Alaskans,
As we continue working as a nation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, prevent infection, and develop treatments, I wanted to update you on our work in Congress on this very important issue. Much has happened since last week's newsletter, and I hope you will share these very updates with your family, friends, and others in your community. This pandemic is uncharted territory for our state, nation, and the international community. As always, should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me via phone or email. Stay safe, Alaska!
Critical Relief for Alaska's Airports
Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and I recently announced that over $124 million in federal COVID-19 relief created by the CARES Act has been awarded to 257 Alaskan airports by the Department of Transportation. Alaska's geography is unlike that of any other state, and our aviation sector is vital to accessing our rural communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the transportation of medical supplies particularly important by putting our airports front and center in getting Alaskans the support they need to weather this crisis. To learn more about these critical grants, click here.
Empowering Alaska's Credit Unions to Help Businesses
Congresswoman Deb Haaland, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, and I led 62 of our House colleagues on a letter to House leadership urging the removal of restrictions on credit unions preventing them from fully serving small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses need relief, and our nation's credit unions should be permitted to serve as a resource to them in these uncertain times. Removing burdensome restrictions allow our credit unions to provide the support that small businesses need to thrive. Click here to read our full letter.
Getting America Back to Work
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for families and businesses, but we're weathering this storm together and will eventually get through it. Once it's safe to do so, we must re-open the economy and ensure it's firing on all cylinders. I applaud President Trump for assembling a bipartisan team to ensure that we're ready to hit the ground running. I'm happy to see so many familiar faces on President Trump's Opening Up America Again Congressional Group; they represent communities and states across our nation, and their expertise is greatly needed right now. When the time comes, we'll need to make sure that our economy – from our supply chain to our workforce and business owners – is ready to come back stronger than ever. Click here to read more about the bipartisan Opening Up America Again Congressional Group.
Defending Alaska Native Corporations Amid COVID-19
Recently, Alaska Native Corporations have come under attack, with unfair mischaracterizations leveled at them by people who simply do not understand our state's unique history.
When the CDC told Americans to wash their hands, we pointed out there are still many communities in Alaska that do not have running water. Practice social distancing? Impossible given overcrowded housing in many villages. Online classes? Tough when the only place in the community with internet access is the currently closed school. Alaska is simply different and we typically take stereotypes in stride, but the recent attacks on Alaska Native Corporations demand a response.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and I wrote an op-ed in defense of Alaska Natives. Click here to read our full piece in the Anchorage Daily News.
National Hotline Numbers
This pandemic has changed the way we live our lives, but we all must remember that physical isolation doesn't have to mean social isolation. If you're feeling depressed, alone, or in danger, help is just a phone call away. Please share these resources with those who may need them.
Sincerely,
Don Young
Congressman for All Alaska
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