December 23, 2020
Senator
Bill Wielechowski
State Capitol, Rm 9
Juneau, AK 99801
800-550-2435
907-465-2435
1500 W Benson #315
Anchorage, AK 99503
907-269-0120
Contact My Staff
Sonja Kawasaki
Chief of Staff
Office: 907-465-2435
Nate Graham
Legislative Aide
Office: 907-269-0120
Leighan Gonzales
Legislative Aide
Contact Alaska's Federal Delegation
Senator Lisa Murkowski
Phone: 907-271-3735
Senator Dan Sullivan
Phone: 907-271-5915
Representative Don Young
Phone: 907-271-5950
Contact the Governor
Governor Dunleavy's Anchorage office may be reached at 269-7450, or e-mail him at [email protected]
Visit the state website
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Dear Friends & Neighbors,
I want to wish you and your families a safe and Happy Holidays! With the winter solstice behind us, our days are getting longer and 2020 is finally coming to an end. Please take a moment to read through my latest newsletter for information about how Congress's recent Covid-19 relief bill can help you and Alaska's vaccine plan.
Covid-19 Relief Stimulus Package
Congress has passed a $900 billion dollar relief package, which includes a $600 stimulus check for each adult whose 2019 income is less than $75,000 as well as $600 for each dependent child. The U.S. Treasury Secretary expects direct deposits of the $600 Economic Impact Payment as soon as next week.
Congress also added additional Unemployment Insurance benefits of $300 through March 14, and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits for those who are self-employed, or gig workers, have been extended by 11 weeks. The federal eviction moratorium has been extended until January 31 and funding for rental assistance programs have been boosted by $25 billion to help people stay in their homes during this economic crisis. SNAP benefits were also increased by $13 billion for 6 months as well as additional funding for Food Banks and Senior nutrition programs nationwide.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans have also seen a major boost, with $284 billion designated to cover a second round of the program to keep businesses afloat.
President Trump has threatened to veto this package and House and Senate Democrats have agreed to increase the amount paid to $2,000. It is unclear if Senate Republicans will support this.
Covid-19 Vaccination Updates
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two Covid-19 vaccines. Thousands of medical professionals statewide have been able to receive their first doses of the new Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. The vaccine supply will be very limited at first, and it will gradually become available to more Alaskans over time. The State of Alaska is using a phased approach to make the Covid-19 vaccine available. For more information please click HERE.
As always please contact my office if you have any questions. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy New Year!
Warmly,
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