April 1, 2020


	Wednesday, April 1, 2020	WEBSITE \| SHARE ON:

Congressional Report

Dear Friends,

In Washington, D.C., I helped pass the CARES Act, resulting in a $2 trillion stimulus package to strengthen our economy and give relief to hardworking Americans. This bipartisan package prioritizes the health of Americans by strengthening our local, state and federal health systems and ensuring doctors and nurses have enough medical supplies to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This stimulus package will also provide direct assistance to working families, students, and main street businesses, giving a jolt to our economy that has stalled from the coronavirus.

In the district, I joined KGNS-TV Digital News Desk, to discuss ongoing efforts in addressing this public health emergency, as well as ensuring that Texans have access to food for their them and their families.

My staff continues to work with constituents in the district, as well as those stranded overseas. Below you will find more information regarding the CARES Act, small business loans, and much more.

As always, please contact one of my offices if you need assistance with any federal agency. To stay up to date with the latest information regarding COVID-19, please follow my social media platforms and website.

Rep. Cuellar Live with KGNS TV-Digital News Desk

On, Monday, March 30, I joined the KGNS-TV Digital News Desk, and Dya Campos, HEB's Public Affairs and Government Director, to answer your questions about the efforts in Congress to combat the coronavirus and the role HEB is playing to ensure Texans have access to food and resources. For the complete live stream, please click here. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar speaking to KGNS anchor Ruben Villarreal.

How the CARES Act Will Help our District

It is critical that we act boldly and act swiftly as our country is facing a public health crisis. During this time of stress and uncertainty, every American needs to know that their government is there to support them without hesitation. When I helped pass the CARES Act, I helped pass $150 billion state and local coronavirus relief fund, $260 billion in unemployment benefits, immediate direct cash payments to lower and middle-income Americans, more than $375 billion in small business relief, approximately $200 billion for our hospitals, health care workers, and health research, as well as more than $100 billion in additional emergency appropriations.

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Direct Monetary Payments to working Americans

My offices have received many questions regarding the direct payments that Americans will receive to help lessen the economic impact and strain that COVID-19 has had on our daily lives. The government will send direct payments of up to $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for couples, and $500 per child. The checks will be sent out within three weeks for whom the IRS has information. You don't need to sign up or fill out a form to receive a payment if you've been working and paying taxes since 2018. To see how much you will get in direct monetary payments and for more information, check here.

Helping Small Businesses

Our small businesses are the backbone to our state and they need our help now more than ever. After working hard with State leaders and the Texas congressional delegation, the U.S. Small Business Administration approved our request to make Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to qualifying Texas small businesses. To apply, click here. Along with these recent disaster loans, small businesses will continue to receive more funding through the CARES Act. This stimulus package contains more than $375 million for small business relief, including $349 billion for SBA loan guarantees, which businesses can use for payroll support, such as for employee salaries, paid sick or medical leave, insurance premiums, mortgage, rent, and utility payments.

Beware of Scam Text Messages and Robocalls

The FCC has received various reports of scam text messages and robocalls offering free testing kits, fake vaccines, selling health insurance, and face masks. Unfortunately, these scammers are preying on virus-related fears and I urge you to check out the FCC’s Consumer Alert regarding robocalls targeting coronavirus concerns and ways to protect yourself from scams. For a complete lists of warnings and safety tips, click here.

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How to Obtain Unemployment Benefits

If your employment has been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19), apply for benefits either online at any time using Unemployment Benefits Services or by calling TWC’s Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday.

To get the latest updates on unemployment benefits from the Texas Workforce Commission, click here.

Stay Home and Fill Out the 2020 Census

As many of us are staying home and practicing social distancing, don't forget to take part in the 2020 Census. You can complete the census form online, by clicking here. If you want to complete it by phone, call: 1-844-330-2020. Or, you can respond through mail, once you receive your paper form.

This Week’s Grants Newsletter

Don’t miss out on a grant opportunity! Attracting more federal funds to the district and region has been a top priority during my tenure in Congress. In an effort to better serve you, I want to provide you with information on a variety of open federal grant opportunities in each week’s newsletter. To subscribe to the weekly grants newsletter please fill out our form here.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019

It's extremely important to be able to identify what the symptoms of COVID-19 are. Knowing what to look for could be lifesaving for both you or someone you love.

This video from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explains the symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if they are present. Please remember that if you are exhibiting symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is known to have COVID-19, seek medical advice.