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VISIT TO NORTH LITTLE ROCK
I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with community leaders in North Little Rock. The visit started with a good discussion with Mayor Terry Hartwick and his Chief of Staff Tracy Roulston about COVID-19 relief resources available through various programs provided to families, small businesses, and employees. I listened to how I can support North Little Rock’s success, and I am excited to bring their ideas back to my colleagues in Congress.
I also visited with North Little Rock Chief of Police Patrick Thessing and his department colleagues. We discussed recruiting, police officer training, and their new police center. I support our law enforcement officers and other public safety officials who put their lives on the line every day to keep Arkansans safe and secure.
TAX FILING DEADLINE EXTENDED AND UPDATED ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT INFORMATION
Recently, the IRS announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. Taxpayers needing an extension past the new May 17th deadline can request an extension through October 15th.
To learn more about the extension please visit the IRS website.
If you think you may be eligible for a refund, the IRS urges you to file as soon as possible.
The IRS has also begun distributing the third wave of Economic Impact Payments to Arkansans. Individuals earning less than $80,000 per year or couples earning less than $160,000 per year are eligible for a payment.
If you have not received a payment you may check the status on the IRS website. Additionally, Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, recently put out a statement indicating that the Social Security Administration is working with IRS staff to ensure that the electronic files of Social Security and SSI recipients are complete, accurate, and ready to be used to issue payments.
If you have missed an Economic Impact Payment previously (the first for $1200 second for $600) you will be able to claim it on your taxes using the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS and Recovery Rebate Credit websites are best tools for finding out how to find your payments.
If you have general questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (501) 324-5941 or hill.house.gov.
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The COVID-19 pandemic has provided unique challenges to all Arkansans. To assist state and local governments in helping those affected, Congress passed the CARES Act to give more funds to areas in need. One part of the CARES Act included funding to organizations working to prevent homelessness due to the pandemic.
The state of Arkansas was allocated approximately $23 million to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the need of Arkansans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness due to the coronavirus pandemic.
These funds are distributed through organizations who proposed to use the funds for street outreach, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing, and emergency sheltering. If you are at risk of losing your home or know someone currently homeless due to the pandemic you can find a list of organizations equipped with CARES Act funding to help your situation here.
Additionally, please contact my office at (501) 324-5941 or hill.house.gov if I can be of assistance.
ARKANSAS GETTING NEARLY $1 MILLION TO SUPPORT ARKANSAS JOB TRAINING
A major part of the CARES Act that passed in March 2020 was an allocation of $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. That money was divided amongst the states to create programs that will help localities bounce back from the strain put on them by the virus.
I am pleased to announce that the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received a nearly $1 million grant from these funds to develop a new workforce development strategy with an emphasis on developing technological skills and to support business recovery efforts across Arkansas.
Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development said, “This project will work with the University of Arkansas College Workforce Response and Training Center and the Arkansas Economic Development Institute to identify the workforce populations most impacted by coronavirus, and align skills training opportunities to support both individuals and businesses across the state.”
This is good news for Arkansans seeking to develop the skills needed for the emerging job opportunities in our state.
ANNOUNCEMENT: SBA SHUTTERED VENUE OPERATORS GRANT APP AND SBA LOAN CAP INCREASE
On Thursday April 8th, the SBA will begin offering help for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The SBA has worked diligently to build the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program from the ground up to assist and address the diverse eligibility requirements of each type of applicant and we will open for applications on April 8,” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “The SBA knows these venues are critical to America's economy and understands how hard they've been impacted, as they were among the first to shutter. This vital economic aid will provide a much-needed lifeline for live venues, museums, movie theatres and many more.”
If you would like to be considered for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant please visit the SBA website.
Also, my office provides letters of support for federal grants. Please contact Anna in my office at (501) 324-5941 or at hill.house.gov for more information.
The SBA also recently announced that companies harmed by the coronavirus will soon be able to borrow up to $500,000 through their Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The change to the program will take effect the week of April 6 and according to the SBA, those who have already received loans but might now qualify for more money will be contacted and offered the opportunity to apply for an increase. Questions about the SBA COVID-19 EIDL and disaster loan payments can be emailed to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or directed to SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955.
PROTECTING ARKANSAS CHILDREN
Keeping your families and children safe is my priority, and I was proud to support H.R. 485, the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to help prevent child abuse by addressing the opioid crisis, keeping families together, creating due process protections in instances where false or unsubstantiated reports of abuse or neglect occur, and protecting religious beliefs of families.
This bill provides families access to physical and mental health services, domestic violence prevention programs, disability supports, and substance use treatment when necessary. It also helps to ensure that no child is removed from their family solely because of their economic situation or without a judicial order, except in cases of imminent harm.
I supported this legislation because every child is entitled to live in a home with a healthy family unit, and Arkansas families that need help to create that environment should be able to receive the assistance they to do just that.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill |
