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| Dear Friends,
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During these difficult times, I will continue to make sure that you have the latest information about the coronavirus and what Congress is doing to address it. Below you will find helpful information on local, state and federal services, but for a comprehensive list of agencies and services, please check out my COVID-19 Resource Handbook.
In the district, I held a series of Facebook live streams, showcasing various conference calls, as well as a telelistening session with local health care workers. I urge you to visit my website and social media pages, @repcuellar, to stay up to date.
I would also like to reiterate that my staff continues to work with constituents in the district, as well as those stranded overseas.
As always, please contact one of my offices if you need assistance with any federal agency.
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Rep. Cuellar Hosts Telelistening Session with Health Care Workers
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On Thursday, April 9, officials from the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Associate Commissioner of Regional and Local Health Operations joined me in a telelistening session with our local health care workers. Through this session, we wanted to give the brave men and women on the front lines of combating the coronavirus pandemic, the opportunity to ask any questions, voice concerns or give recommendations on how we can all work together in addressing this crisis. We had a great response and gained valuable insight into what it is our health providers are facing on a daily basis. I'd like to thank them all for their commitment in protecting our communities. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar.
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An Update on Direct Monetary Payments
The Treasury Department has launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for eligible individuals who do not normally file a tax return. However, the IRS is also recommending that people who receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability insurance benefits and who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and who have qualifying children under age 17 should now go to the IRS’s web page to enter their information instead of waiting for their automatic $1,200 Economic Impact Payment. If you do not normally file a tax return and/or receive any of these benefits, click here to submit your information.
Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program, established by the CARES Act, prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and other expenses. This program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. 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. If interested in more information or applying, click here.
Smithsonian Distance Learning Resources
Schools across the country have been forced to close, resulting in millions of students having to stay home. In response, the Smithsonian has expanded their distance learning program, which includes free educational resources, lessons, and activities for students of all ages. For resources and more information, click here.
| Food Assistance Programs |
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Congress has secured $850 million in emergency funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to help food banks face increased utilization and demand in countless communities across the country due to the Coronavirus. Unfortunately, food insecurity is a reality for too many people in Texas as we fight this pandemic. For your state's contacts or to find a local food bank near you, click here. You can also call the USDA National Hunger Hotline 1-866-3-HUNGRY/1-877-8- HAMBRE.
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Coronavirus Resource Handbook
My office's COVID-19 Resource Handbook can be an extremely helpful list of tools and services for all those in the district. We are constantly updating the information in our handbook and you can regularly check my website for the newest edition. This wide-ranging economic rescue package provides rapid and meaningful assistance for individuals, businesses, and those responding to the pandemic on the ground. Sections include: unemployment, direct payments, food assistance, homeowners and protection programs, and more. If you have questions about any of the topics listed on the handbook, please contact my offices for assistance. To view the English handbook, click here. To view the Spanish handbook, 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
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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.
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Center for Disease Control and Prevention: How to Make Your own Face Covering
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In response to COVID-19, many communities are recommending or enforcing that citizens wear face coverings when leaving the house.
This video from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shares ways to create your own face covering in a few easy steps.
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| LATEST NEWS |
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4/12, KGNS: Congressman Cuellar announces COVID-19 handbook
4/10, Telemundo San Antonio: Cuellar presenta manual de recursos en lucha contra el coronavirus
4/10, Valley Central: Congressman Cuellar announces over $2 Billion in Federal Funds for Texas Health Care Providers
4/9, KGNS: Community Health Center receives over a million dollars in federal funds
4/3, SA Current: San Antonio Wins $93 Million in Federal Funds to Sustain Public Transit Through Coronavirus Crisis
4/2, Rio Grande Guardian: Cuellar: Fighting to save lives, protect working families
4/2, Rivard Report: HUD Awards $14M-Plus for Housing, Homeless Programs in Bexar County Amid Coronavirus Crisis
4/2, Mega Doctor News: Rep. Cuellar Announces $146,058 in Federal Funding for Hidalgo County Law Enforcement
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