Matt's Weekly Memo -- January 14

Matt's Weekly Memo

Dear John,

Here's what I've been up to this week in Washington and in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Ensuring Accountability for Last Week's Attack on the Capitol

It has been a sad week in Washington as we continue to learn more about the attack on our Capitol and what led to it.

It is clear that the President incited this attack that attempted to stop the peaceful transfer of power. Weeks of unfounded claims of wrongdoing and illegality in this election, encouraging his supporters to converge on the nation's capital on January 6, and an incendiary rally on that day gave way to the attack on the Capitol.

This threat to a core Constitutional process could not go unanswered.

Marion and I are praying for the family of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick and the others who lost their lives or were injured in that day’s violence. We also pray for peace in our nation over the coming week and for relief from the rampaging virus that has been taking shocking numbers of lives every day.

Fighting for Education Funding for NEPA

This week, I had the pleasure of joining Scranton-Lackawanna County Head Start's administrator and a former Head Start parent as I announced that the organization received its final disbursement of a 5-year grant totaling $3,854,123, which they’ll use to continue providing young students with a strong foundation for success later in life.

Congressman Cartwright Meeting with Head Start via Facebook Live

We were not only looking back on all of the good Scranton-Lackawanna Head Start has been able to do over the years with these resources – we’re looking forward to ensuring their vital efforts can continue for years to come. My team and I are proud to be helping them secure a renewal of this grant funding, because education is supposed to give everyone a shot at a better life, and no child should be denied that opportunity. Watch our discussion on Facebook Live here.

PPP Loan Application Open

PPP loan applications are back open for small businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic. Congress has expanded eligibility and made the program more flexible to better meet businesses' unique needs. Visit my website to learn more and apply:

PPP Loan Information

Eligibility: Businesses that (1) have no more than 300 employees, (2) demonstrate a loss of 25 percent of gross receipts in any quarter during 2020 when compared to the same quarter in 2019, and (3) have used the full amount of their first PPP before a second loan is disbursed are eligible for additional loans.

PA Open Enrollment Deadline

Need health insurance? Pennsylvania's health care open enrollment closes tomorrow, Friday, January 15.

To apply, visit the Commonwealth's new insurance marketplace, Pennie. Shop for plans, find financial assistance options and get the coverage you and your family need. Click here to get started now!

PA's COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have been rigorously tested and proven to be safe and effective. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has outlined a process for administering these vaccines. In this first phase, known as 1A, frontline health care workers and long-term care facility residents are eligible.

Information on PA's COVID-19 vaccine distribution

The Department of Health has said they expect to start Phase 1B soon but has not given an exact timeline. My team and I are tracking the reports and will be keeping you up to date on this process. For more information on Pennsylvania’s vaccine distribution, click here.

Stay Connected

As always, we want to keep in touch. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and if you haven't already, share your 2021 priorities with us.

Share your priorities

Sincerely,

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