how #AmericaWorksTogether! Help me follow President Trump's lead and share these amazing stories on social media with the new hashtag. Read about it HERE. Have a great story? Send it my way HERE.

Trump Administration
The CARES Act included $100 billion in relief funding for our nation's hospitals and healthcare providers who have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Under President Trump's leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that $30 billion of the funding will be distributed immediately. Eligible providers will be receiving direct payments as soon as today, April 10, 2020. These funds will be used to support any healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue that has occurred due to COVID-19 and will be used to ensure that uninsured Americans can receive testing and treatment for COVID-19. More information on this can be found HERE.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program is now up and running for small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals. I have heard from so many lenders and business owners since the launch of the program, and I understand it hasn't been a smooth roll-out, but we are now starting to see great progress. In just six calendar days, $125 billion of the total $349 billion has been distributed to small businesses in the US. This is a HUGE program and is a lifeline to small businesses which are the drivers of our economy. Time is of the essence, and that's why President Trump pressed forward to implement this program in record-time, even with a few bumps along the way.

PPP resources for lenders and borrowers can be found HERE.

Economic Impact Payments
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) continues to update their page on Economic Impact Payments, eligibility, how much it's worth, and actions (if any) that need to be taken. The distribution of payments should begin in less than two weeks. You can find the most up-to-date information HERE.

For most Americans, no action is required to receive the payment, but the IRS just recently announced a new online tool that is available for non-filers. For more information on who should use the non-filers tool, click HERE.

From the IRS:
"People who don't have a return filing obligation can use this tool to give us basic information so they can receive their Economic Impact Payments as soon as possible," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "The IRS and Free File Alliance have been working around the clock to deliver this new tool to help people."

Congressional Art Competition
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Congressional Art Competition has been delayed and is subject to further changes. Read all about the event HERE. Since students may have issues getting their art teacher to sign the release form due to current distance learning, students may attach an email from the art teacher certifying originality when completing the form.

NEW SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 15, 2020, 5:00pm (subject to change)

Artwork should be mailed to:

Congressman Jeff Duncan's Office
Attn: Mario Starace
303 West Beltline Blvd
Anderson, SC 29625

I look forward to seeing the artistic talent across the Third Congressional District!

Easter Egg Activity
First Lady Melania Trump created Easter Egg coloring pages for youth across the United States. I know the distance learning measures have been difficult for children, so hopefully this fun holiday activity will help bring joy during this season. You can download the coloring sheets HERE.

Let loved ones know about the newsletter!
Do you know someone that isn't getting these email updates? Please share this email with your loved ones in the district so they can subscribe HERE. It's a great way to stay connected.

Overcoming COVID-19
We will continue to fight against the coronavirus so we can move on as quickly as possible. Please continue to follow recommended guidelines regarding social distancing, hand washing, and other preventative measures. Our nation will overcome this time!

Issues:Health