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| Dear John, This is a trying time for our community, Commonwealth, and country. We are all being asked to step up in order to mitigate the spread of this pandemic and work our way back towards normalcy. I have been so proud of our community and want you to know that my office is your office and here to serve you. Below, you will find a number of initiatives we've launched to be there for each and every one of you. In This E-Newsletter You Will Find: Important Announcements and Resources — Including our town hall this Friday and faster ways to get information and your questions answered. What We're Working On — Including getting the word out about help for small businesses, pushing for a national testing strategy, and strengthening programs to make sure no one goes hungry. Neighbors Helping Neighbors — Including tips for making and cleaning masks. Need Help? — Including a new PA job portal for companies still operating who are hiring.
Upcoming Town HallAs a former small business leader in the community, I know the concerns that face employers and employees during normal times. This pandemic has put our small businesses under particular strain, and I'm working hard both locally and federally to help small businesses weather this crisis. This Friday, I'm again convening local leaders from the Small Business Administration and SCORE to answer your questions about federal programs, funds available to you, and address any other concerns you may have.
Faster Ways to Get Your Questions AnsweredWe’re receiving about 4,000 calls and emails each week so to make sure we’re able to address the most urgent questions first, we’ve set up three Rapid Response teams. These are led by staff specialists who can provide the most up-to-date information. If you have questions or need help, please use one of the e-mails below:
The Paycheck Protection Program (or “PPP”) is a Small Business Administration emergency loan program created under the CARES Act for businesses impacted by COVID-19. The program provides loans of up to $10 million with a 1% fixed interest rate to employers who maintain their payroll during this emergency. If employers maintain their payroll, the loans may be forgiven. If you have questions about applying, please email [email protected].
The way through this crisis is through a coordinated, national testing strategy that includes both serologic and diagnostic testing. The key to enacting this strategy is a pipeline of qualified personnel able to implement it. I am calling on the Administration to enact this strategy and to develop a public health emergency task force and workforce entrusted with carrying out these measures. We need to act swiftly, now and deliberately. I will do everything I can to protect my community and Commonwealth and all Americans across the country.
Protecting the most vulnerable in our communities has never been more important. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one of the most vital social safety nets for Pennsylvanians. I worked with Senator Casey and members of the PA delegation on a bipartisan basis to advocate for SNAP and shore up any gaps in the program during this pandemic. We believe that SNAP must continue to play a critical role in reducing hunger and poverty throughout the COVID-19 health crisis.
I am inspired by how our community continues to safely be there for one another during this crisis. On my social media, I've been lifting up these stories—follow along on at #InThisTogether. I've also included some helpful guidance on making and cleaning your masks, which will help protect your family and those around you. CDC - Easy Tutorial on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings PA Department of Health - Guidance on Homemade Masks During COVID-19
Looking for a job, but not sure where to go? The PA Department of Labor & Industry just launched a job portal for Pennsylvanians to find life-sustaining businesses that are hiring. See who is hiring immediately here. As always, our website is a resource for you and your family. Whether you are looking for ways to help others, information on filing your taxes, or ideas to keep your children engaged in academics, you'll find what you're looking for at houlahan.house.gov. Or, if you'd rather talk with our staff, give us a call at (202) 225-4315.
We want to hear from you. Please stay in touch and let us know what you thought of this e-newsletter. You can call one of our offices or fill out our contact form. As always, please subscribe to this e-newsletter to keep up with what is happening regarding coronavirus, our many events, and the work we're doing for Pennsylvanians. Feel free to pass this link along to friends of our community as well so they can keep in touch too. We're all in this together. Respectfully,
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