Dear Friend,
My heart is with the families and loved ones of the 226,000 Americans who have died from COVID-19, and the nearly 9 million who have been diagnosed with the virus. Eight months into this pandemic, most of us know someone who has been diagnosed with coronavirus, and many of those who have recovered are suffering from severe long-term symptoms. There are over 1,000 active cases of COVID-19 in the Granite State, and it’s crucial that we continue taking precautions to prevent community transmission and keep eachother safe. Wear a mask, maintain physical distancing, and wash your hands often. We’re all in this together, and we should be using all of the tools we have to keep each other healthy. For more information on COVID-19, click here.
This pandemic also requires substantial financial relief for the American people. Unfortunately, the GOP-controlled Senate refuses to negotiate in good faith. Mitch McConnell confirmed a nominee to the Supreme Court in 30 days and passed a massive tax overhaul to benefit the super wealthy in just over 50 days. Meanwhile, emergency unemployment benefits lapsed 88 days ago and the GOP-controlled Senate has refused to vote on the HEROES Act passed by the House more than 165 days ago. This is unacceptable, and the American people deserve better. They need relief now as we continue to grapple with the impacts of this public health crisis.
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I’m grateful to the United States Postal Service for heeding the calls I made with the New Hampshire delegation to process ballots locally from now until Election Day on Tuesday. With the election just days away, we must ensure that every single ballot is counted in a timely fashion. If you have not returned your ballots via mail, voters are now encouraged to drop them off at their local clerk’s office to ensure they are received on time. Ballots must be received by 5 PM on Election Day. There is also still the option of voting in person on election day if voters feel safe doing so. For more information on absentee voting, voting in person, polling locations, registration and more, visit the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website.
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Everything looks a little different in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, and Halloween is no exception. Some cities and towns are discouraging trick-or-treating this year, while others have put out specific safety guidelines. Check to see your community trick-or-treat times and procedures for this year.
Additionally, I called on the CDC to provide families with information they need on how to safely celebrate Halloween this year, and they recently released their guidance on their website.
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This week, I donated blood at a Red Cross blood drive in Nashua to do my part and help prevent another national blood shortage in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. With flu season taking off and the holidays just around the corner, the nation’s blood supply could face shortages in the future, and individuals who are able to donate should consider making an appointment. Whether someone is undergoing cancer treatment, needs surgery, or falls ill and needs a transfusion, we can all help to ensure that blood is available when it’s needed. The New Hampshire Red Cross holds blood drives almost every day, and those who would like to donate can visit their website to sign up.
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Yesterday, I held a virtual conversation with Ski NH President Jessyca Keeler and many of the organizations’ general managers to discuss the continued impact of COVID-19 on the ski industry. As a lifelong skier, I know how important skiing and other winter sports are to our way of life and economy in New Hampshire. While this year’s ski season will look different because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have the utmost confidence in our state’s ski area managers, including those who joined me for this discussion. Their hard work and dedication to ensuring a successful and safe season is evident, and it was great to be able to speak with them. I look forward to our continued work together to ensure the skiing and tourism industries continue to thrive in the years to come.
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Speaking with Ski NH Members
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I held a virtual discussion with sexual and domestic violence prevention advocates yesterday to celebrate the passage of the Every Voice Act in the New Hampshire legislature. This legislation will take effect in January 2021 and enacts comprehensive measures to combat sexual violence and support survivors on our state’s college campuses. While Congress has been fighting to protect students and stop Betsy DeVos’s disastrous new Title IX rule, it is wonderful to see states like New Hampshire stepping up to support survivors and ensure they have the rights and protections they deserve. I look forward to my continued work with violence prevention advocates to keep students safe.
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Discussing the Every Voice Act with violence prevention advocates. Watch here.
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It is imperative for Congress to pass the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2020. We cannot stand by while the men and women who have served our nation in uniform go without access to the health care and services they need. Countless veterans were potentially exposed to dangerous chemicals from toxic burn pits during their service. They should not have to fear that illness from exposure to these chemicals will not be covered by the VA. Last year, we tried to right a serious wrong by extending presumptive benefits to Vietnam veterans who suffered for decades without the recognition they deserved. We must learn from the failure to properly serve Vietnam veterans and pass this legislation immediately.
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Be sure to vote for your favorite photos for my Fall 2020 Photo Contest. Winning photos will be determined by the number of engagements - cumulative likes, shares, and reactions. The content will conclude this Monday, November 2nd at 11:59 PM. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, November 4. View photos here.
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Medicare’s Open Enrollment period is happening now. From now until December 7th, you can enroll in Medicare health and drug plans. Visit medicare.gov for more information. Open enrollment in the health care marketplace starts this Sunday, November 1. To sign up for coverage and learn more, visit healthcare.gov.
We all know that masks are a simple, extremely effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but a recent study shows that if 95% of Americans wore masks in public, 100,000 lives could be saved. Simply put, masks save lives.
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While COVID-19 is at the front of everyone’s minds, 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.
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COVID-19 testing is available at many locations throughout the Granite State - click here for a list of testing sites (and see map below).
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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 Halloween, and don’t forget to wear a mask when you are in public!
Sincerely, Annie
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