Dear Friends,
As you may know, Hurricane Laura is expected to affect Arkansas, most likely as a tropical storm.
Governor Hutchinson has issued an emergency declaration and allocated $250,000 of emergency funds for preparation. The governor has also stated that Arkansas will have search and rescue teams on standby and that he will increase the number of personnel at the State Emergency Operations Center.
How You Can Stay Safe:
- For updates, track Hurricane Laura here: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at3+shtml/174321.shtml?cone
- Expect serious flash flooding, sustained high winds, downed trees, and power outages.
- Do not drive around barricades; turn around.
- Avoid downed power lines.
- Stay home during the storm. Avoid going out unless necessary.
Local Emergency Rescue Contact Information:
Pulaski County
Saline County
Van Buren County
White County
If your property is impacted by Hurricane Laura, here are some resources that may be of assistance:
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| Celebrating women's equality day |
100th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment |
One Hundred years ago, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was certified, giving women across America the right to vote.
It was a long fight for Women's Suffrage. The ratification of the 19th Amendment was another successful step in building toward President Lincoln's goal of a more "perfect union."
This week, the Office of First Lady Melania Trump announced the winners of the Building the Movement: America’s Youth Celebrate 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage exhibit in honor of the ratification of the 19th amendment. One submitted artwork from students in grades 3-12 was chosen from each of the 50 states and territories.
Congratulations to Arkansas's winner, Lydia, a 16-year-old student in Conway, on being selected to represent Arkansas.
Her pen and ink portrait (shown above) features Hester C. Jeffery who was an African American political activist, and whose work centered on temperance, racial equality, and women's suffrage. Jeffery advocated for suffrage through her foundation, the Susan B. Anthony Club for African American Women, her representation of the New York Federation of Colored Women at a New York State Woman Suffrage Association convention, and her participation in numerous other suffrage organizations.
Teaching children and remembering and honoring the brave women who led the fight for women’s suffrage is especially important for progress to continue in the generations to come.
For more information on the initiative, click HERE.
| ACTION ACHIEVED: Federal housing finance agency to delay fee |
Respite During COVID-19 Crisis |
Last week, I heard from many of you about the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) intention to charge a new fee mortgage refinancing.
I heard from you and agreed this is not the time to implement this new rule, which is why I wrote to the FHFA to express your concerns.
I am pleased to report that FHFA is delaying the implementation until December 1st from September 1st.
Further, FHFA announced that refinance loans with loan balances below $125,000, affordable refinance products, and Home Ready and Home Possible mortgages will be exempt from this fee. This change will help ensure that many lower-income borrowers at or below 80% of area median income will not be affected by additional expenses.
Protecting homeowners who are fighting to stay financially stable during these challenging economic times is key to overcoming the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Conway student winner of the national history day award |
I offer my congratulations to Jack Ghormley from Conway Junior High School on being named the winner of the 2020 National History Day White House Historical Association Award for his documentary, “The Fireside Chats: FDR Breaking Barriers in Presidential Communication.”
Each year, the National History Day Contest encourages more than 500,000 students around the world to conduct historical research on a topic of their choice.
This is an incredible accomplishment for Jack and a testament to his passion for history.
Watch his documentary by clicking HERE or on the image below.
His conversation with President Stewart McLaurin this week reminds us all why history matters today and that looking back can help us move forward. To watch their discussion, click HERE or on the image below.
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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