Dear Jack,

I hope you and your family are doing well during these tough times. I'm sending weekly Bulletins so that you have all the latest updates you need.

Rebuild VA Update

Rebuild Virginia, the $70 million small business grant program launched by Virginia last month, is expanding its eligibility criteria. Businesses that previously received funds from the CARES Act, and supply chain partners of businesses who had their operations interrupted by COVID, are now eligible for these $10,000 grants. You can read more and apply here.

Rent Relief

In June, Governor Northam launched the expansion of the Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP) with $50 million of federal CARES ACT money to help households facing eviction and foreclosure due to COVID-19. Last week, the Governor announced that this program would now be extended to landlords, who can now apply directly for relief for rent payments that are current or past due. If you are a landlord who wants to apply for this assistance, you can apply here. If you are a tenant who wants to apply for assistance, you can apply here.

Governor Northam

On Friday, Governor Ralph Northam and his wife First Lady Pam Northam both tested positive for COVID-19. Governor Northam is asymptomatic, and the First Lady is experiencing mild symptoms. We wish both the Governor and the First Lady a speedy recovery. Let this be a reminder to all of us that this pandemic is not over, and we need to continue to take proper precautions like wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands frequently.

Coronavirus Numbers (9/27)

As always, please reach out to my office if you need any assistance. My Senate email address is [email protected] and my in-district phone number is (571) 367-9080. I hope you and your family are able to stay safe and healthy during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Senator John J. Bell