Coronavirus Updates Page

May 11, 2020

Current Issues

Coronavirus Update - Preserving Civil Liberties

Attorney General William Barr has released a memo discussing the importance of preserving Civil Rights during the COVID-19 pandemic. As he has said, the Constitution is not suspended during a crisis.

I believe that includes our First Amendment right to peaceably assemble, to petition our government for redress of grievance, the right to practice religion and the right not to be denied our liberty or property without due process of law.

I want to encourage you to read Attorney General Barr’s memo, which can be viewed here.

Additionally, you can file a complaint with The Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice if you believe that recent actions by state and local entities are violating the Constitution.

And I want you to know that our office will assist you in any way we can to assure your complaint gets the attention it deserves. If you are a constituent requiring assistance, please call my office at 916-786-5560

Updates:

Check the Status of your Economic Impact Payment: The IRS has launched their webtool to “Check on the Status of your Economic Impact Payment” and it is now live for constituents to utilize: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

Direct Deposit Information: The IRS has also launched a webtool to enter direct deposit information for those who don’t already have that information on file with the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

Paycheck Protection Program: Zip code tool to find an eligible lender near you: https://www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find

Coronavirus Relief Check Questions Answered (click link for information)
The CARES Act provides financial support through a one-time check for American workers to help them as our country continues its work to defeat the novel coronavirus.

The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) (click link for information)
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The application form can be found here.

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act (click link for information)
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act is a comprehensive guide for small business owners to learn more about the different forms of SBA assistance currently available.

Coronavirus: Avoid Scams and Schemes Tied to Coronavirus Relief Checks (click for information)
Multiple federal agencies have issued warnings to taxpayers cautioning them to be aware of potential scams related to coronavirus relief checks.

The documents above contain the most up to date information available. For further information, please call our office at 916-786-5560.

During This Time My Office Remains Open To Constituents In Need Of Federal Assistance

If you are currently quarantined and in need of assistance, please contact me.

If your small business is facing economic distress, my office can provide guidance on available resources.

I want to hear directly from small business owners on what you need to help ramp up your operations as quickly and safely as possible as we move past COVID-19.

I will continue to assist our Veterans with their claims and provide casework help to seniors so they don’t have to navigate Medicare or the Social Security Administration on their own.

My staff and I have been working diligently to help constituents and their families stranded abroad. If you are a constituent requiring assistance, please call my office at 916-786-5560.

Travelers are recommended to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts & ensure you can be located in an emergency. U.S. Citizens in an Emergency can call 1-888-407-4747 (U.S./Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (overseas) or contact the nearest embassy.

Our office has also received inquiries for fraudulent letters being sent regarding suspension of Social Security benefits during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not suspend or discontinue benefits because their offices are closed.

If you are a constituent requiring assistance, please call my office at 916-786-5560.

Information On Receiving 2020 CARES Act Recovery Rebates

Coronavirus Relief Check Questions Answered
The CARES Act provides financial support through a one-time check for American workers to help them as our country continues its work to defeat the novel coronavirus.

Further information on receiving 2020 CARES Act Recovery Rebates can be found here: COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Summary of the 2020 Recovery Rebates in the CARES Act

Resources For Small Businesses & Employees

Latest updates:

The latest information on the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) - forgivable loans for small businesses - is available here.

The Paycheck Protection Program application form can be found here.

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act - The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act is a comprehensive guide for small business owners to learn more about the different forms of SBA assistance currently available.

Both PDF documents above contain the most up to date information available. For further information, please call our office at 916-786-5560.

U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

California Employment Development Department: https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

California Department of Labor (resources for employers/employees): https://www.labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019/

Information That May Be Helpful To You As Our Country Moves Forward With Addressing Challenges Associated With Coronavirus:

Coronavirus information can be found on one, regularly-updated website: Coronavirus.gov is a valuable resource to keep your family informed.

Our office has helped several quarantined constituents of CA-04 obtain necessary prescription medication and medical treatment. If you are a constituent and are in a mandatory quarantine, please call my District Office (916) 786-5560 to let me know where you are and how you are doing.