Dear Friend,
We have worked hard in New Hampshire to stop the spread of COVID-19 – small businesses, families, workers, and all Granite Staters have made sacrifices to save lives and put us on the road to recovery. With recent developments and new cases of COVID-19 on the rise in our state, it’s crucial that we follow the recommendations of our public health officials to protect the progress we have made and keep our communities healthy. We must continue taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including avoiding crowds, wearing masks in public, washing our hands frequently, staying home if we are feeling sick, and practicing physical distancing.
Testing and contact tracing are crucial to stopping the spread of coronavirus. Today, the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced that they have identified at least 17 cases of COVID-19 associated with an outbreak at a restaurant in Hudson. Any individuals who visited Fat Katz Food and Drink in Hudson between Friday, October 2 and Friday, October 9 may have been exposed to COVID-19 and should seek testing. Multiple testing options are available to potentially exposed individuals. If you do not have health insurance or a primary care provider, testing is available and can be scheduled by calling (603) 271-5980 or through this online form. Other testing options can be found here.
We are all in this together and it’s on all of us to take the necessary steps to keep each other safe. Masks are a simple, effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – many people who are infected with the virus don’t show symptoms, so wearing a mask while in public or while around people who are especially vulnerable is the right thing to do. However, masks only work when they are worn correctly. Here are a few “do’s” and “don’ts” for properly wearing your mask to protect yourself and those around you:
|
Since I came to Congress, I have been working to defend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and make improvements to reduce costs and expand access to care. Republicans in Congress have tried and failed time and again to repeal the ACA, so now they are using the courts. Next month, the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a lawsuit brought by President Trump and Republican governors who are seeking to overturn the entire ACA. Repealing or overturning the ACA would strip tens of millions of Americans of their health insurance, remove protections for preexisting conditions, and wreak havoc on our nation's health care system. My bill, the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act, passed the House last year, but the Senate has not brought it to a vote. Instead of attacking the ACA in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Republicans should be working with us to improve the ACA and expand access to quality, affordable health care.
|
At the end of August, I led a bipartisan letter calling on the CDC to issue guidance on how to safely celebrate Halloween during this unprecedented public health crisis. Especially at a time when many children have been isolated from their peers as a result of efforts to address the pandemic, Halloween is a holiday many kids are looking forward to. I’m glad the CDC provided information this week so that families can make informed decisions about how to minimize risks while still having fun. To read the CDC’s full guidance, click here.
|
I joined Rep. Katherine Clark and a group of my colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Barr to express our deep concern over reports that Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, and members of the Sackler family are nearing a plea agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ), which would foreclose any federal criminal liability without anyone serving a single day in prison.
Purdue and the Sackler family perpetrated some of the most egregious acts in American history. They knowingly caused millions of unsuspecting people to develop an addiction to powerful painkillers for profit, and their actions have directly contributed to the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans. Purdue and the Sackler family must be held accountable.
|
On Wednesday, I met virtually with staff from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs (NH BEA), North Country Council, and other North Country-based organizations to discuss what is needed to bolster future NBRC grant applications. As our state continues to grapple with the unprecedented health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBRC can play an important role in New Hampshire’s recovery. I deeply appreciated the opportunity to speak with these champions of the North Country, and I look forward to our continued work together to ensure all Granite State communities can succeed and thrive.
|
I joined Senator Shaheen and Senator Hassan in announcing that the Department of Justice has awarded over $260,000 to the Franklin School District to bolster school safety and support mental health services for students. We know that the mental health of students is key when it comes to their overall wellbeing and the prevention of violence in schools. This funding is a critical investment in the mental health of Franklin students and will help to provide vital resources to support those who have experienced trauma. I’ll continue working to ensure all Granite State students can live and learn in safe environments.
|
In addition to supporting small businesses, providing funding to schools and hospitals, restoring unemployment benefits, and boosting funding for the development and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, the COVID-19 relief legislation that we passed in the House earlier this month would direct over $800 million to the state of New Hampshire and local governments that have been on the frontlines of the pandemic. The new HEROES Act also creates a streamlined forgiveness system for businesses using the Paycheck Protection Program, which will cut red tape and make it easier for business owners to have their loans forgiven. I urge Senate Republicans and President Trump to prioritize the needs of the American people and join our efforts in delivering real relief.
|
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense financial stress for many New Hampshire families, and now that the moratorium on utility shutoffs has ended, many households around the state will be receiving shutoff notifications. Options are available for help, but making a call right away is crucial. For information about your options and your local community action agency, click here.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 1 in 8 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and men can get this disease too. Information about the signs, symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and prevention is available here from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
|
COVID-19 testing is available at many locations throughout the Granite State - click here for a list of testing sites (and see map below).
|
As we enjoy the fall weather and look forward to the winter holidays, it’s important to remember that we are about to be in the midst of flu season. Public health officials and the CDC recommend that Americans 6 months and older get a flu vaccine, and it’s especially important this year during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on where to get a flu shot, click here.
As always, the CDC and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services are the best resources to turn to during the COVID-19 public health emergency. If you are sick, stay home and call your health care provider. If you live in NH and have questions about coronavirus, dial 211 or visit CDC.gov for more information.
To stay updated throughout the week on my work in Congress and around the Granite State, as well as important information and resources, like my page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.
Have a fun and safe weekend, and don’t forget to wear a mask when you are in public!
Sincerely, Annie
|
|