Dear Friend,

Our community has been faced with unprecedented challenges in the past 24 hours. 

I hope everyone in Cave Creek is continuing to stay safe. This fire has damaged our neighbors homes and displaced many of our fellow community members. We recommend everyone in close proximity to the Ocotillo fire continue to follow local official’s guidelines for evacuation. We also recommend all Arizonans take time to learn more about fire safety measures you can take to stay safe 

Last night, Fashion Square saw vandalism that has no place in our community. I believe that civility is in its finest form when communities support each other. As we all voice our concerns and anger towards the tragic death of George Floyd, I encourage everyone to choose civility in how we educate and transform our societies to be better.

We will continue to update constituents here and on our social media platforms as information for the fires become available. Be sure to follow our local official’s accounts and myself on Facebook and Twitter for updates. 

Here is an update from this past week:

Virtual Ways and Means Committee Hearing

This week, during the Ways and Means Committee Hearing on the Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color, I discussed the impact of COVID-19 on tribal communities in Arizona. 

We have been working with the communities to learn more about what changes can be made to strengthen their health and safety. I asked Dr. Thomas Dean Sequist, a witness on the panel, to help outline the unique challenges that have led to a higher impact of COVID-19 on tribal groups. 

If you would like to watch my questioning and witness responses, click here. I begin speaking at 2:17:10. 

Economic Impact Payment Update

Individuals who chose to receive their economic impact payments in the mail and did not register for direct deposit should have received this prepaid debit card. 

The debit cards arrive in a plain white envelopes, which has confused many Americans into throwing away the envelope, regarding it as spam mail. If you believe you have thrown away or lost your Economic Impact Payment, you can contact the Treasury Department by calling 1-800-240-8100 for a free replacement.

Our office is available and ready to assist constituents with any questions about Economic Impact Payments. Please feel welcome to call us if we can be helpful!

Paycheck Protection Program News

The House passed the bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act by a vote of 417-1, legislation I co-sponsored to improve the PPP loans by making it easier for business owners to support their business, their employees and our economy. 

This legislation has not been signed into law. I am urging my colleagues in the Senate to move swiftly on passing this legislation to create the updates listed above. More information on this legislation can be found on my website, here. 

If you are a small business owner who has questions about the PPP loans, be sure to check my COVID-19 Small Business website or contact my office and we will be able to share resources available for you. 

Passport Delays

The State Department is not currently processing any passports, except for life-or-death emergency cases. 

If you have summer plans to travel overseas we recommend checking the State Department’s Travel website for additional information for traveling during COVID-19. 

I appreciate you taking the time to read my weekly E-Newsletter. Feel welcome to share this email with friends so they can subscribe for updates and future events. If you would like to contact me, please browse my website for the different services our office can help you with.

Sincerely,

David Schweikert