An Update on Tropical Storm Cristobal

National Hurricane Center forecast models continue to show Tropical Storm Cristobal likely making landfall along the Louisiana coast by Sunday night and into Monday morning. We must recognize this storm as a serious threat and prepare accordingly. With the strong possibility of dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, we must stay vigilant and prepare for potential storm damage and flooding. Please continue to monitor local news and follow any advice given by local emergency officials.

Louisiana has a comprehensive emergency preparedness guide. Keeping a printed a copy on hand is helpful. You can find the guide here.

Strengthening the Paycheck Protection Program

On Friday, President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act into law. This bill updates the PPP and helps small businesses get back on their feet and keep millions of Americans on the payroll.

The new legislation extends the forgiveness period to 24 weeks, replaces the 75/25 rule that requires 75% of the loan to be used on payroll costs and 25% to be used on mortgage interest, rent, and utilities with a 60/40 rule, allows businesses that receive forgiveness to also receive payroll tax deferment, ensures small businesses won’t be penalized by high unemployment benefits, and more.

Community Updates

• On Friday, Louisiana (except Orleans Parish) entered Phase 2 of economic reopening. Phase 2 will last for at least 21 days. In Phase 2, churches, places of worship and additional businesses will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity with social distancing, masks for public-facing employees and increased sanitation. Click here for a list of businesses that can reopen.
  
  
• This week, I hosted a conference call on the return of sports with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, NCAA President Mark Emmert, PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan, and NASCAR President Steve Phelps. Click here to watch my interview with Fox 8 discussing the return of professional sports, and how that can help restore our economy and our sense of community during the challenging time our country is facing right now.
  
  
• Isabelle Camenzuli, a 12-year old resident of Metairie, Louisiana founded Frontline Kites in an effort to honor and thank frontline workers fighting the COVID-19 virus. Isabelle’s mission is to get over 2 million kites in the air worldwide at 12 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2020!
  
  
• Select COVID-19 testing sites will suspend services from Sunday, June 7 to Friday, June 12 due to Tropical Storm Cristobal. The affected testing sites are planned and supported by the Louisiana Army National Guard and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
  
  
• As of June 4, FEMA, HHS, and the private sector combined have coordinated the delivery of, or are currently shipping: 93.0 million N95 respirators, 148.9 million surgical masks, 13.9 million face shields, 37.6 million surgical gowns and over 1 billion gloves.

It is an honor to represent you in Congress. For more information please visit my website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.


God Bless,