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Dear Friend,
Thank you for reading my newsletter! My team and I continue to work for you and our community. It was a very eventful week and I’m excited to tell you about what we accomplished. Here are some highlights:
- I voted against the United States Postal Service “emergency” $25 billion bill
- I announced a new initiative to highlight local small businesses’ successes with the Paycheck Protection Program
- The U.S. Air Force announced it will bring F-35 fighter jets to Northeast Florida
VOTING NO ON THE “EMERGENCY” USPS BILL: A few weeks ago, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats discontinued negotiations on a coronavirus bill to help unemployed Americans, small businesses and our economy. I am disappointed that instead of working on these pressing issues, Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrats instead have brought us back to Capitol Hill to vote on a $25 billion bill to address a made-up and politicized crisis with the Postal Service.
The Postal Service is an essential service for the American people but this bill is not based in reality. The Postal Service handled 142 billion pieces of mail last year. Even if all 330 million Americans choose to vote (which has never happened) by mail over the course of the next two and a half months, it is still a fraction of the volume of mail the USPS handles. In fact, despite their concerns about the election, the $25 billion bailout this bill gives the USPS would have no effect on this year’s election.
Beyond that, the USPS already admitted it doesn’t need a $25 billion bailout, since it has $14 billion cash on hand and another $10 billion from the CARES Act signed into law in March. Despite the Democrats’ best efforts to draw a connection, delivery delays are the reality in COVID times, as the USPS deals with declining revenues and increased mail volumes. They are not a result of election interference.
Millions of Americans and thousands of small businesses need help to weather this storm but instead of working on real legislation, House Democrats disappointingly would rather create a political “crisis” to infuriate Americans and undermine confidence in this year’s election. This is why I voted no on this unnecessary measure.
Here are some more facts about the USPS:
BRINGING ADVANCED FIGHTER JETS TO FLORIDA: Last week, the U.S. Air Force announced it would be sending F-35 fighter jets – the most advanced jets of their kind – to Jacksonville. Our military has many uses for these stealth fighter jets, including air-to-air missions and intelligence operations. Bringing these jets to Jacksonville has been an effort years in the making and I’ve been working with Rep. John Rutherford and Sen. Marco Rubio to bring these to our area. Jacksonville has a strong reputation for supporting our military airmen and this decision is great news for Northeast Florida and for our national security. Click here to learn more.
SHARING PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM SUCCESSES: Last week, I announced a new initiative to highlight the successes of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in our community. As you know, millions of small businesses nationwide have struggled to stay open because of coronavirus. This is why Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program, so we can support our small businesses and help them stay open.
This week, my office heard from Pat’s Riverfront Cafe, a local restaurant in Port Orange that’s been able to stay open thanks to the PPP. Pat shared with me the struggles she faced while in shutdown and her gratitude for the PPP program, which allowed her to keep her business’ doors open, rehire her employees continue serving our community.
Click below to watch and learn more about how you can be featured in my #PPPSuccessHighlight campaign on social media:
To share your success story, please fill out the form on my website here. Not only will I be highlighting these stories on my social media pages but I also hope to visit these local businesses soon!
GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: Animals are great companions, bringing joy, support and love to their owners. Now, more than ever, animals are comforting owners and helping them get out of the house but there are still many animals without forever homes. Last weekend, in an effort to help dogs find homes and help bring joy to people during this pandemic, Subaru Daytona held their annual “Share the Love” adoption day with Halifax Humane Society. Not only did Subaru Daytona donate $42,450 to Halifax Humane Society but they also connected people with new furry friends.
CEO of Halifax Human Society Miguel Abi-Hassan (left) and General Manager of Subaru
Daytona Larry Kelly (right) at their “Share the Love” event on Saturday
(Photo Credit: Daytona Beach News Journal)
MAKING SURE YOU’RE COUNTED: As of August 16th, our district has had a self-response rate of 63.6% for this year’s census. While this is great, we can do better! Taking the census is important, as the numbers gathered affect funding for schools, healthcare, block grants, businesses relocating to the area and representation for our district. If you are one of the 36.4% who haven’t yet filled out your census, make sure you’re counted before Sept 30th! Take the quick and easy 2020 census by clicking here.
HELPING YOU NAVIGATE THE FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY: Are you struggling to navigate federal bureaucracy? My office can help with the VA, a passport, Social Security, the IRS or any other federal agency. Click here for more information about how we can assist you or call one of my three district offices below:
Please follow my daily work on social media by liking my Facebook page and following me on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. As always, 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 |