Dear Friends,
To central Arkansas’s Class of 2020, I admire your perseverance and leadership. This year has not been what any of us could have imagined, and I know that your graduation probably looks different than what you expected.
Here’s a special “Happy Graduation” from my friends at KARK 4 News, Fox 16 News, THV 11, 103.7 The Buzz, and AY Magazine in wishing you the very best for all the years ahead.
To watch, click HERE or on the image below.
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Stitchers Mending Hearts Crafting Masks For Health Care Workers |
Rena Edwards of Cabot, Arkansas and her team at the nonprofit organization Stitchers Mending Hearts are doing good for those in need through their crafting talents.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team had been using their crafting abilities for good by creating and donating items to different organizations in the community including chemo hats for cancer patients, blankets and pillows for patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and socks and scarves for the homeless.
Stitchers Mending Hearts has gone above and beyond during this public health crisis by donating more than 3,000 masks to health care workers and other organizations in their community.
Masks donated by Stitchers Mending Hearts worn by health care workers at Arkansas Children's Hospital. |
This initiative has shined a light on how creativity encourages positive attitudes and can unite the public even amidst a health crisis.
Recently, I recognized Rena Edwards and her team at Stitchers Mending Hearts for their extraordinary work before the U.S. House of Representatives, and that recognition is now part of the permanent Congressional Record.
| Do you know of a Hometown Hero? |
Do you know someone in your community or a business who has been going above or beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic to help those around them?
Please let me know by contacting me HERE.
| Central Arkansas Presidential Scholar |
Remarkable Achievements For Brooke Bradford |
This was a big week for Brooke Bradford from Clinton High School! She is one of three Arkansas Presidential Scholars selected by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Department of Education based on academic and extracurricular excellence.
On top of that, Brooke has also been elected as the 2020-2021 Arkansas Agricultural Education & FFA State President.
Teachers shape the lives of their students and help them achieve their educational goals, which is why each Presidential Scholar chooses an exceptional teacher who has helped them on their journey. Brooke has chosen Mr. Chad Mooney, who teaches Vocational Agriculture.
Please join me in wishing Brooke a heartfelt congratulations for both of these remarkable achievements.
| Paycheck Protection Program |
Helping Small Businesses in Our Community |
Rick DeWese owns Schwegman Document Solutions which sells and services copiers and printers in North Central Arkansas and South Central Missouri across all business verticals including various levels of government. It is crucial for their business to stay in operation during this crisis.
Schwegman Document Solutions received a $50,700 PPP loan that is being used to pay and retain all 8 of their employees over two months of payroll. They secured their loan through Bank OZK.
The PPP has ensured they are able to keep working and meeting the needs of their clients during this challenging time.
I was proud to support this lifeline to families and businesses across Arkansas by voting in favor of the Paycheck Protection Increase Act, which secured an additional $310 billion in funding for the PPP.
For more information on how PPP loans have impacted Arkansans, click HERE or on the image below to watch a video I recorded on May 11.
| PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLICATION |
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application is available NOW. Click HERE to access the application.
As outlined in the application, to apply for forgiveness of your PPP loan, the borrower must complete the application as directed in the instructions and submit it to their lender. Borrowers may also complete the application electronically through their lender. Please reach out to your lender or my office as you have questions about the loan forgiveness application.
| Visit with NPR's "Here and now" |
Discussing Congressional Oversight on CARES Act Spending |
This week I joined Robin Young on NPR's "Here and Now" to discuss the Congressional Oversight Commission's first report on how CARES Act funds are being spent. I am proud to serve on this Commission and conduct oversight on your hard-earned tax.
This report reviews actions by the Treasury and the Federal Reserve implementing CARES Act provisions to date, including designing lending programs and facilities. It also outlines some preliminary questions based on those actions that we intend to examine.
To listen to the entire interview, click HERE.
| Visit Washington D.C. Over the Web |
Virtual Tours of the Monuments |
Many Arkansas families come to Washington D.C. after school finishes to tour the Capital area. Since many of you cannot get to Washington D.C. and many of the sites are currently closed, we thought we would bring it to you.
Ford's Theater, a popular sight in Washington D.C., is offering virtual tours and information regarding the theater and the assassination of President Lincoln.
- To tour Ford's Theater virtually, click HERE.
- To learn more about President Lincoln's assassination, click HERE.
- To learn more about President Lincoln's funeral, click HERE.
- To see the online exhibitions that Ford's Theater offers, click HERE.
| CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION |
Last Chance to Vote for the 2020 Fan Favorite Award |
For this year's Congressional Art Competition, my office received over 40 pieces of art from talented high school students in central Arkansas.
Click HERE or on the image below to vote for your favorite to win the 2020 Fan Favorite Award.
Voting will close at 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 24.
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
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