Sunday, June 7, 2020

FLORIDA - DUNN DISPATCH 06/07/2020

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NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT

Dear Friend,
I blinked and just like that, it's now June. Everyone in our area knows what that means -- Hurricane Season. Don't let the dreaded H-word scare you. we've come a long way since Hurricane Michael touched down and we've proven to ourselves that we can overcome any obstacle thrown our way. That said, I encourage you to be proactive and well-informed. Keep an eye on weather updates from the National Weather Service, start developing an emergency plan, and stock up on resources. 
After the year we've had so far, I understand the anxiousness and worry that comes with this season. Our businesses just tackled COVID-19. Well, I do have good news that may give you peace of mind. On Friday, the Department of Labor announced that May saw the unemployment rate drop from 14.7% to 13.3%. This is outstanding news! The Trump Administration is continuing to do a great job in helping us recover from this pandemic, and I'm confident we will see this trend continue. 
In addition to the boost in jobs and the economy, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act has been signed by the President. This will provide additional relief for small businesses, especially those in our community. I will continue to fight for more resources to help our district rebuild and recover. 
Please read about my week below:

My Week in the District
Visiting Wakulla County 
This week, I was on the road visiting first responders and small business owners in Wakulla County. These fine people contribute a great deal to this community. It was a privilege hearing from them how they're reacting to and overcoming the COVID-19 outbreak and what I can do to help them. 
Thank you, Wakulla County Fire Rescue, Wakulla County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Jared Miller, EOC Director Jennifer Nagy, and Hiren Patel at Crawfordville Pharmacy for your wonderful hospitality today! 
I would also like to congratulate Cheryll Olah, the Wakulla County Tax Collector, on her retirement. I had the pleasure of visiting with this week to talk about her distinguished tenure and what she plans to do next. Thank you, Cheryl, for your hard work and dedication to the community!
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AFP-FL Facebook Live Town Hall 
On Friday, I participated in a Facebook Live Town Hall hosted by Americans For Prosperity - Florida. During the live event, I shared with the viewers what Congress has done and is doing to combat COVID-19, as well as how we plan to strengthen our economy going forward. I'm grateful for the opportunity to connect with constituents, and I would like to continue doing these in the future. Here a link to the town hall video.
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Coronavirus UpdatesRecent Updates
  • On Friday, the FDA issued a new video resource explaining the different categories of tests in the fight against COVID-19: diagnostic tests and antibody tests. As the video explains, diagnostic tests can tell if the tested person currently is infected. Antibody or serology tests detect if the person’s blood contains antibodies to coronavirus. The results from antibody tests can help us better understand questions about exposure to COVID-19.
  • If you are a senior who has lost your health insurance coverage due to the coronavirus, you may be eligible to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period in Medicare Part B. Any American who is 65 or older who has had group health plan coverage or, job-based health care can apply. Learn more about this opportunity here.
  • The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act has passed without opposition in the Senate and has been signed into law by President Trump. I am proud to be an original cosponsor, and I believe this piece of legislation reflects the feedback from small business owners across the district. Read more about the PPP updates here.
Committee UpdatesHouse Veterans Affairs Committee
HVAC held a virtual hearing this week in which they examined how well suited the Agency is to respond to a natural disaster on the heels of COVID-19. I am proud of the work the VA has done in all 50 states thus far. The VA has provided staffing, supplies, PPE, equipment, testing and more across the country during COVID. They’ve particularly stepped up in State Veteran Homes and community nursing homes regardless of vet population.
This hearing was held to ensure that disaster preparedness (floods, fires, hurricanes) hasn’t taken a back seat during COVID. 
Good News Story
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office posted an Instagram photo this week with a caption saying a traveler from Texas who was stopping to get gas spotted a moment they had to share. The deputy was Chris Alford comforting and praying with a young man following a disagreement with others at the gas station. 
This photo couldn't be more timely. With everything that has occurred in the past couple of weeks, examples of leadership and unity is exactly what we all need. Thank you, Deputy Alford, Sheriff Hunter, and the entire department, for the work you're doing! Read the full story here.
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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
 
IN THE NEWS
Constituent Casework Corner
A member of the United States Air Force Reserve contacted my office when they still had not received their most current DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, nearly six months after they returned from their deployment to Afghanistan.  We were able to have the situation addressed and the service member received their DD-214 within four days.







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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