Weekly Update | May 5, 2020
We Need a Phased, Regional Reopening of Illinois
I joined the other Republican members of Congress in Illinois to urge Governor Pritzker to take a regional approach by starting the reopening process in low-risk areas of our state. While parts of the state have seen a rise in cases, we continue to have counties reporting zero cases of COVID-19. With improved and increased testing, and an emergency response plan in place should an outbreak occur, the Governor should move forward on allowing Illinoisans the opportunity to make informed decisions on how they can safely return to work.

The federal government has done a great deal to help the State of Illinois, like funding for health care providers and economic boosts to small businesses, families, individuals, and more. Now is the time for Governor Pritzker to step up with a plan to reopen Illinois that prioritizes the health of our people and our economy. We stand ready to work with the Governor on this effort.

As a member of the President's task force to reopen the country, I provided recommendations to address some of the issues facing the communities I serve. I'm excited the President and his team have addressed issues with testing so people can now get tested for elective surgeries and changes to ensure our food supply is secure by evoking the Defense Production Act.


Taking Your Questions During My COVID-19 Tele-Town Hall
If you joined my Tele-Town Hall last week, thank you! I was joined by over 7,000 constituents on my COVID-19 Tele-Town Hall with  Representative Dan Brady . I appreciated all the great questions on unemployment, small business relief, testing, reopening our economy, and more. For more information on coronavirus-related resources visit  rodneydavis.house.gov/coronavirus .

Direct Payment Update
IMPORTANT REMINDER: The IRS has announced a deadline of May 5th for SSI and VA beneficiaries to act if they didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 AND have dependents age 16 and younger so they can quickly receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payment. Enter dependent info by clicking here.


More COVID-19 Updates
Coronavirus Live Q&A Episodes w/ House Republican Whip Steve Scalise and OSF Healthcare's Dr. John Vozenilek
Recently, I launched a new Coronavirus Live Q&A series on Facebook where I host a special guest to discuss issues impacting either you or others in your community.

On Wednesday, I was joined by my good friend House Republican Whip Steve Scalise to talk about the Paycheck Protection Program and unemployment.
I also spoke to Dr. John Vozenilek from OSF Healthcare about their new Pandemic Health Worker Program to provide tele-health to those with COVID-19 symptoms or those who are at greater risk of contracting the disease.
Watch both episodes by clicking the images above
Teaming up with the Private Sector to Deliver Hand Sanitizer to Those in Need
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13) (left) and Central Illinois Foodbank Executive Director Pam Molitoris (right) stand by hand sanitizer donated to the foodbank in Springfield on Monday, April 27th.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13) looks on as Skeff Distributing employees unload hand sanitizer for the Central Illinois Foodbank in Springfield on Monday, April 27th..
Anheuser-Busch and Skeff Distributing

I teamed up with Anheuser-Busch and Skeff Distributing to deliver hand sanitizer to Central Illinois Foodbank, Eastern Illinois Foodbank and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). We delivered 13,860 8oz bottles of hand sanitizer to these organizations.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13) (left) and Assumption farmer/past president of the National Corn Growers Association Leon Corzine (right) deliver hand sanitizer to Taylorville Fire Chief Matthew Adermann (middle) outside the fire department in Taylorville on Tuesday, April 28th.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13) delivers hand sanitizer to Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp outside the county courthouse in downtown Taylorville on Tuesday, April 28th.
IL Corn Growers Association and IL Soybean Association

I was also glad to team up with the Illinois Corn Growers Association and Illinois Soybean Association to deliver much needed hand sanitizer to local first responders and public health departments in Christian and Montgomery counties via the Christian County Sheriff's Office and Christian-Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency. In total we delivered 12 gallons of ethanol-based hand sanitizer manufactured by Marquis Energy in Hennepin, IL. Next week more hand sanitizer will be delivered to the Macoupin County Health Department in Carlinville, IL.

CARES Act Funding for Public Housing
I recently announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded CARES Act funding for local public housing authorities in Illinois' 13th congressional district in the amount of $2.68 million. The funding comes through two different programs funded by the CARES Act which I voted for and President Trump signed into law in March. Read more at the link below.

3 Ways to Take the 2020 Census
The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that 57.5% of IL-13 households have now completed their 2020 Census. Have you?

Constituent Service Spotlight
Helping Constituents Cut Through Red Tape in Taylorville
“It was very important for us to get our 501c3 reinstated for the purpose of membership goals as well as fundraising. With the assistance of Meg and Jenny the process went very smoothly and we were able to achieve our goal very quickly. Thank you, ladies!!”

-Becky in Taylorville, IL