NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT
Dear Friend,
This week, I returned to Washington, D.C. to represent you. As our country continues to adapt to ever-changing conditions, it’s important that I show up to work and put our district first.
Congress convened this week to address justice reform. Sadly, this did not have the outcome I wanted. Once again, Democrats are uninterested in the prospect of bipartisan reform and thoughtful solutions. Instead, they continue to steamroll us with bills that have no real chance of reaching the President’s desk.
Justice reform is not a partisan issue. It should be a team effort. Every community, and every law enforcement department, has different needs. A one-size-fits-all solution is simply unattainable. Congress needs to take time to speak with law enforcement and local leaders throughout their districts and present their findings on Capitol Hill in order to put together a bill that ensures the safety of every American from all backgrounds, including local law enforcement.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the DistrictMeeting with FL Rural Electric Co-Ops Youth
The Florida Rural Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour to Washington was canceled earlier this year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, the co-ops found a way to connect me with the students so we could hold our annual visit virtually. Teens representing electric co-ops in Talquin, Tri-County, West Florida, Suwannee Valley, Gulf Coast, and Clay County learned about the legislative process and the importance of rural electrification and co-ops. While I’ll miss seeing this group at the Capitol this year, I’m thankful we found a way to continue this tradition.
The Brian Rust Show
Last week, I joined the Brian Rust Show to give a recap of the Secretary of Interior’s visit to our district. In addition to the recap, we discussed how Congress is addressing justice reform, and I gave a quick update on my health. As many of you know, I tested positive for COVID-19 several weeks ago. I’m doing very well, and I consider myself lucky to have had such a mild case. In the interview, I explain my symptoms and what I think about the current statistics in Florida. Listen to the FULL interview here.
FPL Annual Dry-Run Exercise
Each year, Florida Power & Light (FP&L) conducts a Dry-Run Exercise to prepare more than 3,000 employees for a potential hurricane. On Friday FP&L held a briefing for the FL Congressional Delegation and walked us through the results of the exercise and detailed how they would get power up and running again in the event of a hurricane. This exercise is an outstanding opportunity to analyze what worked during previous storms and what could improve.
As we approach what will be an above-average hurricane season, now is a great time to work through your emergency plan with family and neighbors. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
Committee Updates
Veterans Affairs Committee
The Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health and Subcommittee on Technology Modernization held a hearing this week to discuss the VA’s telehealth activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The subcommittees heard from VA staff and representatives from Veterans Service Organizations for their firsthand perspective.
I asked VA officials about how they are handling their case backlog due to COVID-19, as well as their efforts to ensure those who lack broadband internet capability still have access to telehealth care.
Coronavirus UpdatesRecent Updates
- REMINDER: The Paycheck Protection Program ends on June 30th. Eligible small businesses or non-profits who have not applied should reach out to a participating lender ASAP. You can use the Lender Match tool to connect with lenders.
- The U.S. Department of Labor launched an interactive online tool to assist workers in determining their eligibility for paid sick leave or extended family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The online resource guides workers through a series of questions designed to determine the FFCRA’s applicability to their employer. If certain provisions of the FFCRA do apply, the resource provides workers with additional information and access to frequently asked questions.
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
Six months after filing an application with the Internal Revenue Service for 501(c)(3) status, an organization contacted my office expressing concern regarding a large grant that would be used to assist with low-income housing. They were at risk of losing this important grant due to a delay in their application being processed. We were able to work with the IRS to have the application adjudicated and the 501(c)3 status approved. The non-profit received their grant and returned to work serving the community.
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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