Dear Friends,
Arkansans are looking for a return closer to a more normal pattern of life, and I am optimistic that we are on the way to safely reopening and bringing our economy to life once again.
Arkansas has shown strong signs that the curve of increasing cases is flattening.
This change is thanks to Governor Asa Hutchinson's strong leadership and the efforts of Arkansans across the state folowing the Arkansas Department of Health's (ADH) recommendations and guidelines for slowing the spread of the virus.
The president's bipartisan, bicameral Opening Up America Again Congressional Group that I serve on with 32 House members is hard at work.
So far, have had two meetings where both Democrats and Republicans have particapated and put forth good ideas on how to safely reopen the government.
It is clear that there is strong bipartisan support amongst my House and Senate colleagues for strategies that will bend two of the most pressing curves: the number of coronavirus cases and the stunning rise in unemployment.
We are working to get Americans to get back to work.
Arkansas has already begun to take strides to reopen our economy safely. On May 4th, Arkansas entered Phase 1 of reopening. Governor Hutchinson has stated that if Arkansas does not have a resurgence of COVID-19 cases within the next 14 days, we will be able to enter Phase 2 of reopening the state.
So far, Phase 1 of reopening Arkansas means that:
- As of May 8, businesses can open but should follow the ADH directive for businesses, which can be found HERE.
- Starting today, May 11, elective procedures in hospitals and clinics are permitted, following the ADH directive which can be found HERE.
- Beginning today, May 11, dine-in services at food establishments can resume, with the limitations outlined in the ADH directive, which can be found HERE.
- Beginning May 18, casinos can reopen, following the ADH directive, which can be found HERE.
- On May 22, recreational pools will be allowed to reopen, with new guidelines outlined in the ADH directive, which can be found HERE.
Please take steps to protect yourself during this Phase 1 of reopening. The ADH recommends:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Practicing social distancing. Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.
- If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your health care provider. Please note that drive-through locations are available at several locations including:
Arkansas Children’s Hospital (for pediatric patients only)
Hotline: 1-800-743-3616
Location: ACH campus on 10th street
Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs
App: https://www.baptist-health.com/services/virtual-care-arkansas/
Location: Adjacent Specialty Clinic
Baptist Health Little Rock
App: https://www.baptist-health.com/services/virtual-care-arkansas/
Location: Ground Floor of hospital parking deck
Conway Regional Medical Center
Hotline: 501-329-3831
Location: Hospital’s West Lobby Entrance (currently closed to the public)
Jefferson Regional Medical Center
Hotline: 870-541-4911
Location: 4201 Mulberry, Pine Bluff, AR 71603
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
Hotline: 870-414-4010
Location: Hospital owned office building parking lot
St. Bernards
Hotline: 870-336-5651 or 870-336-5671
App: https://stbernardsgo.com/landing.htm
Location: Offsite COVID clinic parking lot
UAMS
Hotline: 800-632-4502
Online: https://uamshealth.com/healthnow/
Location: Shuffield Drive & Jack Stephens Drive
Washington Regional Eureka Springs Family Clinic
Hotline: 479-463-2055
Family Clinic Location: 146 Passion Play Road, Suite A (Eureka Springs)
Location: 3318 N. North Hills Boulevard (Fayetteville)
I am optimistic that together, we will make it through to the other side of this unprecedented public health and economic crisis.
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Student Helping Combat COVID-19 at Valley Ranch Nurse & Rehab Center
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Skyler Nobles enrolled at the Little Rock Job Corps Center with her high school diploma. Through hard work, determination, and persistence she was able to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.
She now works at Valley Ranch Nursing Home and is an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has said that she has truly enjoyed helping those in need and the elderly during this public health crisis.
Everyday heroes, like Skyler, are protecting those who are most vulnerable to this virus. I commend her compassion and her drive to become a medical professional.
Thanking Our Officers For Keeping Our Communities Safe |
This week is National Police Week, and I want to thank police officers for keeping our communities safe while putting their lives on the line to protect others, even in the middle of this unprecedented public health crisis.
Earlier this year, I was able to FaceTime with Captain Plouch and members of the Bryant Police Department to say thank you and offer encouragement to Officer Samantha Hodgson as she was recovering from injuries she sustained in the line of duty.
To watch the video, click HERE or on the image below.
| Speaking to Newsmax's Bob Sellers |
We Must Cut American Reliance on Chinese Health Supplies |
The coronavirus exposed our massive dependence on health supplies from China. I spoke with Bob Sellers on Newsmax about how my legislation – the SAVE Act – is designed to diversify the U.S. health care supply chain and break America's reliance on Chinese goods.
To watch the interview, click HERE or on the image below.
Securing America's medical supply chain is a matter of national security. The SAVE Act is necessary – especially in public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic – because it will help ensure that the United States has the medical supplies and pharmaceuticals necessary to keep Arkansans and Americans safe.
| Ensuring Information is Accessible to All Americans |
Requesting Sign Language Interpreters for COVID-19 Briefings |
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions of hearing-impaired Americans to stay home and there is a real need to ensure that they stay informed. I thank Governor Asa Hutchinson for providing a sign language interpreter for each of his daily press briefings.
I joined my colleagues on the Congressional Deaf Caucus requesting that the Trump Administration begin using sign language interpreters for all public briefings about COVID-19. This way, all Americans will be able to stay informed on the ongoing public health crisis.
| DIRECT PAYMENTS STILL BEING SENT OUT TO AMERICANS |
Relief Headed to You Soon |
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As of May 8, over 130 million people had received their Economic Impact Payment (EIP) established by Congress in the CARES Act, and the Department of the Treasury expects to send out around 170 million payments. For those still waiting on the EIP, rest assured that they are still being issued.
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have urged people to use their "Get My Payment" tool by noon Wednesday, May 13, for a chance to get a faster delivery of your payment. It can be accessed HERE.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, how you will receive your payment, or the status of your payment, check the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Information Center HERE.
I understand how frustrating it can be to wait for these payments to reach you, especially if you receive an error message or a message saying that the IRS does not have sufficient information. However, please be patient.
The IRS continues to update the "Get My Payment" tool on an ongoing basis to reflect accurate information.
Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income or veterans benefits and don’t file tax returns should get their payments in May.
If you are waiting for a paper check to arrive in the mail, the IRS has stated that these will take longer—up to several months—to process.
Learn more about Economic Impact Payments HERE or by clicking on the image below.
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| IRS ISSUES GUIDANCE FOR RETURNING ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS OF THE DECEASED |
Recently, it was learned that Economic Impact Payments (EIP) had been distributed to those not eligible to receive these payments.
If you have received such a payment, please review this guidance.
If the payment was a paper check:
1. Write "Void" in the endorsement section on the back of the check.
2. Mail the voided Treasury check immediately to the appropriate IRS location outlined in question 41 HERE.
3. Don't staple, bend, or paper clip the check.
4. Include a note stating the reason for returning the check.
If the payment was a paper check and you have cashed it, or if the payment was a direct deposit:
1. Submit a personal check, money order, etc., immediately to the appropriate IRS location outlined in question 41 HERE.
2. Write on the check/money order made payable to “U.S. Treasury” and write 2020EIP and the taxpayer identification number (social security number, or individual taxpayer identification number) of the recipient of the check.
3. Include a brief explanation of the reason for returning the EIP.
If you need information about any federal programs or assistance with a federal agency, please contact me at Hill.House.gov or call my office at (501) 324-5941.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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