April 8, 2020


	Wednesday, April 8, 2020	WEBSITE \| SHARE ON:

Congressional Report

Dear Friends,

We face a public health and economic crisis unlike anything we have ever experienced. This has led to us being instructed by federal, state, and local authorities to stay at home, wash our hands and practice social distancing. While we must do this to keep ourselves and others safe, it is no secret that these measures have affected many paychecks, small businesses, and important community functions. In an effort to supply you with the most up-to-date information, my office has created a Coronavirus Resource Handbook. Please use this guide to better understand all the financial resources available for our community, such as critical federal funding sources to assist small businesses and local governments.

In the district, I was able to help a local businessman with a generous donation of personal protective equipment to the health care providers and personnel at Doctors Hospital.

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. To stay up to date with the latest information regarding COVID-19, please follow my social media platforms and website.

Rep. Cuellar Helps a Local Businessman Give a Generous Donation to Doctors Hospital

On Wednesday, April 1, I helped Laredo businessman, Alfonso Serna from Vintage Logistics, with his donation of 3,000 surgical masks to Doctors Hospital. It is critical that the men and women on the frontlines have the necessary personal protective equipment to keep themselves safe, while saving lives. Thank you Alfonso for your generous donation and thank you Doctors Hospital for all you’re doing for the people of Laredo and Webb County. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar with Mr. and Mrs. Serna, and Doctors Hospital staff.

Local Business Gives Back to Law Enforcement

On Wednesday, April 1, I recognized Urban Bricks for their selfless act of donating 25 pizzas to the Webb County Sheriff's Office. Due to COVID-19, Urban Bricks has temporarily closed down. However, before doing so, they decided to give back to the community and provide food to local law enforcement. Although times may be tough, it's always inspiring to see people help one another; especially by giving back to those who must continue patrolling our streets and protecting our loved ones. Pictured is Urban Bricks staff and crew.

PAWS Act Receives Financial Support During Pandemic

Although we are urging everyone to stay-at-home, for some, home is not safe. With reports of domestic abuse cases rising, the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crimes is now soliciting requests for vital emergency and transitional pet shelter and housing assistance grants as a direct result of the passage of the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act in 2018. Now, more than ever, we have to find ways to support the victims and their pets, providing them with shelter and resources that will allow for them to stay together when escaping their dangerous situation.

Paycheck Protection Loans Available to Farmers

The Paycheck Protection Program Loans (PPPL) is designed to help small businesses keep their employees paid through this difficult period. The PPPL provides $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay employees and keep them on the payroll. These loans are open to most businesses under 500 employees, including non-profits, the self-employed, startups and cooperatives. Funds will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information and if you are interested in applying, click here.

Update on Student Loans

The CARES Act, recently signed into law, provides broad relief for federal student loan borrowers. The U.S. Department of Education has temporarily set most interest rates on federal loans to 0%, from March 13, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020. To know if you are eligible to take advantage of this interest rate, please contact your loan servicer. If your loans are owned by the Education Department, the 0% interest rate will automatically go into effect. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please click here.

Coronavirus Resource Handbook

I mentioned my office's Coronavirus Resource Handbook at the beginning of this newsletter, and I'd like to reiterate its importance, as it 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

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: Surgeon General Social Distancing

Communities across the nation are being affected by COVID-19, leading many to practice social distancing.

This video from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explains the steps we can take to protect ourselves and prevent the spread of coronavirus.