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I am continuing to fight to get our frontline healthcare workers the tax breaks they deserve.

I became the first member of Congress to co-sponsor the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Emergency Situations (HEROES) Act. This bill introduced by Congressman Bill Huizinga puts the needs of our frontline healthcare workers first by giving them a tax holiday while they battle the COVID-19 virus.

On Wednesday evening I held my fifth telephone town hall during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was joined by Congressman Steve Chabot, the ranking member on the House Committee on Small Business. Congressman Chabot and I answered questions from 5th District constituents who had questions on a wide variety of issues including the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loans to businesses.

The Small Business Administration has approved more than 475,000 loans for a total of more than $52 billion from more than 5,100 lenders. The PPP has been a hugely popular program and one of the most important pieces of keeping the economy healthy. This $52 billion is in addition to the first tranche of PPP loans, where more than $340 billion went out to more than 1.6 million small businesses including more than 40,000 businesses in Virginia receiving at least $8 billion in loans.

Virginia’s statewide Stay-at-Home Order to protect the health and safety of Virginians is still in effect. The order will remain in place until June 10, unless rescinded. I ask all 5th District residents to continue to practice social distancing.

Denver Riggleman represents Charlotte in the U.S. House of Representatives. He can be reached by visiting https://riggleman.house.gov/ or by phone at (434) 973-9631.