Dear Alaskans,
Our state and nation continue fighting the spread of COVID-19. Much has happened this week, and I wanted to update you on developments at the state and federal level that will help keep Alaskans healthy. Emergency legislation known as the CARES Act has passed through Congress and was recently enacted by the President. This legislation takes necessary steps to support Americans through this challenging time. Individuals and families will receive direct cash payments; grants and loans will be available to help our small businesses meet payroll and rent; unemployment insurance will be temporarily expanded, and distressed industries that employ thousands of Americans will receive support. Although this development is welcome news for struggling families, many have questions about how to access these resources. My Coronavirus Resource Center has been updated with answers to frequently asked questions about how to access individual financial support, expanded unemployment insurance, small business resources, and much more. Click here to access this section of my website, and as always, don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.
Governor Dunleavy's COVID-19 Briefing
I recently joined Governor Dunleavy, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink, and Senators Murkowski and Sullivan for the Governor’s COVID-19 briefing. The CARES Act was just signed into law to provide immediate relief from the impacts of COVID-19, and this briefing was a good opportunity for our Delegation to let Alaskans know what they can expect from the bill. The CARES Act was an important step forward to address the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19. Individuals and families will receive urgently needed direct cash payments, and unemployment insurance will be temporarily expanded. Additionally, there are resources available for small businesses and our Native communities. Click here for a recap of the briefing and to learn more.
Millions in Federal COVID-19 Relief Headed to Alaska
Alaskans have watched as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases have increased in our state, and it is clear that an all-hands-on-deck approach that includes federal support will be needed to turn the tide in this pandemic. Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and I just announced that over $144 million in emergency federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration is headed to Alaska. From our urban areas to our rural communities, the health and safety of Alaskans continue to be our top concern. The CARES Act was a critical piece of legislation, and the funding it made available is yet another tool Alaska will use to fight COVID-19 and keep families healthy and connected to one another. Click here to learn more about this funding.
The Launch of the Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses
As of Friday, April 3rd, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has officially launched! The PPP provides billions in forgivable loans to help small businesses pay their employees. The loan amounts will be forgiven if the loan is used to cover payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8 week period after the loan is made; and employee and compensation levels are maintained. This is a very valuable resource for Alaska's small businesses and their employees, and I encourage you to learn more and find application instructions here.
Protecting Alaska's Rural Hospitals
I recently joined a bipartisan group of colleagues on a letter to Alex Azar, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), requesting funding prioritization for rural hospitals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Alaska’s geography is unlike that of any other state’s, and our rural hospitals are a lifeline to families in our rural areas and Native communities. Even in normal times, our rural hospitals feel financial strain, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the situation. The passage and enactment of the CARES Act was a significant step in the right direction, and it is critical that our rural hospitals have access to the new funding created by this legislation. Congress has provided HHS with the resources necessary to provide quality, patient-centered health care to our rural communities, and I urge Secretary Azar to ensure our rural providers receive the support they urgently need.
Join Me in Thanking Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a trying time for our state and nation. The real heroes in this crisis are the doctors and medical professionals who are on the front lines working to keep our communities and families safe. In Dr. Anne Zink, Alaskans have a champion for public health, and the tireless round-the-clock efforts of her and her staff have been critical in helping to control the spread of COVID-19. I want Dr. Zink and her staff to know just how grateful Alaskans are for everything they do. I invite all Alaskans to take a brief moment to visit my website to compose and submit a thank you note. In the coming weeks, I will be compiling all of the thank you notes for delivery to Dr. Zink and her team. Click here to join me in thanking this remarkable Alaskan.
Sincerely,
Don Young
Congressman for All Alaska
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