NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT
Dear Friend,
Let me start by wishing all of the fathers throughout our district a Happy Father's Day. For me, being a father and a grandfather is the best job title I've ever had. My father taught me what it means to be a leader, and I hope what I've learned and taught my sons will continue to be passed down for generations to come. Being a father, or a parent, in general, can often be a thankless job. I would like for you to know that I appreciate you.
Last week, the Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt visited Florida's Second Congressional District. The Secretary and I visited Half Hitch Tackle in Panama City Beach, discussed economic opportunity in Gulf County, and participated in a prescribed burn at St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. We had great conversations about the recovery process following Hurricane Michael and the resiliency of our district. I was honored to share this time with the Secretary and look forward to continuing to work with the Secretary and the Department of the Interior in the future.
Our nation is still fighting the Coronavirus pandemic together. As reopening processes continue and summer months bring increased activity, please remain vigilant in physical distancing, washing your hands, covering your cough, and staying home if you are feeling ill. I believe we all recognize that we can be social and share our common bonds while maintaining physical distancing. It is unfortunate that the term “social distancing” became such a central part of our lexicon and an underlying cause of stress and depression.
Please read about my week below:
My Week in the DistrictSecretary of the Interior David Bernhardt in FL-02
Last Wednesday, the Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt visited Florida's Second Congressional District. The Secretary and I met the owner of Half Hitch Tackle in Panama City Beach, Tom Putnam. He graciously showed us around the store and discussed the ways the commercial and recreational fishing industries have been impacted during the pandemic. While COVID-19 has created further devastation to other industries, Half Hitch has expanded their business, going back to the landfall of Hurricane Michael. This is a sign that people are once again returning to the area for tourism and fishing. These industries are so important to our local economy. I appreciated the opportunity to be able to demonstrate this to the Secretary.
The tour continued in Gulf County, where we met with local elected officials to discuss ways in which the Interior Department can help expand economic opportunity in the region. We then took the Secretary to Cape San Blas to see firsthand the areas that have been hurt by the misapplication of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act and how that has hurt local property values and limited future growth opportunities. The Secretary understood 0ur position and I look forward to working with him and the Department toward a permanent solution for the Cape’s residents.
The Secretary's visit ended on Thursday when we assisted with a prescribed burn at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge's Otter Lake Recreation Area. Prescribed, controlled burns are essential to maintaining our forests and preserving ecosystems. St. Marks is home to the nation’s preeminent prescribed burn training center. The Secretary commended St. Marks for their highly trained use of fire as a treatment mechanism.
Many thanks to Secretary Bernhardt for his visit to FL-02 and for his receptiveness to our constituents' comments on our recovery process and the role the Department of the Interior can play in the future.
Telephone TownhallOn Monday, I held a Tele Town Hall to discuss COVID-19 recovery and our economy. We had several great questions from constituents regarding stimulus checks, what Congress plans to do to help Americans recover, and how small businesses can get assistance. During the call, we also discussed Hurricane Season, and over half of our callers said they felt prepared should a storm come our way. That said, please know that my office is here for you. If you have a COVID-19 issue, hurricane issue, or something that involves help from a federal agency, please call or email us.
Coronavirus UpdatesRecent Updates
- The Department of Health and Human Services released a fact sheet for "Operation Warp Speed" (OWS) which was recently introduced by the White House. OWS is a comprehensive plan that seeks to deliver a vaccine for COVID-19 by 2021. This fact sheet details the Operation's progress and demonstrates the Administration's unprecedented efforts and transparency in the fight against this pandemic.
- The Small Business Administration has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance portals for all eligible applicants. This means that more small businesses and non-profits who have been impacted by COVID-19 will be able to utilize low interest loans and emergency grants.
- The Red Cross will now test blood, plasma and platelet donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The antibody test was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, and while it does not indicate whether the virus is currently infecting an individual, it can provide insight as to whether someone was previously exposed. Click here to schedule an appointment to donate blood and utilize this test.
Legislative UpdatesCMS Emergency Tele-Health Waiver Extension
Last week, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to leadership urging that Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) telehealth waivers be included in the next Coronavirus relief package. The current waivers have provided immense flexibility for healthcare providers to connect with their patients and administer care. However, they are scheduled to expire when the public health emergency ends. My colleagues and I requested a waiver extension for an additional 22 months or longer to ensure that our most vulnerable populations continue to have access to critical telehealth services they have received.
Good News in FL-02Pastor Kevin Oakes of Bethesda Waters Fellowship recently presented a check to the Panama City Rescue Mission (PCRM) for $27,000. PCRM serves out of Bethel Village Women and Children's Home as well as another facility downtown that provides meals for the public. Both facilities were damaged by Hurricane Michael. Storm damage and limitations caused by the Coronavirus have significantly decreased PCRM's capacity for operation. The funds provided by Bethesda Waters Fellowship will go toward much-needed repair and support for the facilities so that PCRM can continue serving those in need. I'm thrilled to see partnerships like this that truly demonstrate the hearts of service at work in our district. Click here to read the full article in the Panama City News Herald.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Congress!
Sincerely,
Dr. Neal Dunn
Member of Congress
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IN THE NEWS
Constituent Casework Corner
A married couple was six months into their Medicare enrollment when they began to believe that too much money was being deducted for their premiums. They contacted my office for help after countless phone calls and written requests to the Social Security Administration (SSA). They wanted an audit of their accounts to determine the proper premium payments but weren’t getting the help they needed. My office was able to work with SSA to complete the audit which resulted in their Medicare premium amount being corrected. In addition, they received a significant refund for the amount they had been overcharged.
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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