Over the last few weeks, I have seen firsthand the effect that the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has had on our community.
Every family in Kentucky’s Second District has been affected by this terrible virus. I will continue to work with my colleagues, President Donald Trump, and with administration officials to ensure we defeat this virus and persevere through this difficult time.
On March 27, 2020, I voted in favor of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748), which was signed into law by President Trump on the same day. The CARES Act includes many provisions to address our current national emergency. Specifically, the CARES Act improves COVID-19 testing capabilities, increases funding for the national stockpile of medical supplies, and provides additional funds to help local and state governments as well as hospitals who are on the front lines of this pandemic.
In addition, the CARES Act includes a number of programs to help small businesses, sole proprietors, and Kentuckians who have lost their jobs due to this crisis. The CARES Act:
- Creates a new “paycheck protection program” through the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) Loan Program for small employers, self-employed individuals, and “gig economy” workers, with $350 billion to help re-hire employees and prevent workers from losing their jobs.
- Provides a one-time tax rebate check of $1,200 per individual and $500 per child for those with a valid Social Security Number for those with incomes at or below $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for head of household, and $150,000 for married couples. Payments are phased out above those thresholds until it is phased out completely for single taxpayers with incomes at $99,000 or $198,000 for joint filers.
- Boosts unemployment insurance benefits, expands eligibility, and offers certain individuals an additional $600 a week for four months, in addition to state unemployment programs.
As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, and as the leader of the committee’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, I will continue to closely monitor the coronavirus pandemic and work tirelessly to help Kentuckians get through this unprecedented time. Please check my website for the latest updates on the coronavirus.
If you would like to stay connected to my office with updates on the latest news concerning the coronavirus, you can follow my Facebook page or sign up for my e-newsletter on my website, https://guthrie.house.gov.
Second District Congressman Brett Guthrie (R)
