Boozman Bulletin: Confronting Coronavirus' Health and Economic Challenges 

We've all been asked to make sacrifices in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Each of us has a role to play to minimize the challenges the virus poses to us, our loved ones and our fellow Americans. In recent days the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its recommendations to limit interactions with others by avoiding public gatherings and encouraging staying at home whenever possible. Suppliers are encouraging Americans not to overbuy during trips to the grocery store as the supply chain is strong and the goods consumers need will remain available. These are small things we can do to make a big difference in this fight.
 
Congress is taking steps to ensure resources are available to state and local governments to mitigate the spread of the disease, treat those infected and support research to find a vaccine. In early March, the president signed legislation to help the local, state and federal governments meet the growing challenges. Arkansas received $6.2 million from this funding package to support the state’s COVID-19 response.

 
Yesterday, the Senate passed, and the president signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This includes paid emergency leave for workers, widespread coronavirus testing at no additional cost to patients and enhanced food security initiatives. My colleagues and I are continuing to build upon this effort and provide more direct relief to the American people in this time of uncertainty and difficulty.

The markets have taken a huge hit from this crisis, putting the retirement security of millions of Americans and the vital sectors of our economy in jeopardy. This tenuous financial situation is the direct result of an unprecedented public health crisis that has devastated businesses large and small. Major industries that every American relies on have been hurt as the result of commerce coming to a halt nationwide. And, it is certainly expected that our health care sector, strained to capacity by the coronavirus outbreak, will face substantial challenges moving forward. 

This will require us to think big and act big. 
 
As a result, we will have to take up measures to protect the millions of Americans who depend, directly or indirectly, on those industries for their livelihoods. The full economic impact of coronavirus remains to be seen. We have to ensure that we are doing everything we can to support the financial well-being of Americans for the long-term.
 
This is certainly a trying time for Arkansans and all Americans. It’s times like this that we need to be thinking of others. Let's work together to slow the spread of this virus to protect ourselves, our families, friends and neighbors.

Stay up-to-date with the latest coronavirus information using these resources:

Arkansas Department of Health: COVID-19 Status Update
Arkansas Department of Health: COVID-19 Resources
White House: The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America
CDC: Coronavirus—Resources, Updates and What You Should Know
Department of Veterans Affairs: Information on Coronavirus
U.S. Department of State: Coronavirus Travel Advisories, International Mitigation Efforts and More
Small Business Administration: SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
EPA: COVID-19 Resources

ICYMI:

Social Security Offices Offering Only Phone Service: Social Security offices are closed to the public for in-person service, however you can request help via phone, mail and online.

IRS Delays Tax Payment: The IRS is extending its payment deadline to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers will still need to file by April 15, 2020 or if necessary, file a six-month extension. 

Protecting GI Bill Benefits: Legislation that will allow veterans to continue receiving full GI Bill benefits as universities move classes online to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has cleared Congress and is expected to be signed into law by President Trump.

Supporting Arkansas Small Businesses: The Arkansas Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) in support of Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson’s request for an SBA disaster declaration for economic injury as a result of the coronavirus. The declaration would make additional federal resources available to the state’s small businesses to provide needed relief during this unprecedented time.