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Dear Friend:
Like all of you, I am closely monitoring the rapidly-changing coronavirus crisis here in Georgia and across the United States. Understandably, this unprecedented global pandemic is causing great concern and uncertainty. I want to assure you that my highest priority is keeping Georgians in the Thirteenth Congressional District safe, healthy and informed. Please know that I am working diligently in Congress on the federal emergency response to the pandemic, and my staff and I are here to support you and your family.
Before I share my latest update, I want to express my deep gratitude for all of the frontline heroes who are working to protect and serve our community during this challenging time, including healthcare workers, emergency responders, food and agriculture workers, teachers, transportation security officers, janitors and more. We are all truly blessed by their noble service and dedication.
Office Operations
In accordance with guidance from the CDC, our offices are closed to the public and our 17th Annual Jobs Fair has been cancelled to help mitigate the risk of exposure to the coronavirus for our staff and constituents. All of our offices, including Smyrna (770-432-5405), Jonesboro (770-210-5073), and Washington, D.C. (202-225-2939), will continue to serve constituents by answering calls, emails and online requests for assistance.
Legislative Action
This national outbreak will require a comprehensive and coordinated federal response, which we have not yet seen from this Administration. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Congress has enacted two critical pieces of legislation:
- $8.3 Billion Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Bill that was signed into law on March 6. This robust package provides over $3 billion for vaccine development; $2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention, preparedness, and response; nearly $1 billion for procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, to support healthcare preparedness and to improve medical surge capacity; $435 million to support health systems overseas to prevent, prepare, and respond to the coronavirus; $300 million to respond to humanitarian needs; $61 million to help mitigate potential supply chain interruptions; and allows for nearly $7 billion in low-interest loans to affected small businesses.
- The Families First Coronavirus Response Act strengthens assistance for Americans in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. This bill was signed into law this week and widely expands free coronavirus testing, promotes food security for vulnerable populations impacted by the outbreak, provides for paid sick leave for employees, and establishes tax credits for businesses to provide continued worker support.
These measures are the first steps Congress has taken to address the coronavirus crisis, with more legislative aid to come. I am directly involved in ongoing efforts to develop a third legislative package to provide immediate help and economic stabilization to American families, workers and small businesses. Some proposals being considered include direct payment assistance for individuals, alterations to retirement fund withdrawal limitations, mortgage forbearance, student loan assistance, and funding for states, localities, and territories that are on the front lines battling the crisis.
Additionally, I have:
Resources
Our office has a comprehensive Coronavirus Information Website to share up-to-date information and resources that may be helpful to you and your family during the coronavirus pandemic. Please visit https://davidscott.house.gov/coronavirus regularly for information on emergency paid family leave, unemployment insurance benefits, federal student loan relief, the IRS tax filing extension, the 2020 Census and more. You may also visit the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health websites for the latest information on COVID-19 guidelines and cases in Georgia.
Food Assistance
To locate a food pantry near you, visit the Atlanta Community Food Bank - Food Pantry Map Locator or text “FINDFOOD to1-888-976-2232. Families may also pick up meals for children under the age of 18 or for youth with special needs under the age of 21, at one of our local school system’s meal distribution sites. Children must be present in order for meals to be provided.
Please stay well and call on me if you need assistance.
Sincerely,
David Scott
Member of Congress
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