Residents,
As we continue to adjust to this new normal (for the time being) - which includes working and schooling from home, physical distancing from family and friends, and applying for unemployment or small business loans - I want you to know that District 5 (D5) is here for you. Whether it be identifying resources, connecting you to services, or simply listening, you can count on us. I know we will get through these challenging times together – and come out a stronger, more resilient Miami-Dade that works for all of us and not just some of us.
Lessons are being learned about how government can function and provide services in new, more efficient ways. When we come out of this crisis, the way government interfaces with constituents may be changed for good. Neighborhood meetings, one-on-one constituent services, public meetings, and even building inspections have already transitioned to a virtual format. D5 will continue to learn and adapt to existing circumstances, but what I know for certain is that our constituents continue to be served and we will keep on working.
Please continue to stay home. It’s the only way to slow the spread of this virus, and get back to our normal lives, as quickly as possible. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call your medical provider or the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) at 305-324-2400.
Again, my staff and I are here for you throughout this time of uncertainty. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please contact us at 305-375-5924 or District5@MiamiDade.gov.
Stay Well,
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The CARES Act - What does it mean for me?
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Last week, Congress passed a $2 trillion stimulus bill providing economic relief to individuals, small businesses, nonprofits, and the unemployed. Here's a breakdown of what the bill does and how you can get access to the help you need.
For Individuals:
- Single adults with Social Security numbers who have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will get the full amount of $1,200.
- Married couples with no children earning $150,000 or less will receive a total of $2,400.
- Taxpayers filing as head of household will get the full payment if they earned $112,500 or less.
- The Treasury Department hopes to have all checks distributed by April 17, but there is no guarantee.
- Individuals do not have to apply for this payment.
For Students:
- Student loans held by the U.S. Department of Education are automatically suspended without penalty until September 30, 2020.
- Interest on student loan debt will not accrue while loan payments are suspended.
- If you have any specific questions, you should contact your lender.
Small Businesses & Nonprofits:
Unemployed Individuals:
- The federal stimulus bill expands unemployment benefits to gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors.
- Eligible workers will receive $600 on top of state benefits.
- It is up to the State of Florida to decide if those applying for unemployment will receive the additional funds all at once or spread out over multiple payments.
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#NationalCensusDay on April 1
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The District 5 team participated in
#NationalCensusDay
yesterday by sharing how they counted everyone in their homes. D5 staff alone includes a variety of households - some with roommates, family, or alone. Take a look at how D5 made sure everyone got counted.
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As of April 2, Miami-Dade is only at 36.2% completion, with many District 5 neighborhoods even lower. Turn out for your neighborhood and make sure we get the resources we need for the future. Fill out the Census online at
my2020census.gov
or over the phone at
844-330-2020
.
Llame al 844-468-2020 para completar el censo por teléfono en Español.
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Florida's Reemployment Assistance Program
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Businesses of all sizes and across industries have been impacted by this public health pandemic, and it's clear that Florida's Reemployment Assistance Insurance program was not prepared to handle the dramatic increase of applicants. We've heard about the website crashes, issues with retrieving a pin number, and the phone lines that never connect you to an actual human being.
I understand and share your frustrations. Throughout this pandemic, many underlying issues in the State's unemployment system have come to light. That's why since March 19, I've
made demands of our Governor and state officials
and worked with state and Federal representatives to identify issues and solutions. While extremely slow and frustrating, I can tell you that the State is working on it and your state representatives have assured me that the calling centers are staffing up and improvements are being made. I can't promise they'll be quick fixes, so I urge you to be patient.
The existing process only allows applicants to receive benefits from the day that their unemployment application is filed with the State. The State's non-functioning unemployment system means that many residents can't even complete their application, putting them at risk of losing dollars through no fault of their own. Together with my colleagues, we sent a letter to the Governor
demanding that he take the necessary actions that will require the State to retroactively provide benefits
to individuals from the last date worked. By retroactively providing benefits, the urgency of applying for the process will be alleviated and the system will have time to catch up. I will continue working with local, state, and federal representatives to advocate for this change and improve the State's unemployment system.
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District 5 wants you to do a
#SeniorCheckIn
with older adults and their pups - many of whom are whats keeping them company during this time.
Have you checked in on your seniors and their furry friends? Sandra Manso, the D5 Greater Little Havana District Coordinator, has taken the time to make sure residents have everything they need. She has even received sweet photos of our residents playing with their pets, reading, and doing at home workouts to keep themselves busy.
If you haven't checked in on the older adults that you know, we encourage you to give them a call, play a game with them, and make sure they are feeling well. We all have to check in on each other as we get through these unprecedented times.
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COVID-19 Testing at Marlins Park
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Drive-thru COVID-19 testing is available at Marlins Park (501 Marlins Way, Miami, FL 33125). To be tested, you must first call
305-499-8767
to get an appointment. The call center will open daily at 9 am and will remain open until all appointment slots for the next day have been filled. For now, daily testing is available at this site for 300 people.
Who can get tested here
- Individuals, 18 years of age or older, who have COVID-19 symptoms
- You will not be permitted to exit your vehicle
- You cannot walk up to this testing site
- Only one other passenger is allowed in the car
- Both the driver and passenger will be tested
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Virtual Cultural Offerings and Events
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The following cultural establishments and events are able to be enjoyed from the comfort of your home:
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Take a virtual tour of the historic home and gardens here
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Past District 5 COVID-19 Updates
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