May 16, 2020

Dear Friend,

This week, members of the U.S. House of Representatives returned to Washington, D.C., to vote on H.R. 6800, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act. This 1,800 page, $3 trillion partisan wish list fails to deliver the appropriate relief to the American people.

As members of Congress, it is our duty to represent your best interests. The HEROES Act is not the answer and will only waste time and taxpayer dollars. My colleagues and I are committed to delivering thoughtful solutions that will truly improve the quality of life for Mississippians and all Americans. I discussed my thoughts and concerns about this bill and other issues during an interview on SuperTalk Mississippi's The J.T. Show on Thursday. Please click on the link to listen.

paycheck protection program - update

The Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program has helped businesses in Mississippi and across America stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. I believe this program has and continues to be a success because it has enabled employers to keep their team members on the payroll. Additionally, the PPP loan provided monies to pay the businesses's rent, utilities, and other essential bills.

The loans are designed to be forgiven if the borrower adheres to the requirements. This week, I signed onto a letter written to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza requesting their agencies guide all those granted PPP loans through the loan forgiveness process. I agree with Representatives Michael Guest, Steven Palazzo and Bennie Thompson that our Mississippi small business owners should be able to navigate this system without any unnecessary and burdensome federal government red tape. To read the full letter, please click on the link. The Internal Revenue Service has answers to frequently asked questions HERE.

economic impact payments

The federal government has mailed or deposited at least half of the Economic Impact Payments to millions of Americans. Are you wondering why you have not received your money? You can track the status of your payment by clicking on the link. If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to give our team a call.

Coronavirus food assistance program

Farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses due to the coronavirus - regardless of size, can apply for assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The USDA will begin taking applications for this program soon. Now is the time to learn more about the application process. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) held a webinar this week to explain how the program works and to take questions. If you missed it, click on the link to catch up.

covid-19: taking care of our own

Mississippians have always been known for their generosity. From our corporate partners to private citizens, that giving spirit is demonstrated on both the large and small scale. Airbus Helicopters, an international manufacturer located in the Golden Triangle, has donated 2,000 masks to the Lowndes County Volunteer Fire Departments. Pictured is Chief Wayne Doyle, Fire Chief, District 3.

In Itawamba County, Rita Chamblee has been making masks which she has been giving away to medical professionals and others since mid March. She has sewn close to 500 masks. Rita said she has been sewing since she was a child.

Her love for this hobby stayed with her all through her years working as a nurse for the North Mississippi Medical Center. Rita said providing masks for others feels much like her job as a nurse. "It is rewarding," Rita said. "My nursing background was all about helping people. This is so rewarding."

COVID-19 testing

To date, more than 2,000 people have been tested for COVID-19 at 57 one-day testing sites across Mississippi. The drive-through tests have been conducted by the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Mississippi State Department of Health. New testing sites have been set for next week. An appointment is required for testing. Please click on the link for more information.

additional coronavirus resources

If you have any questions related to the coronavirus pandemic, I have a resource page that is continually updated with helpful information. Check back as often as you can for the latest information.

STAY IN TOUCH

Let me know if there is anything my office can do to assist you. You can keep up with the latest news by signing up for my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress