Coronavirus Update

Today, Governor Holcomb issued a Stay-At-Home Order for Indiana effective Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The order ends on Monday, April 6, at 11:59 p.m. ET, but could be extended if necessary. It's important that all Hoosiers do their part to help stop the spread of the virus. Learn more about what activities are permitted here.

In the Senate, we are still hard at work on the third phase of the coronavirus economic relief legislation. I am disappointed that Democrats continue to block this critical relief for Hoosiers. I’m going to continue doing everything in my power to ensure Indiana’s voice is heard, and make certain our state has the resources needed to get people’s lives back to normal as soon as possible. 

Click HERE to watch part of my speech on the Senate floor this afternoon. 

Below is a breakdown of the work being done at the federal level to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, and protect our families, workers, and small businesses:

PHASE 1:

On March 5, the Senate took swift, decisive action to provide Americans with a 7.7 billion dollar emergency funding package to help prepare and respond to the health effects of the virus. This includes:

• Approximately $4 billion for medical supplies; research and development of vaccines, treatments; diagnostic tests; and support preparedness for hospitals and health systems.
• $2.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  • $1 billion for state and local governments.
  • $300 million for HHS to respond quickly to threats like coronavirus.
  • $300 million to continue CDC’s support for global health security, which improves public health systems around the world so that diseases can be contained sooner.
• The package also allows Medicare to lift telehealth restrictions so our seniors will be able to receive care at home to avoid contracting the virus and allow health systems to mitigate transmission of the virus. 

PHASE 2: 

On March 18, the Senate voted to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which is now law. This package provides relief to families, workers, and businesses affected by the coronavirus, including providing free testing, food aid, and unemployment assistance.

Food Assistance

• Provides funding for nutrition assistance programs, including:
  • 500 million for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
  • $400 million for the emergency food assistance program to help states and food banks distribute food for low-income people through local agencies.
  • $250 million for nutrition programs for seniors, including home-delivered meals.
• Allows states to provide additional, temporary SNAP benefits to families with children whose schools have closed due to the public health emergency.
• Permits certain school meal program requirements to be waived to ensure food is provided despite school closures.
• Waives federal SNAP work requirements temporarily.

Sick and Emergency Leave

• Creates emergency paid sick leave for eligible employees who are sick or quarantined; as well as for caregivers of quarantined family members or children.
• Full-time workers will be guaranteed 80 hours of paid leave, prorated for part-time workers. Payments will be capped at $511/day for sick employees, or at two-thirds of pay for those caring for family members capped at $200/day.
• Provides temporary paid family leave for an additional 10 weeks to care for children whose school or daycare facility has closed due to the health emergency.
• Payments will equal two-thirds pay with a cap at $200/day.
  Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees may apply for hardship exemptions.
• Provides refundable payroll tax credits for employers to offset payments for sick leave and family leave requirements.

Fighting Coronavirus

• Requires private and public health plans to provide full coverage for COVID-19 visits and testing.
• Provides $1 billion to the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to allow for COVID-19 testing for the uninsured.
• Gives states additional emergency federal medical assistance.
• Provides liability protection to certain personal respiratory protective device manufacturers to increase the production of devices in high demand. 

PHASE 3: 

On March 19, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell unveiled a phase 3 relief package, also known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act, which we are currently debating. This package is aimed at helping small businesses, providing assistance for those who are out of work or might otherwise be put out of work, and adding additional health care assistance for communities. See here and here. 

Hoosiers are hurting, and we must offer relief so that our small businesses can keep their doors open and pay their employees. I remain hopeful that Congress will come to an agreement and pass this legislation in the coming days.

Resources for Hoosiers: 

Indiana has established a toll-free number for Hoosiers to call with questions about the coronavirus: (877) 826-0011. If you are calling with general questions about coronavirus, please press 1; if you are a healthcare provider, please press 2.

For additional resources available to Hoosiers, please visit my website: young.senate.gov or one of the below government agencies.

Notable Coverage on Coronavirus 

I’ve been speaking with Hoosiers across the state about resources available to help stem the spread and economic impact of the virus. See below for a sampling of news clips.

Social Media Recap: 

Join me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for regular updates. 

Thank you for the continued privilege to serve you in the U.S. Senate. My mission is to fight on behalf of Hoosiers and the interests that are unique to our state. I look forward to working with you, and sharing our progress, in the days ahead. 

In Service,