Dear Friends,
Today, Sen. John Boozman, Sen. Tom Cotton, Rep. Rick Crawford, Rep. Steve Womack, Rep. Bruce Westerman, and I urged President Trump to approve Governor Asa Hutchinson’s request for additional funding and resources for the Arkansas National Guard.
In our letter, we wrote about how Arkansas faces a $353 million budget shortfall between now and June 30, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Without additional assistance, it will be difficult for Arkansas to bare all of the responsibilities we face in the coming months.
We emphasized that, while the Arkansas National Guard has answered the call so far, our state will need additional federal financing to respond to expected needs should the number of patients exceed hospital space.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
On Friday, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration began implementing the Paycheck Protection Program, a $349 billion program designed to provide eight weeks of cash-flow assistance to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this public health crisis.
Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
- For a top-line overview of the program CLICK HERE
- If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE
- If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE
- THE APPLICATION FOR BORROWERS CAN BE FOUND HERE
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. With schools and most non-essential doctors' appointments canceled, it can be easier for abuse to go undetected. As we are all practicing safe social distancing, many children are now in homes that are not safe for them and do not have access to resources and other adults who could help.
Vigilance is needed.
Reports of child maltreatment can be reported 24-hours a day, seven days a week. you suspect child abuse and neglect in Arkansas, please call 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD (1-844-728-3224) or 1-800-482-5964. You can also visit the website from the Administrative Office of the Courts HERE.
The Mayo Clinic lists these red flags for child abuse or maltreatment:
- Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
- Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance
- Depression, anxiety or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of self-confidence
- An apparent lack of supervision
- Frequent absences from school
- Reluctance to leave school activities, as if he or she doesn't want to go home
- Attempts at running away
- Rebellious or defiant behavior
- Self-harm or attempts at suicide
Help our community by helping a child in need.
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CENTRAL ARKANSANS HELPING THEIR COMMUNITY
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Manufacturers Answering the Call During the COVID-19 Outbreak
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Two weeks ago, we sent out an “All Call” through the central Arkansas Chambers of Commerce, identifying high-priority items and asking who might have the capacity to produce these high-priority items.
And central Arkansas answered the call.
My team and I were able to connect more than three dozen companies with the appropriate state, local, or federal agency.
If you or your company have the capacity to produce or to provide high-priority items, including personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, face shields, gowns, cotton swabs, and other materials, please email the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).
The email address is seoc.resources@adem.arkansas.gov, and they are checking this email constantly.
Shortages Due To COVID-19 Mitigation Measures
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On Wednesday in Little Rock, I gave blood to help with the current shortage of donations due to canceled blood drives across the country. Donation centers have measures in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and blood is still urgently needed in hospitals and for emergency situations. If you are healthy and able, I encourage you to support our community by giving blood! Every donation matters and every donation helps save lives.
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CONSTANT COMMUNICATION ABOUT COVID-19
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Constant Communication to Find Solutions for Arkansans |
Since the COVID-19 public health crisis began, I have been in constant communication with state and local officials, government agencies, small businesses, banks, and those who have been impacted by the virus to find solutions to help central Arkansans overcome this pandemic and its economic repercussions.
I am encouraged by the tireless efforts of Governor Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Nate Smith, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Medical Center Director Dr. Margie Scott, our Chambers of Commerce, including the Little Rock Regional Chamber and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, Arkansas businesses who are helping their employees and our healthcare workers, and countless others who are fighting to combat this pandemic.
We all are in this together.
On Monday, April 6th, I will be hosting a telephone town hall at 2:00 PM central time to address questions about the CARES Act or concerns you might have about Arkansas’s response to COVID-19.
Mike Preston, Arkansas’s Secretary of Commerce, will be joining me to help answer your questions.
If you do not receive a call from me on Monday afternoon, you can participate by calling toll-free (855) 859-7298, or by joining me on Facebook LIVE.
We look forward to talking about the issues that are most important to you!
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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