Dear Friend

It is heartbreaking to see friends, family members, neighbors, and fellow Arkansans continue to struggle with COVID-19.

Those that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are much less likely to get infected, and the small percentage of those that become infected after receiving a vaccine have experienced milder cases of COVID.

I strongly encourage all Arkansans who are not currently vaccinated against COVID-19 to consult with their doctor about getting vaccinated.

The Arkansas Department of Health continues to report an upward trend in cases. The fight against COVID is still not over.

Today, the FDA announced that it has fully approved the Pfizer Vaccine, which is available to Arkansans ages 12 and up, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for adults over 18.

To find a free COVID-19 vaccine near you, visit vaccines.gov, call 1-800-232-0233, or text your zip code to 438829. For more information visit the Arkansas Department of Health website.

KEEPING HARD CASH OUT OF THE HANDS OF THE TALIBAN

Last week, I led a letter to Secretary Yellen to express my deep concerns over the allocation of $650 billion in special drawing rights funds from the IMF – an issue I have been raising all year.

SDRs allow countries to lay claim to dollars, euros, and other major currencies to use with no strings attached. Further, the amount of money a country will receive is largely based on the country’s position in the world economy, meaning that most of the money would go to wealthy countries and rogue regimes and not to the countries that need it most.

Without intervention, $450 million of those funds would have been allocated to a Taliban-led Afghanistan.

That’s why I acted with urgency and I am glad that the IMF listened to my call and agreed to block these funds.

I, along with several of my Financial Services Committee colleagues, also called on Yellen to provide more detail on measures being taken at the IMF to make sure SDRs aren’t used in the future in ways that run counter to the national interest of the United States.

See the full letter to Secretary Yellen HERE.

SALINE COUNTY TECHNICAL CENTER

The Saline County Career and Technical Campus had their ribbon cutting ceremony a few weeks ago and I was pleased to visit the campus recently.

Last week, as districts across the state started the new school year, over 500 students had the opportunity to take classes and explore various careers at this beautiful new campus.

The center will serve Bauxite, Benton, Bryant, Glen Rose, Harmony Grove, & Sheridan School Districts, providing workforce development courses.

I inserted into the Congressional Record a speech congratulating and commemorating this achievement. And at the ribbon cutting my office presented campus leadership with an official copy of this section of the Congressional Record.

BACK TO SCHOOL

As Arkansas students, teachers, and families continue to adjust to the new school year, there is much room for opportunity and growth.

In the midst of an ongoing pandemic, schools have been greatly impacted. I encourage all Arkansans--students and educators alike--to take every measure necessary to stay safe and healthy, while continuing education.

No matter the circumstances, one of the most important aspects of school are the relationships formed between classmates, and between teachers and students.

At Catholic High School, my friend Steve Wells was a superstar teacher and mentor for 38 years. Mr. Wells lived out the mission of Catholic High throughout his career, and in his daily life.

I was proud to recognize Mr. Wells on the House Floor - you can view my full speech HERE.

I thank all teachers who dedicate their time to educating our children and wish them the best of luck for the 2021 – 2022 school year.

ASSISTANCE FOR OUR VETERANS

I want central Arkansas veterans to know that my office is here for you and resources are available if you find yourself in distress or questioning your service due to the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.

Our veteran staff is available if you need assistance, so please contact our office at (501) 324-5941. Additionally, you may call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or contact a Vet Center to speak with other veterans by dialing 1-877-927-8387. Additional resources can be found at www.va.gov.

Sincerely,

Representative French Hill