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As we continue to combat the Coronavirus outbreak, please take some time to review this newsletter for the latest updates and information on COVID-19 resources. My offices remain available by phone, email and through my website so that we can respond to all constituent questions and concerns.
I recently joined Fox 8 to discuss some of the successful steps our community took after Hurricane Katrina that could help during the Coronavirus crisis - including providing relief to individuals and small businesses in terms of loan payments. This could help businesses get back up and running after weeks of being shut down, and could help families ensure they don't miss bank payments. Click here to view the interview.
Louisiana Updates
For the most current information regarding Coronavirus cases in Louisiana, visit the Louisiana Department of Health.
If you have questions about Coronavirus, you can contact the Louisiana 211 Network by dialing 211. Or, you can text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211 for the most current information about the outbreak as it becomes available.
COVID-19 Testing Sites
Three new drive-through COVID-19 “Community-Based Testing Sites” have been made available by the Trump Administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Greater New Orleans area. The sites will initially focus on testing health care workers and first responders. Beginning Sunday, March 22, the testing locations will be available to any symptomatic individual, with a cap of 100 tests per day, per site. The sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. Please click the links below for more information on each testing location.
Tax Filing Deadline Extended
The Trump Administration announced that the IRS deadline for filing taxes has been extended from April 15 to July 15 due to the disruption caused by the Coronavirus. All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.
The IRS has established a special website focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the Coronavirus.
Avoid COVID-19 Scams
If you spot a Coronavirus scam or a deceptive claim about a cure, alert the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. More information about these scams and what the FTC is doing to prevent them can be found at FTC.gov/Coronavirus.
Resources for Small Businesses
- Louisiana small businesses experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to Coronavirus are now eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). You can apply online here.
- Here is a detailed fact sheet outlining the process of applying for an SBA disaster loan and the documentation required.
- For additional questions, you can contact the SBA at (800) 659-2955, or the New Orleans regional SBA office at (504) 589-6685.
Phase Three Coronavirus Legislation
This week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced the CARES Act – the phase three Coronavirus bill. The bill consists of proposals to provide direct assistance to American families and small businesses, bolster the health care response, and stabilize the economy. Visit my website for additional information on this bill and what it means for families and small businesses in Louisiana.
Travel Advisories
The State Department issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory – advising U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the U.S. should arrange for immediate return.
Student Loan Information
The Trump Administration announced that due to the COVID-19 emergency, all borrowers with federally held student loans will automatically have their interest rates set to 0% for a period of at least 60 days.
Each of these borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments for at least two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national emergency. This will allow borrowers to temporarily stop their payments without worrying about accruing interest.
Borrowers must contact their student loan services to take advantage of this benefit.
It is an honor to represent you in Congress. For more information please visit my website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
God Bless,
Steve Scalise
House Republican Whip
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