Dear Friends,

I was honored to attend the inauguration on Wednesday. I congratulate the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden. From the first inauguration in 1789 that saw George Washington installed as the first American president to Wednesday’s inauguration installing the 46th, one constant remains: the peaceful transfer of power.

It was a beautiful day on the Mall, and I was sad that Americans were unable to join us as they normally do. The ceremony was inspiring and a symbol of a new day for American democracy.

I will work with President Biden and his administration to increase opportunities for all Arkansans and Americans and to elevate those we serve. Our nation and her resolve have been tested over the past weeks, and I call on my colleagues in the Legislative Branch – Democrats and Republicans alike – to find unity in the purpose of honoring our Constitution, preserving our Republic, and calling on each of us to advance our nation for the good of all of our citizens.

HONORING MEN AND WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

On January 6th, the United States Capitol was attacked with the purpose of disrupting the certification of the Electoral College votes. As they approached the Senate chamber, United States Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman put himself in harm’s way and steered them away from the chamber. His heroic actions saved countless lives and protected our democratic process. Officer Goodman is an example of the integrity and commitment to public service we see every day in federal, state, and local law enforcement officers across the country.

GETTING YOUR COVID-19 VACCINE

As of January 18^th, Arkansas has begun Phase 1-B of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Per Governor Hutchinson’s orders, the following Arkansans are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine:

Senior citizens age 70 or older

Those who work in education, including K-12, child care and higher education

Those in Phase 1-A, including health care workers, residents and staff at long-term care facilities and other high priority groups

To view the full COVID-19 Vaccination Plan from the Arkansas Department of Health, click HERE.

As a reminder, the state continues to receive new shipments each week, and while waiting to receive your vaccine, please help keep Arkansas safe by continuing to wear a mask, washing your hands frequently, and following social distancing protocols.

Helpful Links:

COVID-19 Map of 1-A and 1-B Pharmacy Locations Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic | UAMS Health – seniors 70+ and educators are eligible; call for an appointment

COVID-19 Vaccine | Baptist Health – seniors 70+ are eligible; make an appointment online through MyChart

Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System is currently vaccinating Veterans 75 and over, as well as those who meet certain medical criteria.

Enrolled Veterans who meet these requirements will receive a call from the VA or can register with their local pharmacy HERE.

PLEASE JOIN ME ON TUESDAY NIGHT

On Tuesday, January 26th, I will be hosting an interactive telephone-town hall at 6:05 PM CT to address questions about the re-opened Paycheck Protection Program and hear your concerns about the issues that matter to you.

If you do not receive a phone call by 6:00 PM CT, you can participate by calling toll-free (855) 859-7298 or by joining me on Facebook Live at facebook.com/repfrenchhill.

These phone calls are important opportunities for me to hear directly from you, and I look forward to visiting with you.

RECEIVING YOUR ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS

I am actively monitoring Internal Revenue Service (IRS) distribution of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to Arkansans. If you have not received your first or second round of EIP, the IRS is able to place a tracer on missing payments – but only 30 days after the date it was sent. To find out when it was sent, CLICK HERE.

If you are eligible for an EIP but have not received one, you may be able to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit in your 2020 income tax. This is the only way to claim your first and/or second EIP. I encourage Arkansans to file their taxes as soon as possible.

Please contact me (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.Gov if you have received an error message at the website or if you have any other questions. We can help.

MEETING WITH ROTARY MEMBERS FROM LITTLE ROCK

On Tuesday, I was glad to join members of the Rotary Club of Little Rock to provide key updates on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s re-opening of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). I fought in Washington to get this program restarted because it was a lifeline to Arkansas small businesses. Now, even more small businesses can access this critical funding. We also discussed what Congress is doing in the fight against COVID-19.

I commend the hard work of President Jeff Hildebrand and the members of Club 99 as they continue their dedicated service to our community,

As a third-generation Rotarian myself, the Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” guides my work in Washington on behalf of central Arkansans every day.

SAVE THE DATE: VETERANS ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

Veterans in Pulaski County are invited to join me on February 17^th at 2:00 PM CT for a virtual meeting of my Veterans Advisory Council. This is the first of 2021, and we will have a lot to talk about.

It is an honor to serve the more than 50,000 veterans who live in central Arkansas. I am committed to hearing your concerns and ensuring you receive the highest quality of care and benefits.

If you would like to attend, please call my office at (501) 324-5941 to RSVP or send me an email at Hill.House.Gov.

Sincerely,

Representative French Hill