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A Message from Gabe:
Greetings Rhode Islanders,
The digital era has transformed the way we live, learn, and connect. From education to employment, healthcare to civic engagement, affordable, equitable access to the internet is essential.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a landmark initiative enacted as a critical component of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, stands at the forefront of our efforts to address this challenge. The ACP offers a lifeline to qualifying households by providing a monthly discount of up to $30 on internet bills, in addition to a one-time discount of up to $100 for purchasing a digital device (such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer).
Since the inception of the ACP, over 23 million households nationwide have availed themselves of this opportunity, bringing significant savings and improved connectivity. In our own First Congressional District, this initiative has transformed the lives of more than 46,500 households, translating into an annual saving of approximately $24.2 million. But the ACP is facing an impending deadline after April 2024 when the program is at risk of depleting its funds.
That's why I cosponsored H.R. 6929, the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act to infuse an additional $7 billion into the ACP. These critical funds would ensure the programs continuation and the sustained accessibility of affordable internet services service for the Rhode Islanders who depend on it.
Together, we can bridge the digital divide and foster a future where all have internet accessibility.
| Sincerely, |
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| Gabe Amo |
| Member of Congress |
Do You Support Congress Extending the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Supporting Local Businesses Impacted by the Washington Bridge Closure
I know that many Rhode Island businesses are struggling to access federal assistance. Small businesses have faced workforce and supply chains challenges, which have made it difficult for owners and entrepreneurs to keep their doors open.
That is why this week I joined our Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representative Seth Magaziner in urging the Small Business Administration (SBA) expeditiously review applications submitted for economic assistance by local businesses impacted by the Washington Bridge closure. We requested the SBA provide regular updates on its efforts to deliver federal relief to local businesses.
Following the sudden closure of the Washington Bridge, our delegation asked the SBA promptly review our state's disaster assistance request. A week later, Administrator Guzman approved low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to ensure impacted small businesses could access low-cost financing they may need to stay afloat during this crisis.
You may be eligible for an SBA EIDL if you have suffered substantial economic injury. To seek assistance, you should consider applying online:
www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Please contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center if you have any questions.
Phone: 800-659-2955
Email: [email protected]
Connecting Rhode Island & Washington
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To help flood-stricken residents and communities that were damaged by major flooding our Congressional delegation pushed for a federal disaster declaration to provide relief. I applaud President Biden for listening to our calls.
FEMA recently announced that federal disaster assistance is available to our state for recovery efforts for individuals affected by severe storms and flooding on January 9-13 of this year in Kent, Newport, Providence, and Washington counties.
Federal funds are also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures across our state.
Individuals and business owners in the designated areas seeking assistance can begin applying for support by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App.
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For most taxpayers, the deadline to file their personal federal tax return, pay any tax owed or request an extension to file is Monday, April 15, 2024.
As the deadline for taxes nears, the IRS encourages taxpayers to remember that they can still submit their federal income tax returns online and opt for direct deposit.
Submitting taxes online minimizes errors because the tax software handles the calculations, highlights typical mistakes, and signals when information is missing. The majority of individuals are eligible to file electronically for free, and choosing direct deposit means they could get their refund in as few as 21 days.
Need help with your taxes? Our office has compiled resources to help you with your taxes!
Click here for information in English.
Para obtener mas informacion sobre los impuestos, haga clic aqui.
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President Biden Announces Nearly $6 Billion in Student Debt Relief
This week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program that will provide student debt relief for an additional 78,000 public servants - including educators, healthcare workers, and emergency responders. These public servants have dedicated their professional careers to serving their communities, but due to mismanagement in the past, they were denied the debt relief they deserved.
Since taking office, President Biden has made it his mission to overhaul the federal student loan system, ensuring that higher education serves as a gateway to the middle class rather than an obstacle to opportunity.
This announcement increases Pell Grants to help working-class families, ensures long-term borrowers receive the relief they are due, and introduces the most beneficial Income-Driven Repayment scheme to date: the SAVE plan.
The plans announced today, together with the Administration's past actions, will:
If you are a public servant seeking assistance or forgiveness, borrowers are encouraged to apply at studentaid.gov.
Connecting with Rhode Islanders
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Great to join former Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty's Ethics and Public Life class at Johnson & Wales University to discuss my experience in public service. As we work to preserve our democracy, it's important to dig deep and strengthen the values we share.
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Spent time at Mount Saint Charles Academy with students and educators as they celebrate their 100th year! It was also a highlight to meet with students in the Active Minds chapter, who are leading peer support on mental health.
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Spent time with the journalist team of Wicked Good News, a production of North Smithfield High School students. We talked about politics and government, Rhode Island restaurants, and how to get involved!
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Had an engaging fireside chat with Amica to discuss working on teams to serve others - in my case, working for Rhode Islanders in Congress. Leaders growing in companies like Amica make our state strong, and I will do my part to make sure they succeed.
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Spent the afternoon speaking with students at Dr. Edward Ricci Middle School about serving Rhode Island in Washington. I got some tough and thoughtful questions - and I left impressed by how informed these 7th and 8th graders are!
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Happy 100th anniversary, Angelo's Restaurant!
Great to chat with constituents about my work in Congress with a packed house in a 4th-generation family owned Federal Hill restaurant!
I left with a full heart & a full belly!
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My Rhode Island and American story is not possible without the sacrifices of so many -especially those of our veterans.
I am proud of the work of the RI Fire Chiefs Honor Flight team to celebrate our veterans' contributions to protecting our democracy and our world.
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It was an honor to visit the Naval War College! Newport has historically been an essential part of our Navy's leadership in promoting global security, and continues to do so today.
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If you need help with personal casework:
Contact the district office in Pawtucket:
1070 Main Street, Suite 300
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Phone: (401) 729-5600
Fax: (401) 729-5608
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If you need help with legislative issues:
Contact the Washington, D.C. office:
2233 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4911
Fax: (202) 225-3290
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