April 25, 2020
Dear Friend,
President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force unveiled the guidelines for Opening Up America Again. The three-step process offers guidance to state and local governments to reopen their economies, return people to work, and continue to protect lives.
Much has been done to protect businesses and jobs during this pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) offered a lifeline to scores of businesses, but the funding quickly ran out. Passage of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act this week replenished funding for the program, saving more jobs in the process. Additionally, this legislation provided more funding for healthcare providers and expanded testing for the coronavirus.
On Thursday, I discussed this legislation on SuperTalk Mississippi. Please click on the link to listen to my interview.
Despite the challenges which lay ahead, Mississippians will not falter. In every crisis situation, we have stepped up to help each other. Although we have sheltered in place for weeks, we kept an eye on our neighbors, cooked a meal for a friend in need, and offered a listening ear to those who were in quarantine alone.
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| Discussing the coronavirus pandemic on WTVA |
In just a matter of days, Mississippians will begin the transition described as the "new normal". We will be more conscious about protecting our health and something more - protecting our way of life. Change will come, but Americans will adapt as we always have. In the words of President Trump, "We will prevail together."
| paycheck protection program (ppp) |
Cooper Electrical Controls
Gary Cooper, President of Cooper Electrical Controls in New Albany, launched his business in 1997. CEC designs and builds custom equipment for many types of manufacturing throughout the United States. Over the years, his workforce has grown to 36 employees to meet the growing demand for their products and services. The coronavirus has had an impact on business, slowing the number of orders.
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| Machine Operator Jesse Knox |
Even so, Gary was determined to keep his team of electrical and mechanical engineers and technicians, including 81-year-old Jesse Knox and his 87-year-old brother, Mose Knox. He turned to the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program to apply for a loan. Under the terms of the loan, if an employer keeps his employees for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities, it will be forgiven.
"We've got all this talent here. What can we do?"
Gary said he was glad the loan was approved quickly and that he was able to keep all members of his team. It was then he started thinking about the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). He reached out to a New Albany manufacturer who was producing protective masks. In no time, Gary's team was supplying a metal nose bar that is a key component of the mask. "We are glad to help meet the demand for PPEs," Gary said. "I wanted to help in some way."
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| aberdeen - taking care of their own |
In every city and town in the First District, there are small business owners who have invested their time and money in hopes of generating a living. That is also the case in Aberdeen where the historic downtown is home to dozens of small businesses. Like so many other small businesses owners, the coronavirus forced many of them to scale back hours and, in some cases, to temporarily close.
Ann Tackett, Director of the Aberdeen Main Street Association, wanted to offer additional help beyond that of the federal government. She reached out to all the building owners, asking them to skip rent collection for a month. Everyone she asked was eager to jump on board. "This is why Aberdeen is so great," Ann said. "Everybody could do this!"
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| innovation at it's best! |
The need for Personal Protective Equipment by our healthcare professionals on the front lines got the attention of Ole Miss Biomedical Engineering Professors Chip Wade and Troy Drewry. They are working to complete testing on reusable masks they designed at the Ole Miss Center for Diagnostics, Design, Devices, and Biomechanics.
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| Professor Chip Wade |
"There is a wide variety of companies that are manufacturing masks," Professor Wade said. "When all this is over, they will pivot back to their normal manufacturing process. We want to set up a PPE manufacturing facility in north Mississippi for the long term. Not only will this help to keep the demand for supplies under control, this endeavor will create jobs."
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| webster county homemaker to mask maker |
I am always proud to highlight the important role our field representatives play in the First District. On this occasion, however, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Liz Weddle, wife of First Congressional District Field Representative Willy Weddle. As a young girl, Liz was taught how to sew by her mother. Over the years, she has enjoyed making clothes for her daughter and grandchildren.
In March, Liz began sewing masks to help protect family and friends from the coronavirus. Since then, she's been working overtime to provide masks to all those who need them. Liz has supplied everyone from veterinary students to medical facilities. "Anyone that needs them, I give them away," Liz said. "It makes you feel like you're helping."
I am proud to see more and more Mississippians use their talents to confront the coronavirus. Look for more stories in upcoming newsletters. To nominate a person, business, or organization to be featured in upcoming newsletters, please call (662) 687-2570.
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STAY IN TOUCH
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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.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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