Monday, May 11, 2020

FLORIDA - DUNN DISPATCH 05/10/2020

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NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT

Dear Friend,

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers and those who have known their love. You inspire, encourage, and nurture. Today, we celebrate you. 
 

The Coronavirus has brought unanticipated changes to our lives that have required a great mobilization of efforts and resources. Once again, our district demonstrates incredible strength amid a crisis and I am inspired by you.

Last week, we recognized nurses and the unmatched contributions they make on the frontlines of COVID-19. We learned of emergency funds for farmers and additional relief for hospitals. We witnessed the success of the Paycheck Protection Program and it was a privilege to meet with constituents who have directly benefitted from these funds. I am glad to report that my committees are still hard at work. We will get through this pandemic together and I look forward sharing stories of recovery as well as additional resources for you on my website

Please read about my week below: 

Coronavirus Updates
Recent Updates
Nurse Appreciation Week
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Last week, we recognized Nurse Appreciation Week. There are more than 3 million registered nurses in the United States and they are the largest group of healthcare providers. Nurses serve not only in hospitals and doctors' offices, but in schools, homes, and the military. This was a timely recognition of the long hours and great sacrifice our nation's nurses undertake to fight on the front lines of the Coronavirus pandemic.

My Week in the District

Meeting with Local Small Business Owners
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Last Tuesday, I met with constituents Paul and Claudia who own several small businesses in our district, including Bricks & Barley Pizza. Paul and Claudia have a unique perspective on the struggles our small business owners are facing. Like many others, their livelihood hinges on their ability to provide goods and services and our community depends on them as well. While maintaining proper social-distancing, I learned about the ways the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) assisted them as well as additional measures they believe will assist our district's small business owners. 


Click on the photo above to watch a short clip of my visit to Bricks & Barley Pizza.
Interview with One America News Network
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It was a pleasure to join Alex Salvi with One America News Network and share updates on COVID-19. Here are a few key points from our discussion:
  • Floridians are ready to go back to work, but we will continue to isolate those who are vulnerable and sick.
  • Social distancing will remain critical and wearing face masks will provide added confidence that we are working to ensure that we flatten the curve.
  • Although there is fear of shortages of certain foods, there will not be a shortage of nutrition for our families.
Click on the photo above to watch my full interview.

Committee
 Updates

House Agriculture Committee
There is no doubt that the current crisis has hit our agricultural producers particularly hard. Recently, the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research held a conference call with specialty crop producers. I would like to thank each of them for sharing their insight and for their work on behalf of American agriculture. I was thankful to Mike Joyner from the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association for joining our conversation to speak to the needs of specialty crop producers. 
The committee also hosted a webinar in which economists shared an overview of the cattle supply chain.  They provided information that will give important context as the House Agriculture Committee considers future legislative packages related to COVID-19. 

House Veterans Affairs Committee
The House Veterans Affairs Committee recently held a Virtual Forum regarding the homeless veteran population. The purpose of the hearing was to examine how COVID-19 has affected services available to the homeless veteran population and identify areas for improvement and gaps in resources. Homeless veterans are incredibly vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and becoming ill because of their inability to isolate and the likelihood of preexisting conditions. The information discussed will be incredibly informative as we fight to protect those who dedicated their lives to protect us.
The House Veterans Affairs Committee also holds a weekly call with Secretary Wilkie. During the calls, Ranking Member Roe and the Ranking Members of each Subcommittee discuss the VA’s response to COVID-19 and identify ways Congress can support their efforts.

Good News in FL-02
Paycheck Protection Program in Gilchrist County
As part of the CARES Act, small businesses across the country utilized the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and applied for forgivable loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA). As the Gilchrist County Journal notes, Drummond Community Bank received approvals for 713 loans. These loans totaled $60.4 million that our local small business owners can use to keep employees on payroll and maintain their vital operations. Drummond Community Bank is just one example of many who have been able to lend through the program.  If your small business has benefitted from the PPP, share your story

Click here for the full news article in the Gilchrist County Journal.
Thank you for your continued energy and optimism, 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
 
IN THE NEWS
Constituent Casework Corner
After qualifying for an Economic Disaster Injury Loan (EDIL) from the Small Business Administration (SBA) based on the COVID-19 pandemic, the small business owner contacted my office when the funds were erroneously deposited into someone else’s account. My office was able to work with the SBA to have the funds recalled and deposited into the correct account. 







Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov

 Washington D.C. Office316 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Tel: (202) 225-5235
Fax: (202) 225-5615
Panama City Office840 W. 11th St. Suite 2250
Panama City, FL 32401
Tel: (850) 785-0812
Fax: (850) 763-3764
 Tallahassee Office300 South Adams Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Tel: (850) 891-8610
Fax: (850) 891-8620

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