May 19, 2020

Dear John,

I recently helped to pass the Heroes Act to help deliver real relief to North Texas communities, workers and frontline heroes. I voted for this bipartisan bill because it takes much-needed steps to address this continued public health crisis.

The Heroes Act makes a significant investment to increase COVID-19 testing, tracing and treatment. It provides substantial financial support to state and local governments so we can ensure they can keep folks employed and protect essential services. 

It provides economic relief to Americans with another round of direct payments. The bill also includes more payroll protections, extends unemployment benefits, strengthens safety rules for frontline workers and extends relief in the Payroll Protection Program at the Small Business Administration. We included help for those at risk of losing their employer-provided health insurance by fully subsidizing the cost of their COBRA coverage and furloughed workers’ premiums.

We must support our most vulnerable veterans, so I was also pleased the Heroes Act included my Aid and Attendance Support Act. The bill will increase by 25 percent the amount paid to disabled veterans to assist with their daily activities to help cover new COVID-19 related expenses for 60 days, including purchasing personal protective equipment for veterans and their caregivers. 

Finally, the bill provides $25 billion to preserve the work of the Postal Service, which plays a key role in supporting our economy. 

There is more work to do. During this difficult time, Congress must work together to deliver real relief for folks struggling with the financial burdens brought on by the pandemic. The passage of the Heroes Act is a step in the right direction. The American people are counting on us, and I urge the Senate to come to the table and deliver a relief package for the American people. 

For a directory of helpful coronavirus resources please visit: https://allred.house.gov/coronavirus or give my Richardson office a call at (972) 972-7949.

Sincerely,

Colin Allred
Member of Congress