Washingtonians,
In my
last newsletter
,
I shared information about emergency legislation the DC Council passed to help protect residents, organizations, and small businesses during the coronavirus outbreak. My team and I will keep working to help you through this unprecedented time.
I ask that all District residents do their part by practicing social distancing, going out and traveling on public transit only if necessary, and banding together as we get through this. Together, we can ‘flatten the curve’ to protect our vulnerable populations and allow our essential employees like healthcare workers, first responders, and transit and grocery store employees to do their jobs safely.
Below are recent updates. I will also continue to update my social media accounts.
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If you are able, file online to avoid long wait times on the phone.
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MEALS:
Starting March 23rd, home delivery will be available to vulnerable seniors in need of emergency food.
- If you or someone you know is 60+ years old and needs a meal, please call the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (202) 724-5626. Their office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
- If you know or are a senior who is lonely, please call the Department of Aging and Community Living at (202) 724-5652.
- Please beware of scams and do not give your personal or credit card information over the phone.
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Distance learning for DCPS students is extended until April 27th.
Starting April 1st, the District will add an additional 10 meal sites for all students, bringing the total number to 29 meal sites across the city. These sites serve lunch and a shelf-stable breakfast for all residents under the age of 18 Monday-Friday, 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Here is a full list of meal sites:
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Due to extended school closures, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) plans to seek a one-year waiver from federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements and will cancel statewide testing for students, including Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) and DC Science assessments.
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The Federal Small Business Administration (SBA) has accepted the District’s economic injury relief declaration. This provides low-interest, long-term disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace uninsured/underinsured disaster-damaged property. SBA disaster loans offer an affordable way for individuals and businesses to recover from declared disasters. To apply, click here
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
.
With authority from the Council’s emergency legislation, the Mayor has created a $25 million Small Business Recovery Microgrant program. As early as next week, the application process will open for aid to small businesses, non-profits, independent contractors, and the self-employed (only those ineligible for Unemployment Insurance). Click here for more information:
Small businesses and private non-profit organizations in DC can now apply for loans to help with operating expenses by visiting:
http://bit.ly/399KOYV
.
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WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY TRANSIT AUTHORITY UPDATE
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Metro (WMATA) made additional reductions this weekend due to workforce challenges, so train and bus services will be extremely limited. Essential travel only, please.
MetroBus service will be limited after 5 P.M. today and all day tomorrow due to operational challenges. Visit wmata.com for list of 20 routes that WILL operate.
As they work through various operations challenges and staff shortages associated with their evolving pandemic response, they continue to make service adjustments.
Please confirm service on your route every time you ride.
We strongly discourage visiting cherry blossoms. Please adhere to social distancing guidelines.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
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All DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) facilities, including playgrounds, parks, and athletic fields, are closed to the public.
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NEED TO REACH ME OR A MEMBER OF MY TEAM?
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My office is teleworking, but still available to you. Connect with me and my staff via phone or email. Please call my personal office at (202) 724-8174, committee office at (202) 741-8593 or email any of my team members.
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PERSONAL OFFICE STAFF
COMMITTEE OFFICE STAFF
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Let's continue to work together to get through this.
Robert
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Robert C. White, Jr. Councilmember, At-Large | Council of the District of Columbia
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