CONGRESSMAN urges Governor

 Congressman Paul Cook          Governor Gavin Newsom

Washington D.C.___ Saturday, August 8, 2020, President Trump signed an executive memo directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to use the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages or become unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those receiving at least $100 a week from state unemployment insurance can qualify for the $300 enhanced benefit. Up to $44 billion in Disaster Relief Funding is available to support this initiative.

The FEMA grants for lost wages supplement payments will continue until FEMA has expended funds from the DRF. So far, 11 states have been approved for assistance: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Maryland.  

Congressman Cook said, “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the lives of Americans families, I call on Governor Newsom to act swiftly in securing this critical assistance for the State of California. The Lost Wages Assistance program delivers relief directly to individuals experiencing reduced work hours and those who have lost their jobs. It’s our duty to help families and individuals in need through laying this necessary groundwork for sustained economic recovery.”

Congressman Paul Cook is a member of the House Natural Resources and Armed Services Committees, Congressman Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.