The CDC’s announcement that those vaccinated no longer need to wear masks indoors feels like so much sunshine at the end of a long, violent storm. While we have so much left to do and so many challenges that confront us — be it the need to protect our infrastructure from cyberattacks like those that created this week’s gas shortages, delivering on education for our children after a year unlike any other, or addressing the systemic challenges that have led so many women to leave the workforce during this pandemic — I know so many of us are excited to see a meaningful and visible step toward normalcy.
We would be remiss not to think about everyone who played a role to fight against this virus, the scientists and healthcare workers and other essential workers who have created new therapeutics and vaccines, saved lives, and kept food available and industry moving. We also owe it to them to get vaccinated, encourage others to get vaccinated, and to observe the restrictions that remain in place. I can’t wait to see everyone!
Events and Meetings
Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and I was fortunate to celebrate it with the amazing teachers and staff at Prince William County Public Schools. Our teachers have worked so hard this past year and I am incredibly grateful for everything they do.
Last weekend, I was joined by the Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia, the Korean American Democratic National Organization, and the Korean American Service Association for a celebration of Asian American and Pacific for a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as well as our first canvass kickoff of the year. After a long year of quarantining, it was wonderful to get out and speak with our neighbors in the 40th District again. Thank you to all who helped celebrate with us! To learn more about the ways you can get involved with our campaign, please contact payton@danhelmer.com, or you can sign up to knock on doors here.
Legislative Updates
One piece of legislation I was proud to support this year was a bill to expand access to Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy Program. After a year that has brought enormous hardship to working families, this will help alleviate some of the burdens on Virginia parents to care for their kids, and eliminates obstacles for those needing financial support for childcare while seeking work. Virginians interested in learning more should visit the link here, and must apply for this program by July 31 at the latest.
This Wednesday, the federal government launched the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), which pays $50 per month directly off of internet bills, to help Americans who were financially harmed by the pandemic. It is available to those who lost some income in the last year and meet certain income thresholds: below $198,000 for families and below $99,000 for individuals. The EBB can be applied to an Internet connection or wireless cell phone bill, but not both in the same household. You can sign up for the program and learn more about the EBB at getemergencybroadband.org.
The pandemic has shown that reliable access to broadband is an essential service for families in this country, and it is my hope that this program will provide families with relief as we navigate our way out of the pandemic. If you have any questions or you need assistance signing up for this program, please let me know and a member of my team will assist you.
COVID Updates
This week, the CDC made a significant announcement: those who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in most indoor and outdoor settings. Masks for fully vaccinated people are still recommended in health care settings, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and while using public transportation. There has been some exciting new updates on the vaccine eligibility front as well: the CDC also recently issued a recommendation to expand usage of the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 year olds.
Following these updated guidelines, Governor Northam announced that the universal mask mandate will be coming to an end today. However, regardless of vaccination status, masks will still be required in health care settings, congregate settings, K-12 public schools, and on public transit. Additionally, Governor Northam announced that COVID restrictions will end on May 28. Currently, 47.8% of Virginians have received one dose of the vaccine and 36.8% of Virginians are fully vaccinated.
The lifting of these restrictions represents a major milestone in our fight against COVID, and are a direct result of people getting the vaccine. However, it is critical that everyone who is able gets vaccinated so that we all can return to normalcy. If you have not done so yet, you can find the nearest vaccine appointment to you here.
I hope you are having a great weekend so far. If my office can be helpful to you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.