NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend,
On Friday, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer Inc. and partner BioNTech SE. This is a monumental step in our fight against COVID-19. The Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed played an instrumental role in supporting the development of this safe and effective vaccine.
Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine has a 95% efficacy rate and will entail two doses that are administered 21 days apart. The company plans to distribute about 25 million doses in the U.S. by the end of the year – if you do not receive a vaccine immediately following its release, there are more on the way. I’ve been in close communication with the Governor’s Office regarding distribution and will continue working with the state and my district to ensure my constituents receive the most updated information on the vaccines.
This past week, I also joined 125 of my colleagues in signing an Amicus Brief supporting the Texas v. Pennsylvania, et al. case. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court ultimately declined to hear the case or issue. The media has portrayed this as “an effort to overturn the election;” however, this was more about maintaining the integrity of elections and ensuring that every eligible vote is counted properly.
In the Amicus Brief, we encouraged the Court to objectively review the facts presented by the plaintiff, render judgment upon the unconstitutional actions in the defendant states, and restore the confidence of all Americans that the rule of law will be upheld. We must secure our elections to preserve our democratic republic.
In addition to the Amicus Brief, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 (NDAA). While the bill is not perfect, I was happy to see a 3% pay raise included for our military. House Leadership has continued to delay the 2021 Budget and a COVID-19 relief package. Many Americans throughout the country are struggling. It’s high time we work for commonsense COVID relief.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
Legislative Updates
Coronavirus Updates
This Week in the District
How to Choose a Tax Preparer
The filing season for 2020 income tax returns will be here before you know it. As taxpayers get ready to file their taxes, they may be thinking about hiring a tax preparer. People should choose a tax preparer wisely. This is important because taxpayers are responsible for all the information on their return, no matter who prepares it for them.
There are different kinds of tax preparers, and a taxpayer's needs will help determine which kind of preparer is best for them. With that in mind, here are some quick tips to help people choose a preparer: - Check the IRS Directory of Preparers. While it is not a complete listing of tax preparers, it does include those who are enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys, as well as those who participate in the Annual Filing Season Program.
- Check the preparer's history with the Better Business Bureau. Taxpayers can verify an enrolled agent's status on IRS.gov.
- Ask about fees. Taxpayers should avoid tax return preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund or who offer to deposit all or part of your refund into their financial accounts.
- Be wary of tax return preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than others.
- Ask if they plan to use e-file.
- Make sure the preparer is available. People should consider whether the individual or firm will be around for months or years after filing the return. Taxpayers should do this because they might need the preparer to answer questions about the preparation of the tax return.
- Ensure the preparer signs and includes their preparer tax identification number. Paid tax return preparers must have a PTIN to prepare tax returns.
- Check the person's credentials. Only attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in tax matters. Other tax return preparers who participate in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program have limited practice rights to represent taxpayers during audits of returns they prepared.
More Information:
Check out the IRS’s Tax Time Guide for information about free tax return help available in-person and online. And coming soon, the online edition of IRS’s comprehensive Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, for preparing 2020 returns.
Need Help with Social Security?
On behalf of the Social Security Administration (SSA), I want to let you know that during the current Coronavirus pandemic, SSA continues to provide help to you and others in your community.
While their offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, SSA remains committed to providing ongoing benefits and vital services. SSA asked me to let you know that they remain ready and able to help you by phone with most Social Security matters. You can speak with a representative by calling your local Social Security office or their National 800 Number. They provide local office phone numbers conveniently online with their Social Security Office Locator.
SSA also wants you to know they have many secure and convenient online services to: - Apply for Retirement, Disability, and Medicare benefits,
- Check the status of an application or appeal,
- Request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas),
- Print a benefit verification letter, and
Much more.
Most business with SSA can be done online, but they know that many people still rely on phone or in-person help. That’s why they want you to know you can still count on *+-them by phone. And, if you have a critical situation, they cannot help you with by phone or online, they may be able to schedule an appointment for you.
If you need help from SSA, please don’t wait until they can see you in person. Reach out now and get the help you need.
Lastly, SSA also understands that getting medical and other documentation can be difficult due to the pandemic. So, they are continuing to extend certain deadlines wherever possible. Legislative Updates
Letter to FEMA About the 428 Program
.png "Screenshot_(84).png")
Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has notified county officials in our district that projects under the 428 program are to be subjected to additional audits, and that these counties will be required to pay for these audits. This requirement is creating new and unanticipated obstacles and increasing the cost of vital assistance. This is unacceptable.
This district has been faced with enough challenges following Hurricane Michael. I wrote the Administrator of the FEMA about this matter and asked for him to thoughtfully reexamine this burden on this district. Coronavirus Updates
Recent Updates - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 16 years of age and older. The emergency use authorization allows the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. Read the FDA press release here.
- As we approach the holiday season, we must take into consideration the proper precautions to protect ourselves, as well as our friends and family, from COVID-19. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has a helpful guide that can help with planning holiday events. NOTE - These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which holiday gatherings must comply. Read more here.
Thank you for your continued energy and enthusiasm, as reflected in your letters and Facebook posts. If you haven’t already, LIKE my Facebook page. You can also follow me on Twitter @DrNealDunnFL2. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Congress!
Sincerely,
Dr. Neal Dunn
Member of Congress
| Constituent Casework Corner
A constituent contacted my office on behalf of their spouse who was in dire need of medical care. The constituent’s spouse waited for months with no response from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the processing of a pending I-130, Petition of Alien Relative. We were able to work with both USCIS and the Department of State to have the process expedited and the visa issued, allowing the spouse to legally come to the United States to receive medical treatment.
Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
|
No comments:
Post a Comment