Hello Friends, Family, and Neighbors-
The General Assembly has extended the recess of the legislative session. We are looking at May 18th as a possible date to return. 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.
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!!

I want to make sure I am providing you with the information and resources you need during this time. Please take this short survey ([link removed]) to share your feedback about the newsletter.
Thank you to all the Delegates for your support! We are on the June Primary ballot and need your vote. If you would like to volunteer for my campaign, please email me at [email protected] and visit my website at www.ValdezforCO.com ([link removed]) .
COVID-19 Updates
Graphic sourced from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
* Last Monday night, Governor Polis extended the stay-at-home order until April 27th. You can find his full address to the state here ([link removed]) .
* 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.
* Governor Polis announced that CDPHE is releasing race and ethnicity data with regards to COVID-19 cases and deaths. See the initial data released here ([link removed]) .
* The Polis Administration has launched the Colorado Face Mask Design Challenge ([link removed]) . Winners will have their mask designs printed on real face masks designed by Colorado companies. Let's see your designs!


Southern Colorado Updates
San Luis Valley now has 22 confirmed cases, with 9 hospitalized, 13 who have completed isolation and are now symptom free, and 2 deaths.

Pueblo County has 64 confirmed cases, 4 deaths, and the first reported outbreak at a long-term care facility ([link removed]) .

Government Stimulus Checks
Deposits have started arriving to bank accounts of millions of Americans in this time of dire need.

If you filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, it is possible that the money has already been deposited into your account. If you did not file a tax return for either of these years because you are under the income threshold, it is likely you are still eligible for to receive a stimulus check. You will need to submit your information ([link removed]) to the IRS to receive the check.

If you receive social security, you do not need to submit any information ([link removed]) . You will receive the check the same way that you receive your benefits.

The IRS has launched a new "Get My Payment" ([link removed]) tool that allows recipients to track their stimulus payment.

Paper checks will be sent starting in May. The IRS will send around 5 million checks per week, prioritizing lower income recipients first. It could take up to 20 weeks to mail all checks, so if you do have a bank account, be sure to input your data and get the IRS your account information as soon as possible.
USDA Unveils Tool to Help Rural Communities Address COVID-19 Pandemic
This is an incredible resource for our rural communities ([link removed]) to ensure we are getting connected with available resources. Visit the link to see the entire four-page matrix with links to the resources listed.
Food Resources

* Sack lunches for takeaway are being served daily at noon and 6 p.m. from the Alamosa Presbyterian Church at 330 San Juan Ave. thanks to La Puente Home, Inc.
* La Puente's Food Bank Network has 13 food pantries currently open across the San Luis Valley. If you are in need of food assistance please call 719-589-4567 for information on the food pantry nearest to you.
* Through La Puente Home, Inc., emergency food delivery is available for those who are unable to make it to a food pantry. Call 719-345-7208 for information.
* The Pueblo Food Project put together alist of resources ([link removed]) for those in Pueblo County.
* You can find a list of sites here ([link removed]) for emergency feeding programs for school-aged children.
* Find more information about SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) formerly known as food stamps, and see if you are eligible for the program here ([link removed]) .

Health Insurance
A reminder that the special enrollment period through Connect for Health Colorado has been extended until April 30, 2020.

As always, if you have experienced a life-changing incident, for example, losing your job and your employer provided health insurance, that entitles you to a 60-day window to sign up for a new health insurance plan.

Visit Connect for Health Colorado ([link removed]) for more information.
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.
The Louvre ([link removed]) : Take a virtual tour of The Louvre in Paris, France. Exhibitions include Egyptian Antiquities, The Advent of the Artist, Remains of the Louvre's Moat, and Galerie d'Apollon.
Yoga ([link removed]) , HIIT ([link removed]) , ClassPass ([link removed]) : Many gyms and fitness studios are providing free access to online classes.
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.

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200 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203

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

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