Dear Friends,
Getting critical federal assistance to you is my priority.
I was proud to support the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and to extend the deadline so that Arkansas businesses still feeling the impacts of COVID-19 could receive assistance.
This week, the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis released a report detailing the 51 million jobs across the country that benefitted from the PPP. This report confirmed what we knew all along: the PPP has saved the jobs and livelihoods of millions of Americans.
In Arkansas alone, 43,000 small businesses have received PPP loans totaling over $3.3 billion. Because of PPP Arkansans have kept their jobs and supported Arkansas families.
Here are some of the ways that the PPP has helped our community. To watch, click HERE or on the image below.
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| Assistance for students and families in need
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USDA Extending Summer Meals Program
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This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made the right decision by extending the Summer Meals Program through the end of the year. With the uncertainty and hardship that has affected so many Arkansans as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that we make sure children have access to nutritious, regular meals.
I can help you access these critical resources. Contact me at (501) 324-5941.
In Arkansas and America, no child or family should go hungry. Children need nutritious food to lead healthy and active lives. Maintaining food banks to assist Arkansans during these unprecedented times is important because improper nourishment has far-reaching consequences, including inhibited brain development, increased chronic illness, and the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Here are some other resources to help bridge the gap during these challenging times:
- The Arkansas Food Bank: (501) 565-8121
- Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance: (501) 399-9999 or email info@arhungeralliance.org
Celebrating Victory Over Japan Day
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Seventy-Five years ago on September 2, 1945, World War II came to an end when Japan accepted the terms of surrender.
On Victory over Japan Day, we recognize the members of the Greatest Generation whose sacrifices have made America a lasting beacon of hope throughout the world.
American heroes like Lt. Col. William Jenkins from Crossett, Arkansas answered the call and put their lives on the line in service of their country.
Lt. Col. Jenkins served in, what was then called the United States Army Air Corps and is now the Air Force, as a pilot during WWII. He flew combat missions on the front line, rescued fellow downed pilots, and even serving as an escort for President Truman's plane as the president flew to Midway Island to meet with General MacArthur.
I thank all those who put service above self to defend our country and to defend freedom around the world. Your contributions will never be forgotten.
The Federal Reserve Responds on the Coin Shortage |
After hearing from you, I wrote to the Federal Reserve on June 29th to ask for an explanation and stating that action needed to be taken.
The Chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, responded and detailed the actions that the Federal Reserve is taking to both increase coin allocations and to investigate the cause of the shortage and possible solutions.
They will be continuing to work directly with the U.S. Mint to ensure that this shortage is resolved quickly so that coins are available for regular use in the near future.
You can read the full response HERE and below.
| Reminder: Sept 11 -- farm-aid deadline |
Take Action TODAY for Assistance |
The deadline to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) for direct relief for price declines and marketing costs for farmers and ranchers is Friday, September 11th.
I was proud to support $16 billion in funding for this program by voting for the CARES Act in March.
The Farm Service Agency recommends calling (877) 508-8364 to begin the application, or for general assistance before contacting local Farm Service Agency offices.
For more information on all eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations visit the CFAP website HERE.
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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