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[firstname],
As we continue to follow stay-at-home orders in order to protect ourselves against the coronavirus, I know the challenges we each face continue to grow. In addition to our physical and economic health, we have to take care of our mental health.
Tele-Town Hall
The isolation and stress of the last several weeks may be taking a toll on you or someone you care about. It is for that reason that I am hosting a tele-town hall with mental health experts. The increase of stress inside many households can at times leads to family and domestic violence, which is why I am also including domestic violence prevention experts on the call.  Please join us on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at 10:10 a.m. MT. The experts will be available to answer questions and provide guidance on the different resources available to El Pasoans during these challenging times.

The tele-town hall is free and open to the public, and Spanish-language translation will be provided. Additionally, a live stream with an ASL interpreter will be available on my Facebook page. 

Call 866-416-5213 to join this important conversation and press *3 to ask any questions you may have.
Update on the "Stay Home, Work Safe" Order
Effective April 24th, El Pasoans must wear a face covering when leaving home to perform an "essential activity." Face coverings do not have to be surgical masks and El Pasoans are encouraged to use bandanas, handkerchiefs, or other cloth coverings. Visit the County of El Paso's website for more updates on COVID-19 and the "Stay Home, Work Safe" order. 
H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act

Yesterday, I voted for H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, an interim emergency funding package that will provide the emergency resources that are desperately needed to help protect the lives and livelihoods of El Pasoans during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Every day, El Pasoans see the need for further action to combat the health and economic crisis brought on by this pandemic. Our small businesses are hurting more than ever, our region has reached more than 34,000 unemployment claims, and our hospitals and dedicated health care workers are working around the clock to save lives.

Below are some of the major components of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act:

Key Small Business Improvement Provisions

  • Key Funding to Make Improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The bill infuses $310 billion in additional funding to the PPP and makes key improvements to the program that will provide access to underserved small businesses and nonprofits who have been unable to access PPP funds up until now.  These improvements include:
    • $60 Billion Set-Aside for Smaller Lenders:  The bill provides a $60 billion set-aside within PPP for small and mid-sized banks and credit unions as well as community-based lending institutions.  This set-aside funding will help ensure that unbanked and underserved businesses can get access to PPP.  This includes minority-owned businesses, rural businesses, small mom and pop businesses, and smaller nonprofits that too often have been pushed to the back of the line.
  • $50 Billion for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program, Which Has Also Run Out of Funding:  This emergency loan program provides flexible assistance to COVID-19-affected small businesses to cover operating expenses, including payroll and fixed costs like rent and utilities.
  • In Addition, this legislation includes $10 Billion for SBA’s EIDL Grant Program, Which Has Also Run Out of Funding:  The bill provides $10 billion for the EIDL grant program, which offers up to $10,000 in cash advances for immediate relief to small businesses and eligible nonprofits that apply for an EIDL loan. The cash advance does not have to be paid back.

Key Hospital, Health Care Workers, and Testing Provisions

  • House Democrats and I Secured $75 Billion for Hospitals and Health Care Workers:  The bill provides $75 billion to reimburse hospitals and other health care providers for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19. This funding can be used for such purposes as desperately needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for our health care workers.  This funding is in addition to the $100 billion that was provided for this same purpose in the CARES Act. 
  • House Democrats and I Won $25 Billion for Expenses Related to Expanding COVID-19 Testing:  This funding includes covering expenses related to research, development, validation, manufacturing, purchasing, administering, or expanding capacity for COVID-19 testing and includes $11 billion for states, localities, territories, and Tribes for COVID-19 testing and related activities, $600 million for community health centers, $225 million for rural health clinics, and $1 billion for testing for the uninsured.
This vote honors my promise to protect vulnerable businesses by strengthening the Paycheck Protection Program while securing critical resources needed by our hospitals and increasing our nation’s testing capacity. More needs to be done and I will continue to advocate to ensure Congress leaves no El Pasoan behind. For more information about H.R. 266, please click here. 
 Additional Resources
Because new information on COVID-19 is coming out daily, please visit my resource page on my website for the latest updates, recommendations from the CDC, and a Frequently Asked Questions section. Additionally, visit the sites below to stay up to date.

The CDC provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals, as well as frequently asked questions available here. 

The City of El Paso is offering a hotline for residents to call for more information regarding COVID-19. The number is 915-21-COVID, or 915-212-6843.
 
The Texas Department of State Health Services provides updates on the disease's spread within the state.

The safety of you and your loved ones is of the utmost importance. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office via email at Veronica.Escobar@mail.house.gov or by phone at 915-541-1400. 

Sincerely,
Veronica Escobar
Member of Congress
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