Dear Friend,

I hope you and your family are continuing to stay healthy and well. 

The horrific attack we witnessed last week at the U.S. Capitol was despicable and wholly unacceptable. I unequivocally condemn those who engaged in the violence, and call for justice to be served for those who caused the loss of life. 

I continue to offer my thanks to the U.S. Capitol Police and all other members of law enforcement who worked to protect us and restore order that day. Over the last several days, we have been heartbroken to learn of the loss of two of our own Capitol police officers, and offer our sincere condolences to their families and colleagues. 

As we heal, we must work towards restoring unity to recover from these horrific events, and be focused on continuing our important work on behalf of the American people. I will continue to work in Congress to promote opportunity, success, and stability for Arizonans, while ensuring those who engaged in this assault on our democracy are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. 

Maricopa County Vaccine Updates

This week, Maricopa County will be entering into it's next phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Those in Phase 1B who are eligible to sign up for a vaccination starting today include:

• K-12 school staff and childcare workers
• Law Enforcement
• Adults age 75 and older

For more information from Maricopa County on future COVID-19 vaccine updates, please click the link here to monitor or register.

I am very pleased to see the COVID-19 vaccination rolling out as quickly and effectively as possible. We must remember to keep those more vulnerable safe until everyone has had their vaccination. I recommend continuing to check Maricopa County Public Health's website for additional news and updates. 

Paycheck Protection Program is Reopening

Beginning today, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the Paycheck Protection Program, a forgivable loan program that has helped millions of small businesses across the country. Small businesses who have not yet received a first draw PPP are now eligible to apply through community lenders, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries.

On Wednesday, January 13th, the second draw of PPP loans will reopen to businesses who qualify and bank with a qualified community lender listed above. Second draw loans will be available to small businesses with 300 employees or less who have experienced at least 25% revenue loss during a quarter in 2020 compared to 2019.

More information will be made available as the SBA plans to allow additional lenders to reopen the program for first and second draw loans. For updates, please visit SBA’s website.

A few additional changes to the Paycheck Protection Program include:

• Businesses can now deduct their expenses covered by a PPP;
• 501(c)6 organizations will now be eligible to participate in the PPP;
• There will be a simplified PPP forgiveness application available for businesses with loans of $150,000 or less;
• Businesses will no longer have to deduct the amount of their EIDL cash grant advance from their PPP loan forgiveness amount.

To read more information on these important updates, please click here.

Volunteer at Local Vaccination Sites

If you or a loved one are willing to volunteer at a COVID-19 vaccination site, The Arizona Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (AZ-ESAR-VHP) is teaming up with AZDHS and are looking for eligible individuals who can serve as vaccinators or in support positions to help with site operations.

Visit the website here to register now for a volunteering position. We thank all of our healthcare professionals and volunteers for what you have been doing for our communities! 

I appreciate you taking the time to read my weekly e-newsletter. If our office can ever be helpful to you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. 

Sincerely, 

David Schweikert