Dear Friends,

Last week in Washington, D.C., I was hard at work on behalf of central Arkansas. As we continue to recover from COVID-19 and reopen our economy, it is important for Congress to ensure that the federal government is working to best help and represent our nation.

On Wednesday, the House Committee on Financial Services heard testimony from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on the state of the United States Economy. I asked Chairman Powell how the Federal Reserve will manage expectations for future economic growth and adjust monetary policy accordingly.

I am grateful to Chairman Powell for his transparency and responsiveness throughout 2020. It is time for Congress to look to the other side of this pandemic, as vaccine distribution ramps up and Americans get back to work.

GETTING YOUR COVID-19 VACCINE: GOVERNOR EXPANDS ELIGIBILITY   

On Tuesday, Governor Hutchinson announced that Arkansans ages 65 and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Arkansas is still in Phase 1-B of vaccine rollout, which now covers an additional 115,000 Arkansans. In addition to those over 65, Phase 1-B will include those who work in education including K-12, childcare, and higher education.

You can go online to find an approved pharmacy near you or sign up for an appointment at Baptist Health and UAMS. Please contact my office if you have questions or concerns about vaccine distribution. For eligible Arkansans, shots are also available at 58 Walmart locations.

UAMS has moved its COVID-19 vaccination clinic. The clinic is now located at the Centre at University Park at 6401 West 12^th St., in Little Rock. This larger space is being provided by the City of Little Rock.
UAMS is currently administering both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to eligible Arkansans and appointments are required.
 
This COVID Vaccine Clinic will be open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
 
Appointments can be requested by calling (501) 686-8960 or visiting vaccinesignup.uams.edu/. My staff continues to monitor vaccine rollout and we will provide Arkansans with updates as we receive more information. 

On Tuesday, the Small Business Administration reopened the Paycheck Protection Program for businesses with fewer than 20 employees. I encourage all eligible Arkansans to apply for a loan.

Since March of 2020, over 64,000 Arkansas small business have received PPP funding. This vital program has helped many Arkansans keep their businesses afloat during the pandemic. I have proudly supported the Paycheck Protection Program since it was created through the CARES Act. I will continue to advocate for small businesses as our economy reopens and our nation recovers.

To help get the word out, Edward Haddock, Arkansas Director of the SBA, held a webinar on Friday with the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to Director Haddock and President Jay Chesshir for hosting this event for Arkansas small business owners.

GETTING YOUR PASSPORT READY FOR SPRING BREAK TRAVEL

Today is the first day of March, which means Spring Break is coming up for most central Arkansas students. If you plan to travel internationally, please ensure that your passport is valid and is not due to expire in the next six months. If you do not have a valid passport and intend to travel internationally, please apply for a passport as soon as possible.

If your passport is set to expire within six months of your travel date, or you do not have a passport, please apply for expedited renewal or processing for a new application. My office is happy to help with expedited passport applications and renewals.

Please also be sure you to comply with any COVID-19 safety policies that are in place for traveling and be prepared for the restrictions that may be in place at your destination.

If you have questions or require assistance, please call my District Office at (501) 324-5941.

WINTER STORM UPDATES

The recent winter storm disrupted electricity and water services for many Arkansans. While power is now restored and boil water advisories are lifted, water crews around central Arkansas are still repairing water leaks and burst pipes. Please continue to report any water leaks or burst pipes to your local service provider.

I am grateful to public works employees and road divisions across central Arkansas who worked long hours and overnight to keep our communities safe during the winter storm.

HELPING ARKANSANS IN NEED

Arkansas Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is currently accepting applications.

HEAP is a federally funded program that issues heating benefits to assist households with annual energy costs. HEAP also offers an emergency benefit for households in a heat or heat-related energy emergency. Additionally, HEAP offers heating equipment repair and/or replacement benefits for homeowners with inoperable heating equipment.

HEAP may help you pay for Electricity, Propane, Natural Gas, Wood, Oil, Kerosene, Coal, or any other heating fuel.

Click HERE for more information, eligibility requirements, and the HEAT application.

ADVOCATING FOR CENTRAL ARKANSAS VETERANS

Serving the more than 50,000 veterans who live in Central Arkansas is one of the most important parts of my job in Congress. I am grateful to my Veterans Team for their dedicated efforts to help the men and women who have served our nation get the highest quality of care and benefits. Since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2021, they have had nearly $200,000 in real money benefits returned to veterans.

If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran in need of assistance with Tricare, VA benefits, disability claims, or any other issue with the federal government, please contact my Veterans Team at (501) 324-5941.

It is an honor to work on behalf of the Arkansans who bravely served our nation in uniform.

Representative French Hill