NEWSLETTER
APRIL 1, 2020
Neighbors in the 42nd District,
Today is National Census Day! Please take a few minutes to complete the Census - this is an incredibly important tool for our country. I’ve also included updates from our state and federal government regarding our response to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19).
If you have not already, save the date for my upcoming Tele-Town Hall on Monday, April 6 at 7pm - Join me and Delegates Mark Sickles, Vivian Watts, and Paul Krizek as we answer your questions regarding COVID-19 and provide updates on the 2020 legislative session. Use the following information to access the call: Dial-in: (605) 472-5239 | Access Code: 811044 | Submit questions here.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance.
Best, Kathy
https://www.kathyfordelegate.com/coronavirus-resources
Federal Government Updates
2020 Census
Today is National Census Day! Ensuring an accurate count is important for everyone in Virginia. Our Commonwealth receives nearly $10.2 billion in federal funding for schools, healthcare programs, and more based on Census data.
Virginia loses out on about $12,000 over 10 years for every person that is not counted in the Census, so please complete the Census! Get more information about the 2020 Census here.
Assistance for Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations
The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has established the Paycheck Protection Program to help eligible small businesses and non-profit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. If entities meet certain criteria, then these may be forgiven and would not need to be repaid. This program will be available through June 30, 2020. Eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations can start applying on April 3, and applications are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. To learn more about how to apply, visit the SBA website here.
Governor Northam and State Agency Updates
Healthcare Access and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Governor Northam continues to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers to identify potential sites to stand up field hospitals in the event that the state needs additional hospital capacity. They are currently considering three sites in Fairfax County, Richmond area, and Hampton Roads. Those deliberations are continuing.
Today Virginia received our third shipment of PPE from our allocation of the national stockpile. Unfortunately, like other states and countries, we still need more PPE for healthcare professionals and front-line responders. The Governor is working with Virginia manufacturers, industry leaders and others to obtain more PPE.
In case you are able to offer assistance to Virginia, I am re-sharing the survey that the state has issued to gather information from the private sector on offers of assistance to Virginia (donation, in-kind contribution, discounted) for tests, PPE, and other necessary equipment; you can access it here.
Department of Motor Vehicles
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has extended its closures from April 2 to April 23. Additionally, DMV is suspending weight operations until April 23. Online services continue to be available, and to the extent possible, everyone is encouraged to complete your transactions online. As a reminder, there is a 60 day extension from the original expiration date for licenses and identification cards that expire March 15 - May 15 and for car registrations that expire in March and April. The announcement is here.
Housing Relief Assistance
For many of us, mortgage and rent payments are due today. Please see below what our state currently has in place for homeowners and renters, as well as a reminder about federal assistance.
Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA)
Evictions are currently halted for all Housing Choice Voucher holders. VHDA and public housing authorities are working with voucher holders to submit rental payment adjustments for individuals who lost their jobs or received a reduction of hours due to COVID-19.
VHDA is providing a deferral of up to three months for multifamily financing loans offered through the agency, which includes the principal owed and interest, and can be paid back over a period of 12 months. These deferrals require property owners to also provide tenants with the same terms and relief.
All of the mortgage programs offered through VHDA are federally guaranteed. As such, VHDA is waiving late fees, suspending foreclosures for 60 days, and suspending any reporting to credit bureaus. Additionally, like with VHDA’s multifamily financing loans, payments of principal and interest are deferred for up to three months and can be repaid over a period of 12 months.
To access the assistance offered through VHDA, please email VHDAServicing@vhda.com or call 877-843-1123.
Federal Relief From Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
The Federal Finance Housing Authority (FFHA) has directed Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, FFHA announced that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae would provide payment forbearance to borrowers impacted by the coronavirus. Forbearance allows for a mortgage payment to be suspended for up to 12 months due to hardship caused by the coronavirus. You can find more information on the announcement here. Two web sites that may help you determine if you qualify for this support are: https://www.knowyouroptions.com and https://ww3.freddiemac.com/loanlookup/.
Child Care
On March 30, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and Office of Children’s Services (OCS) provided guidance regarding contractual arrangements with service providers like private day schools. These decisions are to be made by local jurisdictions. Local school boards can work with all relevant partners to see how students in private settings can continue to be served. You can find the update from VDOE and OCS here, which also includes the full joint guidance regarding emergency child care during school closures.
For my previous updates about how Virginia is addressing COVID-19 and related resources,