Special Edition News from Congresswoman Nita Lowey:
Families First Coronavirus Response Act – New Guidance from CDC, State and Local Officials

As cases of COVID-19 continue to be identified across Westchester and Rockland, I will continue working closely with local, state, and federal officials to protect the public. You can find information here on my website about preventing the spread of the virus as well as additional resources.

Here are some helpful resources and updates on the work I'm doing in Congress to keep New Yorkers safe:

  • Families First Coronavirus Response Act
  • Disaster Loan Assistance for Small Businesses
  • New Guidance from the CDC
  • Social Security Support
  • Resources to Keep our Communities Safe

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Our top priority in this public health emergency must be keeping the American people safe.

  • Last week, I led the House in passing, on a bipartisan 363-40 vote, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to bolster the federal government's response to the coronavirus outbreak and work to ensure communities like those in Westchester and Rockland have physical safety and financial security during this time of crisis.  
  • This legislation includes a temporary Medicaid funding boost that would deliver an increase of up to $6.7 billion for New York, the single largest amount to any state, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
  • It also guarantees free coronavirus testing, secures paid emergency leave, enhances Unemployment Insurance, and strengthens food security initiatives.
  • I will not stop working with my colleagues in Congress and throughout New York State to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on Lower Hudson Valley families.
  • Click here or on the image above to watch my floor statement.

Disaster Loan Assistance for Small Business

I'm working to protect and heal our communities across all fronts in the face of COVID-19.

  • Legislation I led in the House included $1 billion in loan subsidies to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small businesses, including nonprofits, experiencing financial losses as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
  • Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties have been declared disaster areas eligible for disaster loan assistance through the SBA because they are contiguous with Connecticut, which already has a declaration. Small businesses in these counties may apply now.
  • All of New York needs access to this critical assistance immediately. I am urging the SBA to expedite New York's request for disaster loan assistance to help all severly affected small businesses throughout the state.

New Guidance from the CDC

On Sunday, March 15, new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the cancelling all events of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks.

  • The CDC made this recommendation in an attempt to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus.
  • I join state and local officials in calling on New Yorkers to follow CDC guidelines.
  • Everyone has a role to play in preventing the spread of the coronavirus to protect not only yourself but your loved ones and our most vulnerable citizens. Protect your community and practice social distancing.

Social Security Offices Closed

As of Tuesday, March 17, all Social Security offices are closed to the public for in-person service.

Resources to Keep Our Communities Safe

We must remain cautious and attentive as our community cares for the ill and works to mitigate the impact of the virus across the Lower Hudson Valley.

Please continue to share these resources with those who have questions.

NOTE: These hotlines phone numbers offer Spanish-speaking services.

  • People under self-quarantine or exposure to known case, call (866) 588-0195
  • NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline (888) 364-3065
  • For local COVID-19 information and resources, call 211 or visit http://www.hudson211.org/cms/node/430

For more helpful information visit https://health.westchestergov.com/2019-novel-coronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

Staying in Touch

It is an honor to represent the Lower Hudson Valley in the United States Congress. To stay in touch and get the latest updates, please connect with me on Facebook and on Twitter.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact my office in Westchester County at (914) 428-1707, Rockland County at (845) 639-3485, or Washington, D.C., at (202) 225-6506, and we will do all we can to help.

Sincerely,
Nita M. Lowey
Member of Congress