Press Releases
Rep. Cartwright Readies ‘Hotline’ to Help Constituents Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Scranton, PA,
March 19, 2020
On a video press conference call today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced that beginning Friday, March 20, his Scranton district office phone line, 570-341-1050, will be open for extended hours to serve as a coronavirus ‘hotline’ for constituents seeking help from the federal government during this difficult time. He also discussed the ongoing federal response to the COVID-19 outbreak. State Senator John Blake (SD-22) also joined Cartwright on the call. Blake outlined the statewide response to COVID-19 as well as resources available for northeastern Pennsylvanians who are facing economic challenges amid this outbreak. A full video recording of the conference is available here. An audio-only version is available here. “So far, Congress has passed two major relief bills to protect Americans’ health and financial well-being during this ongoing public health crisis. These were important steps, but we need to follow through and make sure people know how to access the resources we’re providing,” Cartwright said. “That’s why I’ve taken steps to make my office more accessible for constituents who need help. I know these are trying times, and I want the people of northeastern Pennsylvania to know that I’m looking out for them.” While he quarantines after interacting with a family friend who later tested positive for COVID-19, Cartwright continues to work on behalf of his constituents and on the response to this pandemic. Cartwright said that beginning tomorrow, Eighth Congressional District residents can call 570-341-1050 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for assistance on matters such federal small business loans, unemployment benefits, food assistance, and other programs. Cartwright also discussed that, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, he worked with his Democratic and Republican colleagues to enact an $8.3 billion emergency funding package to bolster our nation’s health care response and provide assistance to small businesses in the midst of this pandemic. In addition, Cartwright highlighted that yesterday the U.S. Senate passed and the president signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which he helped pass in the House early Saturday morning. This bill will expand vital benefits and services for American workers, families and seniors as COVID-19 continues to disrupt our daily lives and challenge our economy. Work in Congress on a third relief bill is already underway, and Cartwright is working to ensure it is robust and gets help to those being hit hardest by the pandemic and the economic fallout. |