Dear Friends,
Yesterday afternoon members of the Air Force posted at the Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB), and members of the Arkansas National Guard flew over medical facilities across our state as a special tribute to Arkansas’s health care heroes.
This flyover was a salute to those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, including all essential employees, volunteers, and medical personnel.
Col. Ator captured this photo of the planes flying over St. Vincent's, where both of my kids and I were born. I hope that the staff was encouraged by the planes flying overhead.
I want to thank the United States Air Force, LRAFB, and the Arkansas National Guard for giving this salute across our beautiful state for our first responders on the front lines of COVID-19. Click HERE or on the image below to watch my full video thanking our men and women in uniform.
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Recognizing Mallory Preddy |
When the COVID-19 public health crisis began, Mallory Preddy, a dental hygienist at the Boston Mountain Rural Health Center in Clinton, Arkansas, volunteered to learn how to screen patients at the front door of the clinic.
Recently, I recognized Mallory’s extraordinary work before the U.S. House of Representatives, and that recognition is now part of the permanent Congressional Record.
She and countless other front-line workers are truly heroes, and it is because of their selfless and tireless efforts that Arkansas is safer in the face of this virus.
| Congressional Art Competition |
Central Arkansas Contest Goes Digital
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The current public health crisis has disrupted almost every aspect of our lives, but creativity and talent can never be deterred.
The Congressional Art Competition is a special tradition, and like Arkansans and Americans everywhere, we here in central Arkansas are adapting to ensure that it continues. In lieu of the in-person judging and awards ceremony, this year, digital reproductions of artwork will be accepted and judged remotely, with a winner being announced via social media. It is my hope that this outlet for personal expression provides a little bit of excitement and fun for our high schoolers and their families while at home due to school closures.
High school students in central Arkansas wishing to participate in the Congressional Art Competition are invited to call (501) 324-5941 or visit my website HERE for more information.
The deadline to submit photos and information is 5:00 PM CT this Friday, May 15.
Congressman Hill with last year's central Arkansas Congressional Art Competition winner, Meg Bat-Ulzii from Pulaski Academy, pictured with her winning piece, “Foreshortened Self-Portrait” that is hanging in the U.S. Capitol. |
Mental Health and Abuse Services Available
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For many, the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis have added an immense amount of stress to daily life. Those who were on the road to recovery or were already struggling may now find themselves overwhelmed.
Please know that help is always available.
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.
| Help for Small Colleges in Arkansas |
Change in PPP Requirements Making Assistance Available
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Smaller institutions of higher education here in Arkansas, such as Hendrix College, initially were not eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) due to student workers under the Federal Work Study (FWS) program counting towards the employee threshold.
Last month, I joined Rep. Steve Womack in requesting the Treasury Department to allow colleges and universities to use a full-time equivalent to determine eligibility to support our smaller higher learning institutions.
These institutions are facing immense challenges due to the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis, and I am pleased that on May 5, Treasury issued guidance excluding FWS students from the employee threshold.
For more information click HERE.
| DIRECT PAYMENTS STILL BEING SENT OUT TO AMERICANS |
Relief Headed to You Soon |
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As of May 8, over 130 million people had received their Economic Impact Payment (EIP) established by Congress in the CARES Act, and the Department of the Treasury expects to send out around 170 million payments. For those still waiting on the EIP, rest assured that they are still being issued.
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have urged people to use their "Get My Payment" tool by noon Wednesday, May 13, for a chance to get a faster delivery of your payment. It can be accessed HERE.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, how you will receive your payment, or the status of your payment, check the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Information Center HERE.
I understand how frustrating it can be to wait for these payments to reach you, especially if you receive an error message, or a message saying that the IRS does not have sufficient information. However, please be patient.
The IRS also noted that it has resolved a reporting error that some taxpayers may have experienced, which inaccurately indicated rejected payments were being sent back to the same taxpayer account a second time. They are actually being mailed to the taxpayers. The IRS has quickly taken steps to correct this reporting error.
The IRS continues to update the "Get My Payment" tool on an ongoing basis to reflect accurate information.
Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income or veterans benefits and don’t file tax returns should get their payments in May.
If you are waiting for a paper check to arrive in the mail, the IRS has stated that these will take longer—up to several months—to process.
Learn more about Economic Impact Payments HERE or by clicking on the image below.
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| Masks Distribution Begins at Kroger, Edwards Food Giant Stores |
The City of Little Rock is partnering with the Kroger Co. and Edwards Food Giant to provide reusable masks in disadvantaged communities.
Masks will be limited to two per person, while supplies last, at the following Kroger locations:
- 6420 Colonel Glenn Rd.
- 8824 Geyer Springs Rd.
- 1100 E. Roosevelt Rd.
Masks will be available at the following Edwards stores:
- 1701 Main Street
- 7525 Baseline Rd.
A card detailing proper usage will be provided to each resident who receives masks. Homeless shelters that need masks for residents should email lrcares@littlerock.gov.
| PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM |
Assistance Available for Small Businesses |
New data from the second round of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program finds that over 3.9 million small businesses have had loans processed, and nearly one-third of the approved dollars in the second round have come from local and regional lenders with under $10 billion in assets.
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.
Programs like the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and the PPP have provided critical relief to families and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP loans have helped Arkansas businesses and nonprofits retain their employees and keep their businesses functioning during the current public health crisis.
The chart below outlines the current Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders in Arkansas.
I am also pleased that, after concerns were raised by members of Congress, the Treasury Department issued guidance clarifying that some hospitals owned by governmental entities may be eligible for a loan from the PPP to keep their workers on the payroll. This is especially beneficial for our rural hospitals in Arkansas.
If you need information about PPP loans, please contact me at Hill.House.gov or call my office at (501) 324-5941.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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