Dear Friends,
Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Agriculture is an important part of Arkansas's economy and heritage, and I am pleased that our producers will be receiving this support. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on farmers, ranchers, and producers in Arkansas and across the country and this relief will help them to make it through this crisis.
In addition to this direct support to farmers and ranchers, USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program is partnering with regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat and deliver boxes to Americans in need.
Beginning May 26, the USDA, through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will be accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses.
For more information regarding eligibility for farmers and crops, visit the USDA's website HERE.
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I commend Deyonka Hickey and the non-profit organization Feed the Vets, for providing nutritious food and hygiene products for Arkansas’s veteran community.
Feed the Vets was established in 2017 and serves veterans, retirees, active duty, guardsmen and women, reservists, and their families throughout Arkansas.
The organization is operated entirely by veterans who volunteer their time.
During this public health crisis Feed the Vets has continued to serve veterans by providing curbside pickup.
Recently, I recognized Deyonka Hickey and the team at Feed the Vets for their extraordinary work before the U.S. House of Representatives, and that recognition is now part of the permanent Congressional Record.
Share the Stories of Heroes in Our Community With Me
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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.
| Paycheck Protection Program |
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application is available NOW. Click HERE to access the application.
Methodist Family Health received a PPP loan from US Bank which allowed them to maintain employment for approximately 400 employees statewide.
Based in Little Rock, AR, Methodist Family Health provides a continuum of care serving thousands of Arkansas children through psychiatric and behavioral healthcare. They manage the Methodist Children’s Home, Methodist Behavioral Hospital, Methodist Counseling Clinics, and Arkansas CARES (Center for Addictions Research, Education, and Services).
Don Cole, CFO of Methodist Family Health, stated: “During these difficult times, we are deeply indebted for the work that has been done in Washington to allow us to maintain operations and continue to serve our patients.”
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 H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement 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 on 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.
| Being safe with hand sanitizer |
Do Not Leave Your Hand Sanitizer in Your Car
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As temperatures go up in Arkansas during the summer, be mindful that alcohol-based hand sanitizer is flammable and should not be left unattended in your car.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are classified as Class I Flammable Liquid substances, which means they have a flashpoint of less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Speaking with the national alliance on mental illness |
Prioritizing Mental Health in Difficult Times |
I appreciate the members of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Arkansas, especially the Executive Director Buster Lackey, for taking the time to speak with me about how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted Arkansas’s mental health professionals and how we can best support those who are struggling due to mental health or addiction during this time.
If you or a loved one need mental health or substance abuse services, please share this number and call the DHS Mental Health Support Line at 1-844-763-0198.
| DIscussing the Congressional Oversight Commission's First report |
Interview on C-SPAN's Washington Journal |
Yesterday on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal I discuss the Congressional Oversight Commission’s first report on how the CARES Act funds are being spent by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve, what questions I have for Secretary Mnuchin and Jerome Powell, and what Congress should do next in the midst of the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis.
To watch the full interview, click HERE or on the image below.
| Public Broadcasting Resources for Parents and Students |
Keeping Students Learning During the Summer
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This Friday Arkansas PBS's broadcast “Arkansas Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI)” will come to a close.
Several weeks ago, Arkansas PBS partnered with the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to fill the learning gap caused by school closures around the state.
These broadcasts have been streamlined, curriculum-based programming for the state’s pre-K through 8th grade students.
"Arkansas AMI" airs will continue to air through Friday, May 22, from 8AM until 1 PM on your local PBS station.
Sesame Street is offering resources for parents and students as well.
There are helpful guides for children to help them cope with this difficult time, including:
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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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