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Dear Friend,
I'm continuing to work closely with federal, state and local officials to monitor and fight the coronavirus in our community. There has been a lot of new information about the coronavirus and our community’s response, so I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss anything and update you on what might happen this week in Congress:
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Update: As of last week, the Paycheck Protection Program officially ran out of money, leaving small businesses struggling to survive the coronavirus pandemic high and dry. Without this funding, many small businesses will continue to lay off their employees and close their doors. We can't let that happen. These businesses are essential to our communities and are counting on us to act.
Right now, the White House and Congress are inching closer to reaching an agreement to approve additional funding for PPP but unfortunately, it looks like we won’t be voting on this package until Wednesday at the earliest. We must act quickly to help our small businesses and I'm ready to return to Capitol Hill to help ensure our businesses keep their doors open!
Here are the latest stats on the Paycheck Protection Program:
- As of Monday, more than 1,660,000 loans have been approved for small businesses around the country
- Nearly $343 billion in loans have been processed and more than 4,900 lenders have participated nationally
- In Florida, nearly 89,000 program loans have been approved, amounting to nearly $17 billion distributed to our small businesses
For more information, click here for the most up-to-date FAQ document from the Treasury Department about the Paycheck Protection Program.
CARES Act Helping Northeast Florida College Students: Every college student deserves a shot at a great education but unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has threatened to end many of these students’ dreams. To help, colleges and universities in our district are receiving federal funding for cash grants to go DIRECTLY to our students attending Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Stetson University. This funding will help cover housing, food, healthcare and childcare costs and keep our students on the path to academic success!
Re-Opening Florida Update: While it’s important we continue heeding CDC advisories, we must also look at the next steps to reopen our economy. Yesterday, Gov. DeSantis convened the first meeting with the state task force to open Florida’s economy to discuss how to reopen Florida while ensuring we stay safe and healthy. More than 40 percent of Florida’s tourism, recreation, retail, real estate, construction and transportation jobs are at risk, so it is critical we do everything possible to reopen our economy and do it safely.
The first step to re-opening is using antibody testing to better understand the spread of the virus. Right now, there are private companies across the state working to make efficient and accurate COVID-19 antibody testing more accessible. The information gathered from antibody testing is critical to helping us find ways to better defeat the virus and plan for the future, especially as we look to reopen some of Florida's businesses and industries.
We will find a path back to normalcy but it will take time and patience on all of our parts. Just know, Gov. DeSantis, your local leaders and I are committed to getting back to normal as soon as possible while keeping Floridians healthy and safe.
State Government Update:
On Saturday, Governor DeSantis announced Florida K-12 schools will continue distance learning and remain physically closed until the end of this school year. Parents and students should visit their school district’s website for more information on closures and distance learning guidelines:
Local Government Update:
Testing in Volusia and Flagler Counties:
- Flagler County: The drive-thru coronavirus testing site is open to qualifying residents. Call 386-313-4200 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to complete a short screening process to qualify for an appointment. Residents must have:
- Underlying medical conditions resulting in weakened immune systems or be over the age of 65
- Symptoms of COVID-19 which includes fever, cough and shortness of breath
- Volusia County: Three testing locations are open and operating Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. No referral nor appointment is necessary. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, visit one of these three locations:
- 960 S. Williamson Blvd. - Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club (drive-thru testing)
- 1200 Deltona Blvd. - Deltona Plaza (drive-thru testing)
- 1205 S. Woodland Blvd. - DeLand (walk-up only)
FAQs and resources for individuals, small businesses & farmers: I have compiled a list of resources and Frequently Asked Questions to help ensure you have all the information you need to receive support that Congress has put in place:
For more information about the coronavirus in Florida, visit my website here.
As always, follow my daily work on social media by liking my Facebook page and following me on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram and feel free to reach out to my offices in Florida or Washington, D.C. if my team or I can ever be of service.
In Service,
Michael Waltz |