Teletown Hall:
In case you missed it,
click on the link in the image below to listen to last week’s
teletown hall focused on unemployment benefits available to Alaskan
workers.
Update from
Washington, DC:
Just days ago Congress passed, and the
President signed into law a coronavirus relief package totaling $484
billion, which provides additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), COVID-19 testing, and added
support for hospitals.
As the
pandemic evolves, this funding will further support programs that were
previously authorized and funded from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security (CARES) Act. The additional funding provided for the
Paycheck Protection Program, as well as for a disaster loan program, will
help our small businesses weather the storm. The extra funding for
hospitals, healthcare providers, and COVID-19 testing will ensure our
healthcare professionals on the frontlines have the resources they need,
and the extra funds for COVID-19 testing will be critical to reducing
the spread of this virus. Learn more about the recent coronavirus
relief bill including previous federal efforts by clicking here.
Resources:
Congress
has been working swiftly to provide immediate relief to Alaskans and
Americans across the country who are being impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic, this includes direct financial support. Over $158 billion
Economic Impact Payments have already been delivered to individuals and
families across the nation, with more on their way soon. If you have any
questions on eligibility, the status of your payment, or have issues
with the Economic Impact Payment process, you can visit the IRS
“Get My Payment” page by clicking the button below. You can also
visit my website for additional resources and
answers to frequently asked questions.
Connecting with
Alaskan Students:
Alaskan students—whether you
are in elementary, middle, high school, or college—I know this
has been a strange end to your school year. Transitioning from classes
with your friends to online school from home overnight is a challenge
for all, and I know you have many questions. So, in the absence of
being able to visit you in school, I’m utilizing different ways to
connect and provide current information to your questions. Click here to send me your concerns or to ask a question.
Click the image below for my response to a high school student in
Ketchikan who asked what can be done to alleviate the economic impact to
Alaskan communities that are so heavily reliant on tourism.
Celebrating a Major
Milestone:
This past week we welcomed the arrival of the first
two (of what eventually will be fifty-four) F-35A Joint Strike
Fighter aircraft to Eielson Air Force Base. The arrival of the first F-35s
is truly exciting for our military, Interior Alaska, and for our state
as a whole. The importance these squadrons of F-35s will play in our
national defense, while also providing our airmen with incredible,
real-world training is unparalleled. With these extraordinary aircraft now
calling Eielson Air Force Base home, we further strengthen our
nation’s defense capabilities and ensure we are utilizing
Alaska’s geo-strategic location. These fifth-generation fighters give us
critical advantages over our adversaries and will better safeguard our
nation. This is an extraordinary milestone for Alaska and the Arctic
Region. This has been a long time effort by the Alaska Congressional
Delegation, the Fairbanks Tiger Team, and the military, and I congratulate
everyone who played a part in making this a reality.
In the News:
