Healing Our Divisions and the Continued Fight Against COVID-19

Dear Friend,

This has been a trying time for our nation. We are working through the impacts of this devastating coronavirus, including new legislation – the Paycheck Program Protection Flexibility and TRUTHActs – I voted on last week in Washington, while also facing the stark realities of racism. We need to stand together to get through this time.

Healing Racial Divisions

I am appalled by the death of George Floyd, but sadly this is not the first time we have witnessed such a murder. Our country is in turmoil and it is hurting. During these difficult times, I ask all Americans to look within and reflect on how we come together — in memory of George Floyd, his family and all of our citizens who have felt the injustice of racial prejudice. I’m working on a plan to engage on the topic of systemic racism over the next year. That’s what we must do. We can start making tomorrow better, today.

Legislating for COVID-19 relief

The Heroes Act, which the House passed on May 15, included a key provision that would provide $1 billion in funding to expand medical education and construct medical schools in under-served areas like the San Joaquin Valley. Similar to the bill I introduced earlier this year: the Expanding Medical Education Act, this legislation would be critical to addressing doctor shortages here in our Valley now and in the future.

The House also passed two bills that provide needed reforms to the popular small business PPP program. These changes make it easier for small business owners to stay afloat and pay their employees while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. 

Locally-sourced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) is putting CARES Act funding to use to help Valley manufactures create personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face shields, mask, gowns, plexiglass dividers and hand sanitizer. Here is a list of local businesses where you can find these products: 

• Country Plastics – Ear Savers
• Blue Dolphin – Pi Shop – Face Shields
• Snowflake Designs – Masks
• CTEC High School – Face Shields
• Precision Plastics – Face Shields
• Dumont Printing – Face Shields
• First Fold Tie Dye – Cloth Masks
• Uppitees Fashions and Designs – Cloth Masks
• KLSD – Cloth Masks
• Whole Earth Laboratories – Commercial Strength Cleaning Solutions
• Total Concept Enterprises – Clear Plastic Space Dividers
• Whole Earth Laboratories – Cloth Masks
• Monster City Studios – Face Shields
• Riley’s Brewery – Madera – Hand Sanitizer
• Corbin Cash Distillery – Atwater – Hand Sanitizer
• 411 Broadway Ales & Spirits – Hand Sanitizer
• CA Manufacturing Network (CMTC) – PPE

Lessons Learned from COVID-19

On May 27, I participated in a COVID-19 statewide town hall on KSEE 24 and talked about the need to heed the lessons learned from this tragedy. We weren’t prepared for this pandemic, but there are ways we can fight it going forward.

California Responds

Working From Home

Thursday, May 28, was National Work from Home Day!

Like many of you, my staff and I have been following the state and federal guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by working from home. Despite these changes, we’ve stayed productive, handling a 400% increase of constituent casework and getting answers to your important questions. We remain committed to helping you through this crisis. If we can assist, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have a terrific staff, who dedicate themselves to helping our constituents and making a difference every day. I am proud of all of them. 

• State of California
• Roadmap for Invididual CA Counties
• Fresno City
• Fresno County
• Madera County
• Merced County

Resources:

We’ve compiled all the resources you need in one convenient location on our website.  

If you need specific help from our district office, please submit a request and a member of our staff will contact you. Here are some highlights: 

• COVID Resources Toolkit for Families (ENGLISH)
• FAQs on the CARES Act
• If you are a veteran or active service member in need of financial assistance, apply for PENFED COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program. 
• Resources for Veterans
• Navigating Small Business Administration programs
• Food Assistance
• Ways to help your community

Recursos en Español 

• COVID-19: Manual Digital de Recursos Para Constituyentes

RESPOND TO CENSUS 2020 Thank you to those of you that have already responded to the 2020 Census. If you haven’t had a chance yet, now is the perfect time! Make sure you count and help shape your future! Respond now!

COURSES FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS Fresno State is hosting free online classes for our essential workers battling COVID-19 on the front lines.  Find a class for you.

LOOKING AHEAD TO FIRE SEASON As wildfire season approaches, make sure PG&E has your updated contact information. PG&E strongly encourages everyone to do so by visiting their website or by calling the PG&E contact center at 1-866-743-6589. You can also sign up for alerts for your ZIP code.

CAN’T GO TO THE GROCERY STORE? If someone you know is unable or should not go to the grocery store, TakeCare has set up a grocery relief program, where you can get help and volunteer.

BEWARE OF SCAMS Scammers never rest – even during a crisis. Various federal agencies and utility companies are issuing warnings about the possibility of scams and disinformation. Find out how to protect yourself. You can also track reports of existing scams here.

DONATE BLOOD The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage due to the coronavirus outbreak. I ask you if you’re healthy to join me in giving blood to our local blood banks. It is a national emergency and a way we can all help out. Find out more on how to help.

Stay strong and we will get through this crisis. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need assistance.

Sincerely,

 
Jim Costa
Member of Congress

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