Site icon Metro Voice News

Congressman discusses benefits of stimulus package

The massive stimulus package passed by Congress last week will help small businesses keep employees on the payroll, according to Rep. Sam Graves. “And as long as they continue to keep them on the payroll through July 2, then that becomes forgiven,” he said.

Gov. Mike Parson has warned that thousands of Missourians will lose their jobs due to the outbreak. Graves said the stimulus boosts unemployment benefits for the millions of Americans who’ve lost their jobs.

Sam Graves

Graves represents 36 counties in northern Missouri. His sprawling district is larger than nine U.S. states, and includes St. Joseph, Chillicothe, Bethany, Kirksville and Hannibal. Some hospitals in his district have struggled to get personal protective equipment such as masks, Graves said. He noted that the stimulus package also includes $117 billion in funding for hospitals and the Veterans Administration to care for patients and to protect health-care employees battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

NOTE: Metro Voice needs your help. Please consider a one-time gift of $5 or more to support our efforts to bring you news you can trust. Click here to help.

“Those of us who represent rural areas want to make sure that rural hospitals have every bit as much equipment as they need to combat this,” Graves said. “So far, they have not been overrun, but that could quickly, quickly change.”

Parson announced Monday afternoon that the state’s Strategic National Stockpile has now shipped 7,000 gloves and 3,300 cases of masks to hospitals, EMS and long-term care facilities. State health officials say there are now 1,327 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Missouri, along with 14 deaths.

Graves said church groups and other organizations are grocery shopping for seniors in his district to help the seniors limit their exposure during the COVID-19 outbreak. His district has a large elderly population.

“And that’s what rural Missouri is about and all of our rural areas,” he said. “We take care of people and we take care of our neighbors and our family, and that’s very heartwarming.”

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice

Can You Help?

With events and churches cancelling services, the advertising that Metro Voice relies on for support is drying up. For 31 years, Metro Voice has been a leader in the faith-based community. We have historically relied on advertising to fund the mission of our publication and sharing the Good News. We are now seeking donation partners who want to support our publication and our mission of faith-based journalism.

Do you like what you read here? Help us continue our mission by supporting Metrovoicenews.com for as little as $1. Every contribution counts, big or small. We sincerely thank you for your continued support and encouragement in these critical times.

Ongoing Support


Monthly Giving



One-Time Gifts

 

Exit mobile version