Dear Friends,

As you may know, recently Arkansas has seen an increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases. Know that I stand ready to help you and your loved ones during this immense public health and economic challenge. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (501) 324-5941 or contact me at Hill.House.Gov.

We have to live with the virus - and that means our families and our businesses must follow the CDC best practices. Back to work doesn’t mean no commonsense precautions.

I continue to support Governor Asa Hutchinson and Arkansas's leaders as they work to keep Arkansans safe and healthy.

Good news for central Arkansas veterans

CAVHS Beginning to Reopen and Debt Relief

Good news for central Arkansas veterans! Both entrances of the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Little Rock are open for vehicular drop-off and pick-up traffic. Both entrances will be open to entry and exit foot traffic.

COVID-19 screenings for patients will take place at both entrances from 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Monday - Friday. After-hours entry procedures will continue through the Emergency Department Entrance.

REMINDER: The VA released the following financial relief actions which will continue until further notice:

Suspending all actions on veteran debts under the jurisdiction of the Treasury Department.
Suspending collection action or extending repayment terms on preexisting VA debts, as the veteran prefers.

For benefit debts, veterans can contact the VA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 to make arrangements.

For health care debts, veterans can contact the Health Resource Center at 1-888-827-4817 to make arrangements.

The benefits and claims relief actions include giving veterans the option to submit their paperwork late for the following actions:

Perfecting claims
Challenging adverse decisions
Submitting Notices of Disagreement
Submitting Substantive Appeals
Responding to Supplemental Statements of the Case

Veterans requesting claim extensions can simply submit them with any late-filed paperwork and veterans do not have to proactively request an extension in advance. For added convenience, VA will also accept typed/digital signatures instead of wet signatures on its forms. Those with questions can call 1-800-827-1000.

For veterans who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and need immediate action on their appeals, as opposed to a filing extension, the Board of Veterans' Appeals will Advance their appeal on Docket (AOD). Click HERE to find out how to file for AOD and what documentation is required.

Through this unprecedented public health and economic crisis, we cannot forget our heroes. Ensuring that our central Arkansas veterans have access to the care that they have earned serving our country, is one of my top priorities. My team of veterans stands at the ready to help their fellow veterans through this trying time. If you or someone you know need assistance with the VA or any government agency, please reach out at Hill.House.Govor call my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941.

A CONVERSATION WITH THE ARKANSAS HOMELESS COALITION

Caring For Those Who Need it Most

I appreciate Bettina Randle, President of the Arkansas Homeless Coalition, and all of the board members who joined for a discussion regarding how homeless shelters and providers are adapting to COVID-19, the challenges they are facing, and challenges they’re anticipating as we move towards a “new normal.”

During these difficult times, we must ensure that we do not leave those who need help the most behind.

Thank you to our Construction and manufacturing workers

They Do So Much For Arkansas

It is your essential work that is helping our country progress during this pandemic.

Thank you for the long hours and early mornings – and to your families for their support of your important work. To watch my personal thanks, click HERE or on the image below.

My team and I are here for you and your loved ones if we can help with any matter before the federal government. Please contact us at Hill.House.Gov or call my office at (501) 324-5941.

Bloomberg Balance of Power Interview

Paycheck Protection Program Helping Arkansas Businesses

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has helped over 40,000 Arkansas businesses keep their employees on payroll through these difficult times.

Wednesday, I joined David Westin on Bloomberg’s “Balance of Power” to discuss how PPP loans have helped small businesses keep their doors open and how Community Development Financial Institutions in Arkansas have ensured that those in need of assistance are able to access the funds Congress has allocated.

To watch the interview, click HERE or on the image below.

Federal Grant for Arkansas Children's hospital

Supporting the Health of Arkansans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) recently awarded the Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute a food and human health grants to enhance the nutritional value of foods through improved bioavailability of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive components.

NIFA support enables scientists to investigate the role of food components on the human gut microbiome and the subsequent impact on human health. This grant will support Arkansas Children's mission and help improve healthcare for Arkansans.

It is my honor to represent you in Congress. Please contact me at (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.Gov if I may be of service to you.

Sincerely,

Representative French Hill