NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, This past week on Capitol Hill has been disappointing. The House voted on the latest COVID-19 package, and much of our district’s needs were left out. I’ve spoken to many constituents who are concerned about their family, their community, if their next paycheck will come through, when they’ll be able to see their loved ones again, and their children’s education. This bill failed to properly address those things.
You’ve been through a lot in this past year, and it is important to me that you get the help you need. That is why I could not support this bill.
As one of my constituents put it: “For months, we’ve faced nothing but uncertainty, with no end in sight. It’s difficult to set goals when your day-to-day routine is so upside down.”
My colleagues and I owe it to you to prioritize our children, our families, and our communities. I cannot support a bill that fails to adequately address the needs of Florida’s Second Congressional District.
This bill passed in the early hours of Saturday morning with a 219 to 212 vote. Moving forward, I will continue to fight for our priorities. You need a Representative that will put you and your family first, and I will continue to do just that.
Please read about my week below:
Update from Capitol Hill
This Week in the District
Coronavirus Updates
Update from Capitol Hill
Voting on the COVID-19 Package
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On Friday, my colleagues and I voted on the American Rescue Plan Act, otherwise known as the latest COVID-19 package.
There were several disappointing things about this bill, but I’m most disheartened by the lack of adequate assistance for families throughout our district.
I introduced three amendments hoping to address some key concerns for our district. The first amendment would help more people heavily impacted by Hurricane Michael qualify for Paycheck Protection Program funding to make up for losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The second would require the Biden Administration to prioritize the evaluation and licensure of existing drugs for treatment of COVID 19. The third would protect your DNA data from foreign hackers.
Additionally, I supported 17 amendments that would address issues like liability protections for our medical volunteers in all public health emergencies, increasing access to vaccines for teachers and underserved communities, and funding to safely reopen schools nationwide.
Unfortunately, my amendments and the amendments I supported were not included in the package.
The bottom line is that I cannot support a bill that fails to adequately address the needs of my constituents. As your Representative, my goal is to help you thrive and have a chance at the American Dream. This bill will not help you do that.
You can listen to my explanation of my vote here. This Week in the District
Disaster Loan Deadline Reminder
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters to apply for physical damage disaster loans before the March 29 deadline. Anyone in the declared counties in Florida with damages caused by Hurricane Sally on Sept. 13 - 18, 2020 should apply for the disaster loan program.
The declaration covers Washington County and the adjacent counties of Bay, Holmes, Jackson, and Walton in Florida.
Survivors may contact the SBA’s Disaster Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 for assistance in completing their loan applications. Requests for SBA disaster loan program information may be obtained by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Virtual customer support representatives are available to help applicants complete the online application during these hours:
Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (VDLOCs)
Open: Monday – Sunday (7 days/week)
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST
Email: FOCE-Help@sba.gov
Phone: (800) 659-2955
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at DisasterLoan.sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Loan applications can also be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster. Completed paper applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is March 29, 2021. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Oct. 28, 2021. Need Help With Your Taxes?
Free tax filing assistance sites are available to help people prepare and file tax returns. In addition to the VITA Locator Tool, which searches for free return preparation sites by Zipcode, you can search for free tax preparation sites by State and County, or Zipcode using this link – VITA / TCE / AARP Sites (irs.gov)
If a VITA or TCE site is not available in your area, IRS encourages people to try the IRS Free File program. The Free File program allows most people to use commercial online software, at no cost, to prepare and electronically file their tax return. On the Free File home page, users can browse the full list of online offers to pick the one that best fits their needs.
Note: Eligible individuals can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 Form 1040 or 1040-SR. These forms can be used by people who are not normally required to file tax returns but are eligible for the credit. For information see Recovery Rebate Credit and Recovery Rebate Credit Frequently Asked Questions. Coronavirus Updates
Recent Updates
- People who have had evidence of a prior infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, appear to be well protected against being reinfected with the virus, at least for a few months, according to a newly published study from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This finding may explain why reinfection appears to be relatively rare, and it could have important public health implications, including decisions about returning to physical workplaces, school attendance, the prioritization of vaccine distribution, and other activities. Read more here.
- Florida has many sites providing the COVID-19 vaccine. Use the vaccine finder to find a site near you. Supplies are limited and appointments may be required. At this time, the vaccine is available for:
- Persons 65 years of age and older.
- Health care personnel with direct patient contact.
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
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 for assistance after no action was taken to process their application with the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). We were able to work with the SBA to have the EIDL application processed, allowing much-needed relief for their small business.
Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
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