Source: US Rep. David Rouzer (NC-7th), 4/24/20
 

Dear Friend,

Here's the latest :

• The House passed this afternoon a $484 billion funding package for the Paycheck Protection Program that includes billions of dollars for our frontline healthcare workers and to expand COVID-19 testing.  I outlined what was in the package in yesterday's update.

• Independent contractors and self-employed workers out of work because of the COVID-19 outbreak can now apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov. 

  • If you have already applied and been denied for state unemployment benefits, you may need to provide additional information to apply again.  You should sign into your online account and click on the 'Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance’ link to complete the application process. 

• If you need assistance filing your PUA claim, call the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance line at 866-847-7209. 
• More information and detailed instructions are here.
• So far, North Carolina has paid out a total of more than $636 million in unemployment benefits to more than 280,000 people since the start of the outbreak.



• First, we voted on a Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.  There are already eight different oversight mechanisms already established by law, including the creation of three new ones by the CARES ACT, of the Executive Branch’s handling of funding appropriated to fight the Corona Virus as well as executive actions taken to protect the country against the disease.  This 9th mechanism, a special oversight subcommittee, would be nothing less than another impeachment panel.  It’s all political.  
  
  
• Following that, we voted on the PPP funding package.  It passed with broad bipartisan support and will be signed into law by the President shortly, making the extra funding for PPP immediately available. 
  
  
• The latest stats from Treasury reveal that 70 percent of the PPP loans made so far have been to businesses that have a payroll of $60,000 or less.  That is the complete opposite of what many of the headlines on cable and print news suggest.  I’ve said it many times before and will say it again: all news outlets today are focused on ratings above anything else.  And what drives ratings?  Headlines and commentary that rile up the public.
   
• One important provision of this bill: it makes agricultural producers eligible for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program through the SBA.  Our farm families have suffered greatly during this crisis, and this will help them access another avenue of critical funding.  It's no substitute for a fully-funded relief program for our producers through USDA, but it's a start.
  
  
• Please be aware: we're facing some severe weather over the next 72 hours.  A Gale Watch has been upgraded to a Gale Warning for all southeastern NC coastal waters.  Keep an eye on the National Weather Service in Wilmington—they're doing a great job of keeping us informed about the latest dangerous weather.  
  
  
• The IRS is reiterating its warning for people to be wary of coronavirus-related scams. The agency is reminding taxpayers that scammers might:
• Emphasize the words "Stimulus Check" or "Stimulus Payment." The official term is economic impact payment.
• Ask the taxpayer to sign over their economic impact payment check to them.
• Ask by phone, email, text or social media for verification of personal and/or banking information saying that the information is needed to receive or speed up their economic impact payment.
• Suggest that they can get a tax refund or economic impact payment faster by working on the taxpayer's behalf. This scam could be conducted by social media or even in person.
• Mail the taxpayer a bogus check, perhaps in an odd amount, then tell the taxpayer to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.

• An update for N.C. companies that have the capacity to produce needed personal protective equipment (PPE): North Carolina needs companies and manufacturers that can produce and provide critical supplies to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.  First, here are the specifications for the items that our hospitals and first responders are looking for.  If you or your company can assist, use this form to be considered for procurement.  To date, North Carolina has worked with 598 vendors to provide needed equipment, and another 305 vendors are still working with the state to be processed.
  
  
• Despite the outbreak, the Congressional Art Competition will continue.  This year, due to the COVID-19 crisis, my office has asked students and teachers to submit high resolution photos via email of any art that they would like to be part of the competition. The deadline is May 22, 2020. You will find all the rules and required forms here and submission information here.

As always, stay tuned to Coronavirus.gov and NC's Department of Health and Human Services website for the latest on the outbreak.