Hi John,

I hope you are healthy and well. I wanted to send over a quick email to recap some of the details of the COVID-19 stimulus package that appears headed toward a vote in the House after unanimous passage in the Senate.

There will be direct payments to individuals. Couples will be eligible to receive $2,400 and individuals will be eligible for $1,200, plus $500 per child -- though these payments do phase out based on income.
Student loan payments will be suspended without penalty through September 30th, 2020.
Unemployment benefits will give jobless workers an extra $600 a week for four months, on top of whatever their state benefits already allocate.
There will also be a new pandemic unemployment assistance program which will provide benefits to gig workers or contractors who aren’t typically covered by unemployment insurance.
Billions of dollars directed to help hospitals to ensure they can take care of everyone who needs help.
Protections from evictions and foreclosures.
More funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which helps supply food banks.

These are important benefits that the American people need. I promise I am doing whatever is in my power to make sure this legislation passes quickly, and those who need help get it.

These are challenging times, John. But oftentimes it’s on the darkest days that we see the light. Through these tough times, we can see the light of everyday Americans who are doing their part to stay home and flatten the curve. We can see the light of our medical professionals who venture daily onto the frontlines of this crisis to help save lives. We can see the light of our grocery, food, and service workers who keep the essential gears of our nation turning.

There are likely to be more tough days ahead, but together I know we can get through this. And I truly hope that Congressional action like this stimulus will be able to make the road a little easier.

Yours,
Rep. Matt Cartwright