Friends For Jeff Spiegelman
I hope everyone is staying safe during these odd times. I have been getting a lot of emails and phone calls from constituents on a wide variety of questions. I wanted to use this platform as a way of keeping you informed to some things going on in the area, resources if you need assistance, some letters and demands from the Delaware House Caucus to the governor, and a bit of humor in these dark times.
LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR DEMANDING LEGISLATIVE INVOLVEMENT
I have been very concerned about the lack of involvement by the Legislative Branch in the decision making process for these Executive Orders. This letter was sent out on behalf of our Caucus. It was, of course, ignored.
LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR DEMANDING REASONABLE BUISNESS RELIEF AND REOPENING
Additionally, I STRONGLY believe there is a middle ground to be found between keeping Delaware safe from the virus and keeping the economy from suffering the way t is suffering right now. I do not think we are currently achieving that admittedly difficult balance. There are far more businesses and business sectors that could be open in a SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE manner. Our caucus sent a letter to the Governor’s office today asking for much more to be done.
Important COVID-19 resources:
FOOD DISTRIBUTION:
Find a local food pantry: Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-560-3372, text 898-211 or visit www.delaware211.org
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM SERVICES:
https://www.delawarevictimservices.org/
H.E.L.P LOANS:
The Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP) is available to provide funds to some of the businesses and nonprofits in the state most significantly impacted by COVID-19. It will make no-interest loans of up to $10,000 per business per month** available to eligible businesses in the hospitality industry.
The $10,000 can cover rent, utilities and other unavoidable bills but cannot be used for personnel costs. The loans have a 10-year term with payments deferred for nine months.
**For businesses under NAICS code 7225 (Restaurants and Other Eating Places), the revenue cap is $15 million. If a qualifying business’ total mortgage or lease payments in a month (across a single location or multiple) exceed $10,000, it is eligible to apply for a loan of up to $50,000 per month to cover those two expenses.
UNEMPLOYMENT:
Due to a high volume of traffic on the Department of Labor’s benefits website, they are encouraging the use of their automated telebenefits phone numbers to file an unemployment claim. The automated telebenefits numbers are (800) 794-3032 or (302) 761-6576.
ABSENTEE BALLOT:
ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS:
For a calendar of virtual events, online support groups, and chat lines visit helpisherede.com/Get-Help/Community-Resources
HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMS:
Easily apply for benefits through ASSIST, an online application for Delawareans to apply for health and social service programs.
https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/
PAYROLL PROTECTION PROGRAM RESUMPTION:
The Small Business Administration resumed accepting Payroll Protection Program loan applications on Monday (April 27) from approved lenders on behalf of any eligible borrower.
https://business.delaware.gov/2020/04/25/9518/
For more information on the Paycheck Protection Program, visit: sba.gov/paycheckprotection.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT OTHER RESOURCES I CAN PROVIDE FOR THE GOOD OF YOUR FAMILY, THE 11TH DISTRICT, AND THE STATE OF DELAWARE
CAUSES;
A couple of really good causes and events you might want to check out. This is just a small sample of what is out there.
-THE SMYRNA DINER SUPPORTING SENIORS – The Smyrna Diner is asking for gift card donations to provide seniors with meals they are delivering to them. They have been using their own money to feed local seniors and could use some help. Anyone that donates will be on Facebook. Any little bit helps and they can take payment over the phone. If you interested in helping you can call the Smyrna Diner at 302-653-9980.
-SUPPORT 3 PALMS ZOO – Help support the operations of 3 Palms Zoo. The zoo’s dedicated volunteers are coming in seven days a week to make sure every animal is fed and cared for. Your generous donation helps them make sure the animals will always have enough food to eat, enrichment to keep them busy, and medicine to keep them healthy. Please donate generously to the Zoo today to help support the animals that we all love.
https://3palmszoo.org/donate/covid/
-MARYDEL FIRE COMPANY’S CURBSIDE WINGS EVENT – The Marydel Volunteer Fire Company is sponsoring a Curbside Wings and Things To-Go event on May 8th at 3:00 p.m. All orders must be placed by noon on May 8th. To order call 443-786-9147 or 302-922-0819 (or leave a message at this number if no answer).
COMPENTITON TO RAISE AWARNESS ON THE BENEFITS OF SUPRESSORS.
I understand, respect, and appreciate what a serious situation this is for everyone. Certainly I do not want to belittle that. At the same time, I also respect the benefit that just a weeeeeee bit of humor can have during the most difficult of times
I will be serving as the designated Mustache Man in our inaugural ASA Silencer Stache Competition! This is going to be a fun way to raising some awareness of the benefits of suppressors for hunting and recreational shooting sports.
Voting begins May 1 2020 at www.silencerstache.com.
2020 SURVEY REMAINS OPEN
Please go to www.jeffderepresentative.com and click on “Survey” to participate.
-Stay Safe
Jeff Spiegelman
Representative 11th District
Dover: 302-744-4171
Cell: 302-399-7728
Fax: 302-739-2773
Constituent: jeff.spiegelman@state.de.us
Personal: jeff@jeffderepresentative.com
Legislative Hall: PO Box 1401. Dover, DE 19903