Hello Friends, Family, and Neighbors-
The General Assembly has extended the recess of the legislative session. I am still checking emails daily and am involved in the COVID-19 response in the San Luis Valley and Southern Colorado. Do not hesitate to reach out to me if I can be of help to you or your organization.
COVID-19 Updates
Graphics sourced from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Top image shows totals as of March 29th. Bottom image has updated numbers for today, March 30th.

* Governor Polis' stay-at-home order will last until April 11th.
* Here is an extensive list of essential businesses ([link removed]) during the stay-at-home order.
* Please leave your house only for essential travel, which comprises of traveling to work at an essential business, grocery shopping, medical appointments, and outdoor exercise. Please remember to practice social distancing and to wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds.

2020 Census

Please do not forget to fill out your 2020 Census ([link removed]) !

Participation in the census ensures that our state and communities receive a fair cut of the over $1 trillion in Federal funding available. It will help determine whether Colorado will receive an 8th Congressional District, resulting in more representation at the National level.

As a reminder, there is NO citizenship question on the 2020 Census.

You can fill out the 2020 Census online ([link removed]) , by phone ([link removed]) , or by mail ([link removed]) .

Make sure you and your family are counted!
$2 Trillion Government Stimulus Package

Last Week, the Senate and Congress passed a historic $2 trillion stimulus package, which was then signed into law by the President. This stimulus package will provide some monetary relief to those most impacted by COVID-19, resources to hospitals, and makes loans available to small businesses and corporations. Here are some specifics on what it includes:

* Direct Payments. A $1,200 direct payment to individuals earning $75,000 or less based on your 2019 or 2018 tax return. Married couples earning up to $150,000 will receive $2,400. An additional $500 will be provided for each child. Find out how much you are eligible to receive here ([link removed]) .
* Unemployment benefits. Benefits are expanded by 13 weeks and include increased benefits -an additional $600 per week for 4 months- on top of what state unemployment programs pay. Unemployed workers are eligible to receive up to 39 weeks total of unemployment benefits. These benefits were also expanded to include furloughed, gig, and freelance workers.
* Small Business Loans. The package created a $367 billion federally-guaranteed loan program for small businesses. These loans are available until the end of June, and will be forgiven if businesses continue to pay their workers for the duration of the crisis.
* Industry Loans. The plan includes a $425 billion loan fund controlled by the Federal Reserve for distressed companies. An additional $75 billion will be available for industry-specific loan, including airlines and hotels. The plan puts stipulations on these funds including immediate disclosure of recipients and prohibits using funds for stock buybacks and CEO bonuses.
* Hospital/Health Systems Assistance. $100 billion in assistance will go to hospitals and health systems.
* Student Loans. Federal student loan recipients have the option to suspend their payments until September 30th with no fees or accrued interest. If recipients choose to continue paying their student loans, they will be paying 0% interest during this time.

Stay At Home Resources and Activities

Online Learning Resources ([link removed]) : An extensive list of online learning resources broken down by age group
Denver Botanic Gardens ([link removed]) : Explore the plants, flowers, and gardens at the Denver Botanic Gardens from the comfort of your home.
History Colorado Museum ([link removed]) : Check out the online exhibits available from the History Colorado Museum.
Denver Zoo ([link removed]) : Take a virtual zoo trip.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Cams ([link removed]) : Take a virtual trip to the aquarium.
Free Access to Scribd ([link removed]) : Scribd's library has millions of ebooks, audiobooks, magazine articles, and more. They are giving 30 days access to their library for free.
Snow Pack Levels
Anyone who would like to receive my newsletter can email me at:

[email protected]
[email protected]

Our office phone number at the Capitol building is 303-866-2916

As always, feel free to reach out to me with any comments or concerns.

www.ValdezforCO.com ([link removed])

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Copyright © 2020, Representative Donald Valdez, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
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Denver, CO 80203

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Representative Donald Valdez . 1525 Sherman Street . Denver, Co 80238 . USA

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