View this email in your browser ([link removed])


**

Happy Thursday, Fellow Democrats!

To our Muslim Friends, Ramadan Mubarak to all those observing!


------------------------------------------------------------


** DEMOCRATIC HEADQUARTERS CLOSED
------------------------------------------------------------


**
------------------------------------------------------------


** Our office is still officially closed to everyone. We will be checking for phone messages and mail only twice a week. If you are in need of anything, please do not come to the office. Instead you can email Stacey at

Any and all in-person Democratic meetings that were previously scheduled are canceled.

We hope you are all staying healthy and safe. Please note that all Covid-19 resources are at the end of the newsletter.


------------------------------------------------------------


** REGISTER TO VOTE FOR DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES FROM CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 8

------------------------------------------------------------


** As you know, it is very uncertain that the Democratic Party will be holding the National Convention in Milwaukee in August as planned. It is not yet clear how the nomination process will be worked out. However, The FDP has engaged a professional online voting company, YesElections, to provide electronic voting for district-level delegate elections. You can be involved by voting for YOUR delegates that will represent Congressional District 8 with this voting service. Congressional District 8 includes Indian River County, Brevard County, and a bit of Orange County.

Here's the process:

1.If you are a registered Democrat, you will need to request a ballot via e-mail by no later than Wednesday, May 13th. Click this hotlink to request a ballot:
[link removed]

2. You will then receive an e-mail on May 14th with a hotlink and a unique code to enter to access your ballot electronically.

3. Voting occurs only between May 14th beginning at 2pm and closing on Saturday, May 16th at 2pm.

Candidates for delegates include folks from Brevard and Indian River counties.


------------------------------------------------------------


** LET FLORIDA VOTE!
VIRTUAL VOTING RIGHTS HOUSE PARTY
------------------------------------------------------------


**
Join the ACLU for their first statewide virtual house party on voting rights TONIGHT at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.

During the online event, the ACLU will discuss how you can advance one of our most fundamental rights – the right to vote – in your community. In addition, they will provide a brief update on Amendment 4 and what we're doing to challenge the discriminatory law, SB7066, that blocks hundreds of thousands of Floridians from voting. Finally, they will also discuss how the COVID-19 public health crisis is informing our local advocacy.
To register, go to: [link removed]

ZOOM webinar details will be provided upon registration.

------------------------------------------------------------


**
------------------------------------------------------------


** SIGN THE PETITION: LET FLORIDA VOTE
------------------------------------------------------------
Voting access in Florida is inequitable and inconsistent. How easy it is for a citizen to vote, and have their vote counted, has largely depended on their age, race, zip code and how much free time they have.
Take action: Sign the ACLU petition to tell your local Supervisor of Elections to make voting more accessible to all eligible Florida voters.

[link removed]



DWC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

For the 32^nd year, the Democratic Women’s Club of Indian River County has presented $1,000 scholarships to impressive seniors attending the county’s public high schools.

This year, four young women were selected based on excellence in academics, involvement in school activities, dedication to community service, and commitment to Democratic principles.

Honored were Anika Heuberger of Vero Beach High School, Dakota Helgeson of Vero Beach High, Keiona Matthews of Sebastian River High School, and Zoe Palmer of Sebastian River High.

By the way, Anika interned with the Democrats of Indian River last summer.

Congratulations to these outstanding young women!


SCAM ALERT: COVID-19 ROBOCALLS

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a Consumer Alert warning citizens about an increase in COVID-19 related robocalls. Even before the crisis, robocalls were a continuing problem for many of us. Now that more people are working remotely and responding to an increasing volume of phone calls, some may find it difficult to ignore unknown numbers.

There are recent reports of robocalls that offer everything from COVID-19 treatments and cures to work-from-home schemes. Robocalls often claim that pressing a number will direct the recipient of the call to a live operator or even remove the recipient from the caller’s robocall list. However, pressing any button on the phone will likely lead to more robocalls.

Tips to avoid COVID-19 robocall scams include:

Do not trust Caller ID displays. Spoofing technology allows scammers to change phone displays to impersonate government agencies;
Ignore robocalls, especially recordings offering vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are trying to sell products not proven to treat or prevent COVID-19; Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before taking action or passing along any messages, check it out with trusted sources; and Consider using a call blocking app or device.

Additionally, Floridians should be on the lookout for robocalls or any other messages attempting to exploit COVID-19 stimulus payments, as direct deposits are being made now.

Floridians who already provided banking information to the IRS by virtue of filing their 2018 taxes, have now begun to receive direct deposits and do not need to take action. The IRS will follow up by mailing confirmation notices to beneficiaries within a few weeks after payments are made. Anyone who receives a notice, but does not receive a payment, should contact the IRS immediately.

The IRS will not initiate contact with anyone by email, phone call, text messages or social media to request personal or financial information. The IRS emphasizes that there is no sign-up requirement to receive a payment. You may track your Economic Impact Payment online at IRS.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.

Consumers are encouraged to contact phone providers about available call-blocking options. Floridians can report robocalls to the Federal Trade Commission online at FTC.gov/complaint.


NEW VOTE BY MAIL TOOL

If you have not registered to vote by mail, the Florida Democratic Party has created a new Vote By Mail page that is easy to use and walks you through the steps. You can access it at: fl.dems.vote/mail ([link removed])

If you aren’t registered to vote yet, you can register at [link removed]



INDIAN RIVER LAGOON RESTORATION

Brevard County recently completed three projects to help improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). The projects included installing ditch bottom denitrification bioreactors, which treats stormwater and removes pollutants before it enters the IRL.

These projects are located at County Line Ditch Road in Oak Hill, Carter Road in Mims, and Fleming Grant Road in Grant. The projects are expected to collectively remove 1,863 pounds of Total Nitrogen and 282.2 pounds of Total Phosphorus per year from entering the Indian River Lagoon.

Funding was provided by Florida Legislature Appropriations, Brevard County’s Natural Resources Management Department Stormwater Program, and the Save Our Indian River Lagoon half-cent Sales Tax.

The Indian River Lagoon is a unique and precious resource and I am committed to improving the health of the Indian River Lagoon with the right policies in place to support a comprehensive restoration plan with long-term funding sources. The completion of these projects mark another step toward restoring our treasured waterway.


PRECINCT ACTION COMMITTEE NEWS – WHAT’S HAPPENING?

The Precinct Action Committee (PAC) meets weekly via Zoom to strategize and plan the various ways we can reach out to all IRC Democrats. Encouraging Democrats to enroll with the Supervisor of Elections to VOTE BY MAIL remains our number one priority.

Precinct Captains have been working hard on mailing out pre-filled Vote By Mail forms to Democrats in their Precinct. Last week, they all took part in Virtual Phone Bank training.

Starting this week, we began training the volunteers who stepped forward to help with phone banking, starting first in their precincts. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to participate in the training. We greatly appreciate you!

We have identified approximately 4,300 Indian River County Democrats who are not currently registered to vote by mail to call. The good news is that phone calls to our local Democrats have begun!

If you are interested in helping with this important work, contact the office:


VIRTUAL PHONE BANKING VOLUNTEERS
As mentioned above, we have begun making phone calls to encourage fellow Democrats to vote by mail. Many of you have stepped up and offered to help with this monumental task. If you are interested in phone banking, please email Stacey at:



FOREIGN LANGUAGE SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR PHONE BANKING

As we begin making calls to fellow Indian River County Democrats, we are in need of any foreign speaking (Korean, Creole, Spanish, etc.) volunteers who are willing to help. If you are interested, please email Stacey at


DEMOCRATIC CLUB UPDATE

Stay Safe...Stay Connected...Stay Energized

The Club will not have a general membership meeting in May and will decide on future meetings on a month-by-month basis. If anyone has any questions, comments, or suggestions about meeting speakers or presentations, you can email Claudia Martino or call her at 954-290-5661.

Club members may be contacted by their precinct captains in the next couple of weeks to share opportunities to volunteer in their neighborhoods, like virtual phone banking that can be done from home. Please keep checking Facebook and your emails for updates on events and other GOTV activities you can do from home. If you know anyone who is not receiving these emails or the weekly Democrats of Indian River newsletter, you can contact Claudia.


JOE BIDEN UPDATE

“We are living through a battle for the soul of this nation”.

We do not currently have any Joe Biden gear at our office. However, we are working with a supplier and hope to have yard signs, bumper stickers and buttons in the near future. Stay tuned!




DEMOCRATIC FACE MASKS

We do have Democratic Facemasks for sale! They are being sold for $10. Lovingly made by a fellow Democrat, we expect them to sell quickly. Contact our office if you want one at: [email protected]





STAY UP-TO-DATE ON OUR DEMOCRATIC NEWS

Don’t forget to stay up-to-date with our Democrats of Indian River news on our Facebook page at: [link removed]
Please be sure to both “Like” us and “Follow” us!

The Democratic Women’s Club of Indian River also has a Facebook page: [link removed]

The Florida Young Democrats of Indian River are on Facebook, too! Their link is: [link removed]

Finally, you can also visit our website for calendar events and blogposts from our local Communications Committee and the Florida Democratic Party at: www.democratsofindianriver.org ([link removed])




** FLORIDIANS WORRY ABOUT WATER QUALITY – WILLING TO PAY TO FIX IT
------------------------------------------------------------

As of today, Governor DeSantis has yet to sign the Clean Waterways Act that was passed by the 2020 Legislature. Ideally, as outlined in the Clean Water Coalition letter to the Governor he will make the signing a true celebration by accompanying the bill with the funding necessary to fully implement and make the legislation effective.

CWC continues to advocate for the Governor to incrementally restore Water Management Districts millage rates by executive order to generate adequate funding for local governments to build water quality improvement projects. Their proposal would generate approximately $160 million a year. For the median priced home – valued at $237,000, the rate increase would only cost about $1.56 per month for homestead property.

To test public attitudes about the proposed Water Management District rate increase, the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County, together with the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition hired Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to conduct a statewide poll of Floridians views on the quality of Florida’s waterways. As identified in the Executive Summary ([link removed]) from the FAU report, most people are prepared to pay higher fees for projects to cleanup Florida waterways. “Overall 62% of Floridians are willing to pay $2 per month to help pay for projects to clean up our waterways”.



COVID-19 RESOURCES


COVID-19 DATA TRACKER

To stay up-to-date on the cases of Covid-19 in Indian River County and the State of Florida, click on the link below. Updates are put up every day at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

[link removed]


AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM ALERT INDIAN RIVER

Indian River County currently has 90 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 7 deaths. The county knows you may have questions so they have activated the Emergency Information Center. Operators are standing by to assist with your questions. Please dial 772-226-4000. The Emergency Information Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week.




COVID-19 STATE RESOURCES

FEDERAL ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS – UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION AND CHECK YOUR STATUS

[link removed] ([link removed])

FLORIDA COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS AND INDIVIDUALS

[link removed] ([link removed])

FLORIDA REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE BENEFITS FAQ

[link removed] ([link removed])

FEDERAL DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

In order to qualify for this benefit your employment or self-employment must have been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United States. You must have been determined not otherwise eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits (under any state or Federal law).

[link removed] ([link removed])

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19): SMALL BUSINESS GUIDANCE & LOAN RESOURCES

[link removed] ([link removed])

ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN EMERGENCY ADVANCE

This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance funds will be made available within days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.

[link removed] ([link removed])

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.
SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
The following entities affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) may be eligible:
* Any small business concern that meets SBA’s size standards (either the industry based sized standard or the alternative size standard)
* Any business, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, 501(c)(19) veterans organization, or Tribal business concern (sec. 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act) with the greater of:
+ 500 employees, or
+ That meets the SBA industry size standard if more than 500

* Any business with a NAICS Code that begins with 72 (Accommodations and Food Services) that has more than one physical location and employs less than 500 per location
* Sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed persons


[link removed]

PPP INTERIM FINAL RULE - ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN PLEDGES OF LOANS (Effective April 14, 2020)

[link removed] ([link removed])


RE-EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
FloridaJobs.org ([link removed])

PRICE-GOUGING HOTLINE
MyFloridaLegal.com ([link removed])

CORONAVIRUS TAX RELIEF
Irs.gov/coronavirus ([link removed])

SCHOOL CLOSURES UPDATE & EDUCATION RESOURCES
Fldoe.org/em-response/ ([link removed])

FREE MEALS FOR KIDS & TEENS
Summerbreakspot.freshfromflorida.com ([link removed])

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 DATA DASHBOARD
www.tinyurl.com/COVID-19-Florida-Data ([link removed])

GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS
FLGov.com/2020-executive-orders ([link removed])

REBATE CHECKS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
[link removed]

REBATE CHECK FAQ’S FROM IRS
[link removed]

SMALL BUSINESS LOANS INFORMATION
[link removed]

FLORIDA REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) recently announced a new, mobile-friendly online application for Reemployment Assistance available at FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication.

“The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is committed to ensuring Floridians are able to receive the benefits owed to them during this global pandemic,” said Ken Lawson, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “The team is working around the clock to make the process for applying for Reemployment Assistance as easy as possible for Floridians.”

Those who have not filed a Reemployment Assistance claim should complete their application online or submit a paper application which is available for download here. All applicants will need to complete the following steps:

Step 1: Collect the following documents & information:
Social Security number
Driver’s License or State ID number
Employment information for the last 18 months for each employer
Employer ID - FEIN number (this is found on your W2 or 1099 tax form)
Employer name (name on pay stub), address, and phone number
First and last day of work
Gross earnings (before taxes are taken out) covering the last 18 months
Reason for separation

Step 2: Submit your Reemployment Assistance application online or by mail. CareerSource locations are available to assist with completing and submitting online applications. They are also providing paper applications at all CareerSource Centers. FedEx locations are also offering the option to print and mail applications for Reemployment Assistance free of charge.

Step 3: Receive your Reemployment Assistance application confirmation. If you mail your Reemployment Assistance application to DEO, a representative will contact you after your application is processed. A written determination will be provided electronically and/or by mail to explain if you are monetarily eligible, and if you are, what your weekly benefit amount will be.


CLEVELAND CLINIC COVID-19 UPDATE
Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital continues to perform drive-through testing for COVID-19, by appointment only. To receive an appointment, individuals who believe they may have symptoms of COVID-19 must first call (772) 226-4846.

Drive-through testing is located in the employee parking lot on the northwest side of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has been designated for drive-through testing and entrances from 36th Street and Dr. Hugh McCrystal Drive are clearly marked. Testing is taking place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week.

While the Cleveland Clinic has adequate supplies and medical equipment, they are asking for the community to help source the following supplies to be even better prepared for any potential surge in patients:
N95 Masks
Surgical masks
Isolation gowns
Eye protection
Face shields
Gloves (NO latex)
Hand sanitizer
Disinfecting wipes

Donations may be dropped off curb-side at Cleveland Clinic Indian River 1000 36th Street, Vero Beach.



SALVATION ARMY SENIOR RESOURCE



** In response to Covid-19, the Salvation Army will offer additional food services for seniors and high risk individuals.

Individuals can call the Salvation Army at 772-978-0265 Ext. 101 during Food Pantry hours (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9-12 & 1-3) and request a “No Contact Pick Up.” Callers can provide their information over the phone and the Salvation Army will load their car without the recipient getting out.
------------------------------------------------------------


**

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

The Covid-19 Virus outbreak is stressful for so many of us. If you need some resources to manage that stress, here are a couple of options:
The CDC has a website:
[link removed]

Locally, the Mental Health Association Walk-In & Counseling Center continues to remain open during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. for same-day mental health screenings, crisis intervention, emergency visits, and new patient evaluations. They have adopted using telehealth for follow-up therapy for current patients and psychiatric medication refills. They will also be available by phone at 772-569-9788 for triages. Current patients who are sick or have a fever need to stay home and MHA will treat them via the telehealth services described above.



------------------------------------------------------------


**
------------------------------------------------------------


**

------------------------------------------------------------


** That’s all folks! Stay healthy! Stay home!
------------------------------------------------------------

============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
Copyright © 2020 Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County, All rights reserved.
You expressed interest in receiving information about the Democrats of Indian River County.

Our mailing address is:
Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County
2345 14th Ave.
Suite 7
Vero Beach, FL 32960
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
[link removed]