Dear Friend,



We are in the second week of what is a critical time to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus, COVID-19. Now more than ever, it is important to stay at home unless absolutely necessary and practice social distancing if you must go outside.



Fortunately, more help is on the way. The Senate has announced that they have reached an agreement on a bipartisan bill to further bolster our response to the public health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.



Senate's Bipartisan Coronavirus Bill



The Senate came to an agreement on a large bill to further help Americans impacted by the coronavirus crisis and is preparing for a vote. The House is now waiting for final passage in the Senate. Below are some of the highlights.



The Senate coronavirus bill will include help for:



Health Care Facilities: large investment in hospitals, health systems and state and local governments to give them the resources they desperately need during this emergency.

large investment in hospitals, health systems and state and local governments to give them the resources they desperately need during this emergency. Workers: large increase in Unemployment Insurance benefits to help laid-off or furloughed workers, including an additional $600 per week in benefits for four months for jobless workers. Additionally, it will extend Unemployment Insurance benefits to those who are self-employed or independent contractors.

large increase in Unemployment Insurance benefits to help laid-off or furloughed workers, including an additional $600 per week in benefits for four months for jobless workers. Additionally, it will extend Unemployment Insurance benefits to those who are self-employed or independent contractors. Small Businesses: expansion of fast relief for small businesses; rent, mortgage and utility costs will be eligible for SBA loan forgiveness.

expansion of fast relief for small businesses; rent, mortgage and utility costs will be eligible for SBA loan forgiveness. Students: billions in emergency education funding and elimination of income tax on student loan repayment assistance by an employer.

The bill will also include:



Cash Payment: $1,200 for individuals who make up to $75,000; $2,400 for married couples who make up to $150,000. Those who make between $75,000 and $99,000 ($150,000 and $198,000 for couples) will be eligible to receive a smaller payment. In addition, families will be eligible to receive $500 per child. This one-time payment will be based on adjusted gross income on 2019 tax returns, or 2018 if not yet filed.



$1,200 for individuals who make up to $75,000; $2,400 for married couples who make up to $150,000. Those who make between $75,000 and $99,000 ($150,000 and $198,000 for couples) will be eligible to receive a smaller payment. In addition, families will be eligible to receive $500 per child. This one-time payment will be based on adjusted gross income on 2019 tax returns, or 2018 if not yet filed. Accountability and Oversight: provisions to prevent secret bailouts and adds special oversight requirements to monitor how loans to big businesses are spent.

While it does not go as far as the economic stimulus bill introduced in the House, this agreement is a compromise and a major improvement from the Senate bill discussed over the weekend. When passed, this coronavirus bill will build on top of the two critical coronavirus response bills that have already been signed into law.



Coronavirus Update for San Diego and California



California remains under a stay at home order. The order asks all Californians to stay at home unless necessary until further notice.



As of yesterday, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in San Diego county reached 242, including 226 cases among county residents. Two county residents have died due to complications related to the coronavirus. For up-to-date information about confirmed cases in the county, click here.



There are a total of 2,535 positive cases of COVID-19 and 40 deaths related to the coronavirus in the state of California. For the latest statewide information on the number of cases, click here.



Travel through ports of entry at the U.S.-Mexico border remains restricted to essential travel. Individuals traveling for tourism purposes do not fall under the definition of "essential travel" and will be restricted from crossing a port of entry.



Disaster Healthcare Volunteers Needed



Healthcare professionals are needed to volunteer to help with the COVID-19 response. If you are a healthcare provider with an active license, a public health professional, or a member of a medical disaster response team in California and would like to volunteer for disaster service, please click here.



2020 Census



Looking for something to do while you stay at home during the coronavirus emergency? Help protect California -- and the 53rd District -- by completing the 2020 Census.



The census is more than a population count. Your participation helps allocate federal resources for hospitals, fire departments, schools, and infrastructure in our community for the next decade. It's quick and easy to complete. For more information, click here.



Resources and Information



Here is a list of useful websites to help you during this emergency:



211 San Diego: local information and resources for San Diego County residents.

California Labor & Workforce Development Agency: information about paid sick leave, family leave, disability and unemployment insurance. For a quick guide on unemployment insurance, click here.

California Employment Development Department: information for self-employed and independent contractors to apply for Disability Insurance Elective Coverage.

Internal Revenue Service: information, updates and resources on tax relief. The deadline to file taxes is now July 15.

KPBS At-home Learning: free at-home learning resources for children and youth in response to school closures in San Diego.

San Diego County Office of Education: information on meal sites during school closures.

San Diego Public Library's e-Library: borrow free eBooks and eAudiobooks from the local library. The San Diego Public Library is currently closed until April 6.

Small Business Administration: guidance and loan resources for small businesses.

Veterans Affairs: resources for veterans from the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

For a comprehensive list of resources and information, please click here.



Thank You



Whether you are staying at home or working to provide an essential service, you are playing an important role in keeping our community safe. We are at a critical point in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 and must continue to heed the warnings of our public health experts.



Thank you for all you are doing to protect our community. Stay safe and stay positive.



Warmly,



Susan A. Davis