url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-votes-cash-act-and-calls-passage-senate,Congressman Thompson Votes for the CASH Act and Calls for Passage by the Senate,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 9051, Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act of 2020. ""I emphatically voted in support of the CASH Act today,"" said Rep. Thompson. ""I returned to Washington with my congressional colleagues to vote on the House's stand-alone bill to increase impact payments to $2,000. Americans are in desperate need of financial assistance. Democrats have repeatedly called for bigger checks for months but were met with Republican rejection. Now, the President has changed his mind and decided to support Democrats' call for increasing direct payments to $2,000. I call on the Senate to pass this legislation so that we can provide relief to millions of Americas who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With this vote on the stand-alone CASH Act, which would provide $2,000 checks for fifteen million Americans, Republicans are on record. They have a choice: either vote for this bill, or vote to deny families the relief they desperately need."" The legislation will increase the value of the second round of economic impact payments in the recently enacted COVID relief bill from $600 per eligible member of the household to $2,000 per eligible member of the household. Additionally, the legislation provides that the second round of economic impact payments shall include non-child dependents in calculating the amount of the payment, and further provides that non-child dependents shall be included in the first round of economic impact payments as well.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-votes-emergency-coronavirus-relief-and-omnibus-agreement,Congressman Thompson Votes for the Emergency Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson voted to pass H.R. 133, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. After months of negotiations and numerous proposals passed in the House of Representatives, a deal was reached on Sunday and later voted on Monday evening. Attached to the fiscal year 21 $1.4 trillion appropriations omnibus is the $900 billion relief package which include direct payments up to $600 to working Americans, $300-per-week in federal unemployment aid, an extension of the eviction moratorium, and an expedited distribution plan to crush the coronavirus. ""I understand that this bill does not fix all of our problems,"" said Rep. Thompson. ""I support it because the people of Mississippi's Second Congressional District need help now. This legislation guarantees more money and longer eligibility for the unemployed, checks for the vast majority of working and middle-class families, assistance for renters and landlords, significant money for COVID-19 testing, tracing and vaccines, and so much more. I will continue to work with my congressional colleagues to deliver more assistance for the American people."" The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act include: Billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to crush the virus; $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the COVID hunger crisis; A new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child; A $300 per week unemployment insurance enhancement for Americans out of work; $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools and $10 billion for childcare assistance to help get parents back to work and keep childcare providers open; and An additional $3.36 billion for a total of $4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, recognizing that we are not truly safe until the whole world is safe from the coronavirus. Bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will end surprise billing for emergency and scheduled care. Expands access for rural communities, with more than $730 million in the expansion of broadband service to provide economic development opportunities and improved education and healthcare services. $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium. Funeral assistance for COVID-19 by covering 100% of the cost through FEMA. More information on H.R. 133, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act: Appropriations Coronavirus Relief Authorizing Matters # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/thompson-report-november-2020-edition,Thompson Report November 2020 Edition,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome... To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter will be distributed by email to constituents. Spread the word and share this newsletter. Click here to read the newsletter. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-federal-communications-commission-bids,Congressman Thompson Announced Federal Communications Commission Bids for Mississippi Second District,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimated thousands of Mississippians will gain access to high-speed broadband through the Commission's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction. Following is a list of winning bidders, number of homes and businesses to be served, and total support for 10 years in Mississippi, by county: County Bidder Locations/Residents Support Attala Connect Everyone LLC 2,688 $12,154,964 Attala Space Exploration Technologies Corp. 1,158 $2,144,877 ATTALA, MS TOTAL 3,846 $14,299,841 Bolivar NexTier Consortium 1,228 $3,794,476 Bolivar Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 914 $3,971,669 Bolivar Space Exploration Technologies Corp. 7 $4,518 BOLIVAR, MS TOTAL 2,149 $7,770,663 Carroll Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 3,227 $14,459,058 CARROLL, MS TOTAL 3,227 $14,459,058 Claiborne Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 752 $2,421,948 Claiborne Space Exploration Technologies Corp. 14 $2,844 CLAIBORNE, MS TOTAL 766 $2,424,792 Coahoma NexTier Consortium 1,839 $4,790,118 Coahoma Space Exploration Technologies Corp 78 $23,166 Coahoma Windstream Services LLC, Debtor-In-Possession 244 $1,211,946 COAHOMA, MS TOTAL 2,161 $6,025,230 Copiah Bay Springs Telephone Company, Inc. 1,807 $3,644,857 Copiah Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 966 $3,072,342 Copiah Space Exploration Technologies Corp 830 $864,994 Copiah Windstream Services LLC, Debtor-In-Possession 1,110 $2,185,588 COPIAH, MS TOTAL 4,713 $9,767,781 Grenada RDOF USA Consortium 167 $276,732 Grenada Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 970 $2,982,780 Grenada Space Exploration Technologies Corp 138 $156,788 GRENADA, MS TOTAL 1,275 $3,416,300 Hinds Connect Everyone LLC 157 $649,560 Hinds Space Exploration Technologies Corp 3,246 $3,450,020 Hinds Windstream Services LLC, Debtor-In-Possession 230 $643,573 HINDS, MS TOTAL 3,633 $4,743,153 Holmes Connect Everyone LLC 377 $1,763,277 Holmes Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 2,419 $8,890,568 Holmes Space Exploration Technologies Corp 56 $29,524 HOLMES, MS TOTAL 2,852 $10,683,369 Humphreys NexTier Consortium 1,317 $6,497,851 HUMPHREYS, MS TOTAL 1,317 $6,497,851 Issaquena NexTier Consortium 402 $2,449,680 ISSAQUENA, MS TOTAL 402 $2,449,680 Jefferson Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 1,507 $6,846,594 JEFFERSON, MS TOTAL 1,507 $6,846,594 Leake Commnet Wireless, LLC 655 $477,116 Space Exploration Technologies Corp 3,556 $4,341,008 LEAKE, MS TOTAL 4,211 $4,818,124 Leflore Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 1,105 $7,179,102 Leflore Space Exploration Technologies Corp 65 $38,406 LEFLORE, MS TOTAL 1,170 $7,217,508 Madison Connect Everyone LLC 140 $579,225 Madison Space Exploration Technologies Corp 1,706 $2,795,172 MADISON, MS TOTAL 1,846 $3,374,397 Montgomery Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 1.096 $5,269,038 Montgomery Space Exploration Technologies Corp 10 $10,279 MONTGOMERY, MS TOTAL 1,106 $5,279,317 Panola RDOF USA Consortium 3,266 $7,195,530 Panola Space Exploration Technologies Corp 77 $79,202 PANOLA, MS TOTAL 3,343 $7,274,732 Quitman NexTier Consortium 747 $4,172,522 Quitman RDOF USA Consortium 392 $406,212 Quitman Space Exploration Technologies Corp 138 $88,821 QUITMAN, MS TOTAL 1,270 $4,667,555 Sharkey NexTier Consortium 560 $2,632,338 SHARKEY, MS TOTAL 560 $2,632,338 Sunflower NexTier Consortium 219 $1,108,916 Sunflower Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 1,226 $6,327,360 SUNFLOWER, MS TOTAL 1,445 $7,436,276 Tallahatchie RDOF USA Consortium 1,710 $5,740,707 Tallahatchie Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 406 $1,487,568 Tallahatchie Space Exploration Technologies Corp 11 $18,186 TALLAHATCHIE, MS TOTAL 2,127 $7,246,461 Tunica NexTier Consortium 1,128 $5,366,252 Tunica Space Exploration Technologies Corp 1 $4,596 TUNICA, MS TOTAL 1,129 $5,370,848 Warren Connect Everyone LLC 260 $1,197,848 Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 85 $503,616 Warren Space Exploration Technologies Corp 316 $514,640 WARREN, MS TOTAL 661 $2,216,104 Washington NexTier Consortium 1,266 $6,188,371 Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 33 $115,392 Washington Space Exploration Technologies Corp 4 $5,244 WASHINGTON, MS TOTAL 1,303 $6,309,007 Yalobusha RDOF USA Consortium 1,685 $4,627,302 YALOBUSHA, MS TOTAL 1,685 $4,627,302 Yazoo Connect Everyone LLC 326 $511,480 Yazoo NexTier Consortium 2,987 $8,169,385 Yazoo Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium 129 $270,588 Yazoo Space Exploration Technologies Corp 8 $5,704 YAZOO, MS TOTAL 3,450 $8,957,157",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-re-elected-chairman-house-committee-homeland-security,Congressman Thompson is Re-Elected as Chairman of House Committee on Homeland Security,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement after he was re-elected as Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security by the House Democratic Caucus:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/thompson-report-october-2020-edition,Thompson Report October 2020 Edition,2020-11-06,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome... To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter will be distributed by email to constituents. Spread the word and share this newsletter. Click here to read the newsletter. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-1048500-awarded-yates-street-ii-lp,"Congressman Thompson Announced $1,048,500 awarded to Yates Street II, LP",2020-11-06,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has awarded $1,048,500 in funds through the Multi-Family Housing Loan Guarantees Program to Yates Street II, LP located in Coahoma County. This Rural Development investment will be used to rehabilitate the existing dwelling and offer new and modernized standards utilizing tax credits and federal direct loan. For more information contact John McConahey at 256-878-2408.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-186644-u-s-department-justice-funds,"Congressman Thompson Announced $186,644 in U. S. Department of Justice Funds",2020-11-03,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department of Justice has awarded $186,644 in FY 2020 Project Safe Neighborhood funds to the Mississippi Division of Public Safety Planning. Project Safe Neighborhood provides the critical funding, resources, and training for law enforcement and prosecutors to combat violent crime and make their communities safer through a comprehensive approach to public safety. For more information contact Emberly Holmes, Director at (601) 977-3756.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-2345000-awarded-mississippi-second,"Congressman Thompson Announced $2,345,000 awarded to Mississippi Second Congressional District Business",2020-11-02,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has awarded $2,345,000 in funds through the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program to Grande Delta Corporation located in Isola, Mississippi. This Rural Development loan guarantee investment will be used to purchase manufacturing equipment to produce healthy chips produced from catfish skins which will be provided by Consolidated Catfish. For more information contact Lawrence Johnson at 415-380-8932.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-2345000-awarded-mississippi-second-congressional,"Congressman Thompson Announced $2,345,000 awarded to Mississippi Second Congressional District Business",2020-11-02,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has awarded $2,345,000 in funds through the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program to Grande Delta Corporation located in Isola, Mississippi. This Rural Development loan guarantee investment will be used to purchase manufacturing equipment to produce healthy chips produced from catfish skins which will be provided by Consolidated Catfish. For more information contact Lawrence Johnson at 415-380-8932.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-657300-awarded-mississippi-second-congressional,"Congressman Thompson Announced $657,300 awarded to Mississippi Second Congressional District",2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"This Rural Development investment will be used for construction of a new facility that will mainly house the city's law enforcement administration with a small jailer's detention area.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-rural-water-and-wastewater-infrastructure,Congressman Thompson Announced Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements to Mississippi Second Congressional District,2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"This Rural Development investment will be used to install a 150-gallons-per-minute well to replace the old well, which was near maximum capacity and beyond its useful life. This Rural Development investment will be used to install approximately 44,000 linear feet of polyvinyl chloride pipe water mains to serve 12 new rural residents. This Rural Development investment will be used to install new eight-inch sanitary sewer lines and new service connections on the existing sanitary sewer collection system. This Rural Development investment will be used to drill a 3,000-gallon-per-minute well, an elevated tank, distribution improvements, and construction of a shop. This Rural Development investment will be used to upgrade water lines, install automatic meter reading systems, replace all water meters, and install a backup generator. Funds will also be used to install automatic transfer switches at well sites, replace chlorination equipment, and install a new supervisory control and data acquisition system.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-430600-awarded-mississippi-second-congressional,"Congressman Thompson Announced $430,600 awarded to Mississippi Second Congressional District",2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Project funds will be used to assist the City of Water Valley in purchasing a Warning Siren. Project funds will be used to assist the City of Kosciusko in purchasing patrol cars. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase law enforcement vehicles for District III of Grenada County. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase a dump truck for District III of Grenada County. This Rural Development Investment will be used to purchase a compact track loader for District III of Grenada County. This Rural Development investment will be used to assist with purchasing a track type tractor. This Rural Development investment will be used to assist in purchasing a new dump truck. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase a debris removal truck. This Rural Development Investment will be used to purchase a Freightliner truck.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-77-million-awarded-city-greenville,Congressman Thompson Announced $7.7 Million Awarded to City of Greenville,2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department ofCommerce has awarded $7.7 Million in Economic Development funds to make infrastructure improvements needed to protect businesses from flooding in Greenville, Mississippi, Opportunity Zone. ""This EDA funding is a much needed investment in Greenville that will spur economic development, community stabilization and provide much needed jobs to the citizens of Greenville, MS,"" said Congressman Bennie G. Thompson.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-92139-comprehensive-housing-counseling-funds,"Congressman Thompson Announced $92,139 in Comprehensive Housing Counseling Funds",2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department ofHousing and Urban Development has awarded $92,139 in Comprehensive Housing Counseling Grant funds to Mississippi Home Corporation. The purpose of the Comprehensive Housing Counseling Program is to provide funds to HUD approved housing counseling agencies that provide counseling and advice to tenants and homeowners, with respect to property maintenance, financial management and literacy, and other matters as may be appropriate to assist program clients in improving their housing conditions, meeting their financial needs, and fulfilling the responsibilities of tenancy or homeownership. For more information contact Scott Spivey at (601) 718-4642.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-102145-comprehensive-housing-counseling-funds,"Congressman Thompson Announced $102,145 in Comprehensive Housing Counseling Funds",2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department ofHousing and Urban Development has awarded $102,145 in Comprehensive Housing Counseling Grant funds to the following: Recipient Amount Contact Housing Education and Economic Development, Inc. 3405 Medgar Evers Blvd Jackson, Mississippi $5,508 Charles Harris 601-981-1960 Mississippi Homebuyer Education Center-Initiative 350 West Woodrow Wilson Ave, Suite 3480 Jackson Mississippi $96,637 Eric Eades 601-291-2811 The purpose of the Comprehensive Housing Counseling Program is to provide funds to HUD approved housing counseling agencies that provide counseling and advice to tenants and homeowners, with respect to property maintenance, financial management and literacy, and other matters as may be appropriate to assist program clients in improving their housing conditions, meeting their financial needs, and fulfilling the responsibilities of tenancy or homeownership.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-935065-u-s-department-justice-funds,"Congressman Thompson Announced $935,065 in U. S. Department of Justice Funds",2020-10-15,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department of Justice has awarded $935,065 in funds to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/thompson-report-september-2020-edition,Thompson Report September 2020 Edition,2020-10-09,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome... To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter will be distributed by email to constituents. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-624496-awarded-south-central-community,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $624,496 Awarded to South Central Community Action Agency",2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration has awarded $624,496 in grant funds to the South Central Community Action Agency through the Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone (HOPE) Program. The South Central Community Action Agency (SCCAA) near Jackson will use funding to test the feasibility of an integrated electronic fare payment system for riders of eight partner agencies in rural Mississippi. The system will provide a universal payment card for unbanked riders to pay fares via cash, mobile device or web, including subsidies, to travel anywhere in the partner areas covering 9,000 square miles.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-u-s-department-education-revised-title-1,CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES U. S. Department of Education Revised Title 1 Allocations,2020-09-30,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Education Revised Final Fiscal Year 2020 Title 1 Allocations to the following: Local Educational Agency Amount Attala County School District $455,469 Canton Public School District $1,796,458 Carroll County School District $383,722 Claiborne County School District $1,247,318 Clarksdale Municipal School District $3,827,620 Cleveland School District $1,615,018 Clinton Public School District $820,874 Coahoma County School District $1,473,618 Coffeeville School District $338,585 Copiah County School District $1,551,653 East Tallahatchie School District $895,192 Greenville Public School District $5,746,173 Greenwood Public School District $2,830,222 Grenada School District $1,485,867 Hazlehurst City School District $1,070,808 Hinds County School District $1,474,246 Hollandale School District $645,149 Holmes County Consolidated School District $2,910,275 Humphreys County School District $1,633,578 Jackson Public School District $16,123,816 Jefferson County School District $1,152,900 Kosciusko School District $1,127,585 Leake County School District $1,946,819 Leflore County School District $2,786,064 Leland School District $791,612 North Bolivar Consolidated School District $961,250 North Panola School District $1,448,074 Quitman County School District $1,197,247 South Delta School District $835,468 South Panola School District $1,655,007 Sunflower County Consolidated School District $3,452,937 Tunica County School District $1,619,478 Vicksburg Warren School District $3,539,321 Water Valley School District $525,134 West Bolivar Consolidated School District $1,274,205 West Tallahatchie School $627,265 Western Line School District $1,446,402 Winona-Montgomery County Consolidated School District $855,485 Yazoo City Municipal School District $1,706,345 Yazoo County School District $1,000,936",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-199955-awarded-jackson-state-university,"CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $199,955 AWARDED TO Jackson state University",2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Education has awarded $199,955 to Jackson State University under the Rehabilitation Long-term Training- Rehabilitation Counseling Program. The funds will be used to support projects to train personnel in providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. For additional information contact, Dr. Frank L. Giles, Project Director at (601) 979-4188.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-200590-awarded-coalition-citizens-0,"Congressman Thompson Announced $200,590 Awarded to Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities",2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-200590-awarded-coalition-citizens-disabilities,"Congressman Thompson Announced $200,590 Awarded to Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities",2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department ofEducation has awarded $200,590 under the Parent Training and Information Centers Program to Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities in Jackson, Mississippi. For more information contact Leslie Junkin at (601) 969-0601.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-200590-awarded-coalition-citizens-disabilities-0,"Congressman Thompson Announced $200,590 Awarded to Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities",2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,Senate,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department of Education has awarded $200,590 under the Parent Training and Information Centers Program to Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities in Jackson, Mississippi. For more information contact Leslie Junkin at (601) 969-0601.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-354923-u-s-department-justice-funds,"Congressman Thompson Announced $354,923 in U. S. Department of Justice Funds",2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"A portion of funds will be used to purchase and install security cameras at the Mississippi State Penitentiary (MSP) Unit -29. The John R. Justice (JRJ) Student Loan Repayment Grant Program provides loan repayment assistance for local, state, and federal public defenders and local and state prosecutors who commit to extended employment in those roles. Funds will be used to improve security at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) and South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI) by utilizing a video surveillance system to reduce the likelihood of sexual assaults, physical assaults, and even deaths within the facility. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-6221020-awarded-grenada-railroad-llc,"CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $6,221,020 AWARDED TO Grenada Railroad, LLC",2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $6,221,020 under FY 20 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program to Grenada Railroad, LLC. The project includes upgrades and repairs from Grenada to Canton, Mississippi. For more information contact Grenada Railroad, LLC at (662) 226-2026.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-2749002-u-s-department-justice-funds,"Congressman Thompson Announced $2,749,002 in U. S. Department of Justice Funds",2020-09-18,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department of Justice has awarded $2,749,002 in funds to State of Mississippi Agencies.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-3348860-delta-regional-authority-funds,"Congressman Thompson Announced $3,348,860 in Delta Regional Authority Funds",2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The Warren County Port Commission will use DRA funds to construct an industrial access road to Site B in the Ceres Industrial Park. The City of Cleveland will use DRA funds to construct a sanitary sewer system project to improve services to residents. This investment is projected to affect 4,460 families. The University of Mississippi Medical Center will use DRA funds to construct an Emergency Response Station and training hub at the Greenwood-Leflore Airport for the medically underserved Mississippi Delta residents. This investment is projected to retain 15 jobs and train 1,200 individuals. The City of Fayette will use DRA funds to extend water and sewer service to the Highway 61/Highway 553 intersection and to recruit new businesses to the area. This investment is projected to affect 524 families. Copiah County will use DRA funds to rehabilitate a pump station and extend a sanitary sewer to improve services to residents and businesses. This investment is projected to retain 111 jobs. Holmes Community College will use DRA funds to construct a new electrical lineman training facility and emergency preparedness staging area. This investment is projected to train 150 individuals. Grenada County will use DRA funds to construct an access road to Highway 51 to be used primarily by lumber trucks. This investment is projected to create 40 new jobs. The City of Drew will use DRA funds to renovate and reconfigure the Senator Robert L. Crook Armory building to improve grocery services to residents. This investment is projected to create two jobs. The Town of Sardis will use DRA funds to rehabilitate approximately 500 feet of water lines, sewer lines, and streets in the downtown area to improve services to residents and businesses. This investment is projected to affect 769 families. The Town of Friars Point will use DRA funds to rehabilitate two sewer lift stations to improve services to residents and businesses. This investment is projected to affect 460 families. Coahoma County will use DRA funds to purchase needed permanent equipment for a county-owned facility to expand business operations. This investment is projected to create 25 new jobs and retain 89 jobs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-2024737-cdfi-funds-awarded-banking-institutions,"Congressman Thompson Announced $2,024,737 in CDFI Funds awarded to Banking Institutions in the Mississippi Second District",2020-09-16,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) has awarded $2,024,737 to FDIC insured-banks, under the fiscal year (FY) 2020 funding round of the Bank Enterprise Award Program. Banking Institution Award Amount Guaranty Bank & Trust – Belzoni, MS $202,898 The Jefferson Bank – Greenville, MS $202,898 The Cleveland State Bank – Cleveland, MS $202,898 Planters Bank & Trust Company – Indianola, MS $202,898 Copiah Bank – Hazlehurst, MS $202,898 Citizens Bank & Trust Company – Marks, MS $202,898 BankPlus – Belzoni, MS $202,898 Bank of Commerce – Greenwood, MS $202,898 Bank of Benoit – Benoit, MS $198,655 Bank of Anguilla – Anguilla, MS $202,898",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-1467283-cdbg-funds-awarded-city-jackson,"Congressman Thompson Announced $1,467,283 in CDBG Funds Awarded to the City of Jackson",2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department ofHousing and Urban Development has awarded $1,467,283 in CDBG CARES Act funds to the City of Jackson Office of Housing & Community Development. These funds can be used to provide temporary financial assistance to meet rental obligations for up to 6 months. The funds are focused toward places with households facing higher risk of eviction. Specifically: • Communities with high rates of individuals in industries with high job loss in states with high unemployment; • Communities with high rates of businesses in industries with high job loss in states with high unemployment; and • Concentrations of those most at risk for transmission and risk of eviction, with higher amounts for states with high rates of coronavirus.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-157500-awarded-mississippi-second-congressional,"Congressman Thompson Announced $157,500 awarded to Mississippi Second Congressional District Community-Based Organizations",2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas in partnership with Mississippi-based community banks has awarded $157,500 to local community-based organizations. The program is known as the Partnership Grant Program, the Federal Home Loan Bank matches a local bank's donation to a Mississippi-based non-profit by a factor of 5:1.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/thompson-report-august-2020-edition,Thompson Report August 2020 Edition,2020-09-09,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome... To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter will be distributed by email to constituents. Spread the word and share this newsletter.Click hereto read the newsletter. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-selects-two-interns-district-office,Congressman Thompson Selects Two Interns for District Office,2020-09-04,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced his selection of two interns; Ashley Shelby and Jordan Jefferson. Ashley and Jordan will be assigned to a district office and will participate in the daily operation of a Congressional office. Ashley Shelby is a proud born native of Jackson, Mississippi. The senior Political Science major at Jackson State University lives by the motto ""Be the Difference, Not an Excuse!"" ""I was put on this Earth to be the voice for the voiceless, whether that be a Politician or Voting Rights Lawyer,"" Shelby said. What better way to get experience than by interning in a congressional office? I'm excited to get to work for my Congressman and witness all of the things he does for our District."" Ashley is active in her community and on campus. She is a member of many organizations such as: Bridge To The Future, Gamma Phi Delta Sorority Inc, NAACP, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Lambda Sigma Honors Society, Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society, Fannie Lou Hamer Pre- Law Society, President of the Political Science Club, Service Ambassador, and also Women for Progress. Jordan Jefferson is a proud native of Jackson, Mississippi. A recent 2020 graduate and Political Science major at Jackson State University. Throughout his time at Jackson State University Jordan played football for the Tigers, served as SGA president and is a Rhodes Scholar finalist. Now he's going to the Ivy League instead of a pro league. Harvard is the next step for Jordan, where he will be furthering his studies in a dual joint JD/MPP degree program. He hopes to obtain a fine understanding in Law and Policy so he can help change his great state of Mississippi. His aspirations are to come back to his home state and provide adequate change. Congressman Thompson said he is looking forward to Ashley and Jordan working alongside he and his staff to address the issues facing constituents in the Mississippi Second Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-votes-save-us-postal-service-and-right-vote-trump,Congressman Thompson Votes to Save the U.S. Postal Service and the Right to Vote From the Trump Administration’s Assaults,2020-08-22,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, with the U.S. Postal Service under assault from the Trump Administration, Rep. Thompson voted to pass H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act. The Delivering for America Act requires the Postal Service to return to the Postal Service operations and levels of service that were in place on January 1, 2020 throughout the duration of the coronavirus public health emergency and requires all election mail to be treated as First-Class mail. It also provides $25 billion in critical funding for the Postal Service – the same level of funding recommended by the USPS Board of Governors, which is composed of 100 percent President Trump appointees. The vote comes at the same time as newly uncovered internal Postal Service documents warning Postmaster General DeJoy about steep declines and increasing delays nationwide over the last two months, delays that are far worse than originally believed. Yet despite the urgent need for action, Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration have repeatedly claimed that there are ""no delays"" with the mail and ""no data,"" suggesting the delays are no more than ""conspiracy theories."" ""The Postal Service is essential to the fabric of our communities, providing Mississippi families and all Americans with critical services, including the delivery of life-saving prescriptions, Social Security benefits, paychecks, tax returns and ballots,"" said Rep. Thompson. ""Yet, the Trump Administration and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy have waged an outrageous campaign to degrade postal operations and delay mail delivery in the middle of a pandemic and just months before a Presidential election, threatening to sabotage the election and disenfranchise countless voters. While the committed activism of Democrats and the American people forced the Postmaster General into announcing a so-called ‘pause,' it is a wholly insufficient step that does not reverse damage already wreaked. The Postmaster General even admitted that he has no intention of replacing the sorting machines, blue mailboxes and other key mail infrastructure that have been removed and that plans for overtime, which are critical for the timely delivery of mail, are not in the works. Therefore, in the name of our democracy and the Mississippi veterans, seniors, families and small businesses who depend on the Post Office, I proudly joined my colleagues to pass the Delivering for America Act to undo the damage and ensure the Postal Service has the resources necessary to fulfill its vital role at this pivotal moment."" The Delivering for America Act would prohibit: Any change that would generally affect service on a nationwide or substantially nationwide basis; Any revision of existing service standards; Closing, consolidating or reducing the hours of any post office or postal facility; Any prohibition on paying overtime to Postal Service officers or employees; Any change that would prevent the Postal Service from meeting its service standards or cause a decline in measurements of performance relative to those standards; and Any change that would have the effect of delaying mail or increasing the volume of undelivered mail. This legislation will also: Include $25 billion requested by the Postal Service and supported unanimously and on a bipartisan basis by the Trump-appointed Postal Board of Governors; Require the Postal Service to treat all official election mail as First-Class mail; Prohibit the removal, decommissioning or other stoppage of mail sorting machines, other than for routine maintenance; Prohibit the removal of mailboxes; and Explicitly reverse any changes already implemented to the operations or policies of the Postal Service that delay mail delivery. In addition to this vital legislation, House Democrats have taken swift action to hold the Postmaster General and the Trump Administration accountable. Democrats have written to the Postmaster General three times to demand answers and key documents and information, and to call for a reversal of policies that have worsened the crisis and exacerbated a dramatic increase in delayed and undelivered mail. On Monday, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform will hold an urgent hearing with Postmaster General DeJoy to answer to the American people as to why he is pushing these dangerous new policies that threaten the health of Americans during a pandemic and silence the voices of millions just months before the election.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/thompson-report-july-2020-edition,Thompson Report July 2020 Edition,2020-08-11,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome... To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter will be distributed by email to constituents. Spread the word and share this newsletter. Click here to read the newsletter. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-600000-awarded-municipalities,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $600,000 Awarded to Municipalities in the Mississippi Second Congressional District",2020-07-29,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker July 29, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $600,000 Awarded to Municipalities in the Mississippi Second Congressional District Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup Cooperative Program has awarded grant funds to the following: Recipient Amount City of Canton $300,000 City of Vicksburg $300,000 This action approves funding to inventory, characterize, assess, conduct cleanup planning, revitalization plan and community involvement related activities for brownfield sites in the City.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:18:24Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-600000-awarded-municipalities-mississippi,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $600,000 Awarded to Municipalities in the Mississippi Second Congressional District",2020-07-29,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker July 29, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $600,000 Awarded to Municipalities in the Mississippi Second Congressional District Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup Cooperative Program has awarded grant funds to the following: Recipient Amount City of Canton $300,000 City of Vicksburg $300,000 This action approves funding to inventory, characterize, assess, conduct cleanup planning, revitalization plan and community involvement related activities for brownfield sites in the City.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-thompson-votes-pass-commission-social-status-black-men-and-boys-act,Rep. Thompson Votes to Pass the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act,2020-07-28,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Thompson Votes to Pass the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Thompson voted to pass the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act, to establish a 19-member commission that will examine the social disparities that disproportionately affect black males in America. Commission members will review homicide rates, arrest and incarceration rates, poverty, violence, fatherhood, mentorship, drug abuse, death rates, disparate income and wealth levels, school performance in various grade levels and health issues. The commission also will investigate potential civil rights violations affecting black men and boys. This strong, bipartisan legislation, which the Senate unanimously passed in June, rises to meet the moment of national reckoning over racial injustice and will help policymakers better understand, and hopefully eventually eliminate, the educational and social chasms that have made it extraordinarily difficult for black males to become upwardly mobile. The Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act will now go to the president's desk for signature, moving our nation one step closer to dismantling the barriers that that result in significant societal disparities for black males in such areas as education, criminal justice, health, and employment. ""Across the country Americans have taken to streets to protest the murder of George Floyd and countless other black men and boys like him. The Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act will help lawmakers and future administrations address the root issues of police violence and tackle systemic racism,"" said Rep. Thompson. ""I am proud to join my colleagues to pass this long-overdue legislation that will provide our country with a guidebook for closing barriers that inhibit equitable outcomes."" The bi-partisan commission will be housed within the United States Commission on Civil Rights' office and will include Members of Congress, federal agency experts, and appointed subject issue area experts. It will be tasked with producing an annual report addressing the current conditions affecting black men and boys and make recommendations that will be submitted to the president, Congress, members of the president's Cabinet, and the chairs of the appropriate committees of jurisdiction. S. 2163/H.R. 1636 has been endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus, New Democrat Coalition, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity, Catholic Charities USA, Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, My Brother's Keeper Alliance, NAACP, National Action Network, National Football League, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Reform Alliance, The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights, The Council of the Great City Schools, Teach For America, actor Omari Hardick, and Reverend Jesse Jackson.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:18:24Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-6359368-awarded-state-mississippi,"CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $6,359,368 AWARDED TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI",2020-07-25,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker July 25, 2020 601-866-9003 CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $6,359,368 AWARDED TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a Federal grant in the amount of $6,359,368 to the State of Mississippi in association with Hurricane Katrina. Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is in agreement with FEMA to properly administer grants. This will fund State Management Costs for fiscal years of 2016 through 2020 to support the State's efforts in managing DR-1604 as a result of Hurricane Katrina. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:18:24Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-over-17-million-awarded-issaquena-county,CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES OVER $1.7 Million AWARDED TO ISSAQUENA COUNTY,2020-07-25,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker July 25, 2020 601-866-9003 CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES OVER $1.7 Million AWARDED TO ISSAQUENA COUNTY BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a Federal grant in the amount of $1,736,733.81 to Issaquena County for county wide road damage as a direct result of FEMA-DR-4429-MS (Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:18:24Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/june-2020-thompson-report,June 2020 Thompson Report,2020-07-02,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome... To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter will be distributed by email to constituents.Spread the word and share this newsletter.Click hereto read the newsletter. Thank you",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-votes-pass-democrats-moving-forward-act-hr-2,"Congressman Thompson Votes to Pass Democrats’ Moving Forward Act, H.R. 2",2020-07-02,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"July 2, 2020 Sweeping Bill Invests More Than $1.5 Trillion to Create Jobs Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure For Immediate Release Contact: Ty James July 1, 2020 202-531-4731 Congressman Thompson Votes to Pass Democrats' Moving Forward Act, H.R. 2 Sweeping Bill Invests More Than $1.5 Trillion to Create Jobs Rebuilding America's Infrastructure WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), voted to pass H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, House Democrats' sweeping legislation to invest more than $1.5 trillion in modern, sustainable infrastructure while creating millions of good-paying jobs, combatting the climate crisis and addressing disparities in communities across Mississippi and throughout the country. Among the many far-reaching provisions of the Moving Forward Act: The INVEST in America Act, a nearly $500 billion investment to rebuild and reimagine the nation's transportation infrastructure by fixing our crumbling roads and bridges, improving safety, reducing gridlock and putting the U.S. on a path toward zero emissions from the transportation sector by cutting carbon pollution, investing in public transit and the national rail network, building out fueling infrastructure for low- and zero-emission vehicles and deploying technology and innovative materials. The INVEST in America Act is fueled by American workers and ingenuity thanks to strong Buy America provisions and labor protections. Under H.R. 2, Mississippi would receive $3,750,521,857 in highway and transit funding alone. Invests in schools with the Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act, which funds $130 billion in school infrastructure targeted at high-poverty schools with facilities that endanger the health and safety of students and educators. This investment will help students get back to school and create more than 2 million jobs to help workers get back to work. Addresses structural challenges and upgrades child care facilities by leveraging a 5-year, $10 billion federal investment to generate additional state and private investments in making sure that child care settings are safe, appropriate and able to comply with current and future public health directives. Invests over $100 billion into our nation's affordable housing infrastructure to create or preserve 1.8 million affordable homes. These investments will help reduce housing inequality, create jobs and stimulate the broader economy, increase community and household resiliency in the face of natural disasters, improve hazardous living conditions and increase the environmental sustainability of our housing stock. Protects access to safe drinking water by investing over $25 billion in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and other programs to ensure all communities have clean drinking water and to help remove dangerous contaminants like PFAS from local water systems. Modernizes our energy infrastructure for a clean energy future by investing more than $70 billion to transform our electric grid to accommodate more renewable energy, expand renewable energy, strengthen existing infrastructure, help develop an electric vehicle charging network and support energy efficiency, weatherization and Smart Communities infrastructure. Delivers affordable high-speed broadband Internet access to all parts of the country by investing $100 billion to promote competition for broadband internet infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities, prioritizing those with persistent poverty. Gets children connected to remote learning, closes broadband adoption and digital skills gaps and enhances payment support for low-income households and the recently unemployed. Modernizes the nation's health care infrastructure by investing $30 billion to upgrade hospitals to increase capacity and strengthen care, help community health centers respond to COVID-19 and future public health emergencies, improve clinical laboratory infrastructure, support the Indian Health Service‘s infrastructure and increase capacity for community-based care. Modernizes and strengthens the United States Postal Service by investing $25 billion to modernize postal infrastructure and operations, including a zero emissions postal vehicle fleet, processing equipment and other goods. Promotes new renewable energy infrastructure by incentivizing the development of wind and solar on public lands and building a workforce for offshore wind. Promotes investments in our communities by spurring private investment through the tax code, through a revitalized Build America Bonds program, expansions of Private Activity Bonds and significant enhancements to the New Markets Tax Credit and the Rehabilitation Tax Credit. A fact sheet on the Moving Forward Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:18:24Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-over-3-million-awarded-local-airports,Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces Over $3 Million Awarded to Local Airports in Mississippi Second Congressional District,2020-07-01,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker July 1, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces Over $3 Million Awarded to Local Airports in Mississippi Second Congressional District Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration has awarded grant funds to the following: These grants are being funded as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020. These grants provide economic relief funds for any purpose for which airport revenue may be lawfully used.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:18:24Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-s-statement-changing-mississippi-state-flag,Congressman Thompsons Statement on Changing the Mississippi State Flag,2020-07-01,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Contact: Ty James June 30, 2020 202-225-4731 Congressman Thompson's Statement on Changing the Mississippi State Flag WASHINGTON, MISSISSIPPI Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), today released the following statement after Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed legislation that will remove the state flag adopted in 1894 and establish a commission to propose a new flag: All Mississippians should be proud today. Communities all across the state helped to make this day a reality. For years, there have been conversations between various groups demanding and protesting for a new flag. I commend the state legislature on doing what is right. Now the question is what else will we do? We can not stop at changing the flag. This is only a symbolic change. I hope we see this moment as an opportunity to address the systemic problems in our state.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompsons-statement-changing-mississippi-state-flag,Congressman Thompson’s Statement on Changing the Mississippi State Flag,2020-07-01,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Ty James June 30, 2020 202-531-4731 Congressman Thompson's Statement on Changing the Mississippi State Flag WASHINGTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), today released the following statement after Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed legislation that will remove the state flag adopted in 1894 and establish a commission to propose a new flag: ""All Mississippians should be proud today. Communities all across the state helped to make this day a reality. For years, there have been conversations between various groups demanding and protesting for a new flag. I commend the state legislature on doing what is right. Now the question is what else will we do? We can not stop at changing the flag. This is only a symbolic change. I hope we see this moment as an opportunity to address the systemic problems in our state.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:18:24Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-400000-awarded-south-delta-planning-and,"Congressman Thompson Announced $400,000 awarded to South Delta Planning and Development District, Inc.",2020-06-30,2020,2020-06,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker June 30, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Thompson Announced $400,000 awarded to South Delta Planning and Development District, Inc. BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration has awarded $400,000 to the South Delta Planning and Development District, Inc. through the COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Project. EDA is providing a supplemental financial assistance award to the South Delta Planning and Development District, Inc., of Greenville, Mississippi, to help them respond to the unusual and compelling urgency of the coronavirus pandemic. South Delta Planning and Development District, Inc. covers Bolivar, Humphreys, Issaquena, Sharkey, Sunflower and Washington Counties. For more information contact Thomas Goodwin, Executive Director at (662) 378-3831.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:12:47Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/lee-thompson-reintroduce-bill-remove-confederate-statues-capitol,"Lee, Thompson Reintroduce Bill to Remove Confederate Statues From Capitol",2020-06-11,2020,2020-06,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lee, Thompson Reintroduce Bill to Remove Confederate Statues From Capitol Washington, D.C. –Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) introduced a bill to remove Confederate statues from the U.S. Capitol. The bill, the Confederate Monument Removal Act, originally introduced by Congresswoman Lee in 2017 in the wake of the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, would remove all statues of people who voluntarily served the Confederate State of America from the National Statuary Hall Collection within 120 days. ""Americans in all 50 states and millions of people around the world are marching to protest racism and police violence directed at people of color, and yet across the country, Confederate statues and monuments still pay tribute to white supremacy and slavery in public spaces,"" said Congresswoman Lee. ""It is time to tell the truth about what these statues are: hateful symbols that have no place in our society and certainly should not be enshrined in the U.S. Capitol."" ""After talking with several religious leaders, I am happy to join Congresswoman Barbara Lee in filing a bill doing away with symbols that continue to divide and haunt this country. We do this in a spirit of racial reconciliation and healing,"" said Congressman Thompson. The National Statuary Hall Collection was created in 1864 with a law that allows states to select two statues of deceased individuals to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Under the Confederate Monument Removal Act, states can reclaim Confederate statues that are currently part of the National Statuary Hall Collection. Statues that are not reclaimed by states would be turned over to the Smithsonian. The Confederate Monument Removal Act is cosponsored by Reps. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Andre Carson (D-IN), Nydia Velasquez (D-NY), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Alma Adams (D-NC), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), Al Green (D-TX), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). The full text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:12:47Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-511476-grant-funds-awarded-mississippi,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $511,476 in Grant Funds Awarded to Mississippi Housing Agencies",2020-06-10,2020,2020-06,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker June 10, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $511,476 in Grant Funds Awarded to Mississippi Housing Agencies Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $ 511,476 through the Comprehensive Housing Counseling Grants Program to housing agencies in the MS Second Congressional District. The purpose of this program is to provide funds to HUD approved housing counseling agencies that provide counseling and advice to tenants and homeowners, with respect to property maintenance, financial management and literacy, and other matters as may be appropriate to assist program clients in improving their housing conditions, meeting their financial needs, and fulfilling the responsibilities of tenancy or homeownership.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:12:47Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/may-2020-thompson-report,May 2020 Thompson Report,2020-06-04,2020,2020-06,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome... To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter will be distributed by email to constituents.Spread the word and share this newsletter. Click here to read the newsletter. Thank you",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-s-statement-officers-charged-george-floyd-s-death,Congressman Thompsons Statement on Officers Charged in George Floyds Death,2020-06-03,2020,2020-06,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Thompson's Statement on Officers Charged in George Floyd's Death Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Thompson released the following statement regarding the Minneapolis, MN police officers charged for their involvement in George Floyd's murder: I commend the Minnesota Attorney General for charging all four officers involved in the killing of Mr. George Floyd, said Thompson. The unjust murder of George Floyd has sparked a movement across the globe. Our country is now witnessing the expected result of African-Americans being brutalized and dehumanized for centuries. Police have been accused of torturing and murdering African-Americans for a number of years usually with no consequence. Although we are pleased that the officers have been charged we will only be satisfied when justice is served. Civil Rights Activist Ella Baker once said, Until the killing of black men, black mothers' sons, becomes as important to the rest of the country as the killing of a white mother's son, we who believe in freedom cannot rest until this happens.' Now, it is up to the people of goodwill to make America a better place for all people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompsons-statement-officers-charged-george-floyds-death,Congressman Thompson’s Statement on Officers Charged in George Floyd’s Death,2020-06-03,2020,2020-06,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Thompson released the following statement regarding the Minneapolis, MN police officers charged for their involvement in George Floyd's murder: ""I commend the Minnesota Attorney General for charging all four officers involved in the killing of Mr. George Floyd,"" said Thompson. ""The unjust murder of George Floyd has sparked a movement across the globe. Our country is now witnessing the expected result of African-Americans being brutalized and dehumanized for centuries. Police have been accused of torturing and murdering African-Americans for a number of years usually with no consequence. Although we are pleased that the officers have been charged we will only be satisfied when justice is served. Civil Rights Activist Ella Baker once said, ‘Until the killing of black men, black mothers' sons, becomes as important to the rest of the country as the killing of a white mother's son, we who believe in freedom cannot rest until this happens.' Now, it is up to the people of goodwill to make America a better place for all people.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:12:47Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/press-release-congressman-thompson-announces-winner-mississippi-s-2nd,Press Release: CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES WINNER OF MISSISSIPPIS 2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT VIRTUAL ART COMPETITION,2020-06-03,2020,2020-06,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker June 3, 2020 601-866-9003 Press Release: CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES WINNER OF MISSISSIPPI'S 2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT VIRTUAL ART COMPETITION Bolton, MS Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced winners of the 2020 Second Congressional Artistic Discovery Virtual Art Competition. There were 2 schools that participated and 48 pieces of artwork. This year's 1st Place winner is Moriah Roland of Power APAC located in Jackson, Mississippi. I would like to extend my congratulations to Moriah and the Power APAC's Art Program for placing number 1 in this year's competition. The 1st Place winner along with one other person may be eligible to receive round trip accommodations to Washington D. C. at a date to be determined to compete with the other Congressional Art Competition winners. In addition, her entry will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel for the period of one year. The other winners are as follows: 2nd Place- Trey Peters Riverside High School 3rd Place- Moriah Roland Power APAC Honorable Mentions: Liz Hawkins Power APAC Sarah Demus Power APAC Ethan McKnight Riverside High School Alyssa Rochell Riverside High School Summer Griffin Power APAC Also, as a Congressional Art Competition District First Place winner, Moriah may be eligible to receive a $3,000 per year scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), should she apply and be accepted for enrollment. Accepted students may be eligible for additional scholarships based on their academic credentials, documented awards and recognition, extracurricular activities, volunteer or professional experience, and talents. For more information call Ms. Ashley Beale at 662-335-9003.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/press-release-congressman-thompson-announces-winner-mississippis-2nd,Press Release: CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES WINNER OF MISSISSIPPI’S 2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT VIRTUAL ART COMPETITION,2020-06-03,2020,2020-06,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker June 3, 2020 601-866-9003 Press Release: CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES WINNER OF MISSISSIPPI'S 2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT VIRTUAL ART COMPETITION Bolton, MS – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced winners of the 2020 Second Congressional ""Artistic Discovery"" Virtual Art Competition. There were 2 schools that participated and 48 pieces of artwork. This year's 1st Place winner is Moriah Roland of Power APAC located in Jackson, Mississippi. I would like to extend my congratulations to Moriah and the Power APAC's Art Program for placing number 1 in this year's competition. The 1st Place winner along with one other person may be eligible to receive round trip accommodations to Washington D. C. at a date to be determined to compete with the other Congressional Art Competition winners. In addition, her entry will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel for the period of one year. The other winners are as follows: 2nd Place- Trey Peters – Riverside High School 3rd Place- Moriah Roland – Power APAC Honorable Mentions: Liz Hawkins – Power APAC Sarah Demus – Power APAC Ethan McKnight – Riverside High School Alyssa Rochell – Riverside High School Summer Griffin – Power APAC Also, as a Congressional Art Competition District First Place winner, Moriah may be eligible to receive a $3,000 per year scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), should she apply and be accepted for enrollment. Accepted students may be eligible for additional scholarships based on their academic credentials, documented awards and recognition, extracurricular activities, volunteer or professional experience, and talents.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:12:47Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-26-additional-counties-eligible-public,Congressman Thompson Announced 26 Additional Counties Eligible for Public Assistance Following Easter Storms,2020-06-02,2020,2020-06,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker June 2, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Thompson Announced 26 Additional Counties Eligible for Public Assistance Following Easter Storms BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the State of Mississippi and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has approved additional counties for Public Assistance for damages from the April 12, 2020 tornadoes. The following counties are now eligible public assistance through FEMA: Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Coahoma, Grenada, Holmes, Jasper, Lafayette, Lawrence, Leake, Montgomery, Noxubee, Panola, Quitman, Smith, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, Walthall, Webster and Yalobusha. The Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program support communities' recovery from major disasters by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure. Local governments, states, tribes, territories and certain private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:12:47Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-475000-awarded-jackson-state-university,"CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $475,000 AWARDED TO JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY",2020-06-02,2020,2020-06,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker June 2, 2020 601-866-9003 CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $475,000 AWARDED TO JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced The National Science Foundation has awarded $475,000 to Jackson State University. This project, entitled ""Excellence in Research: Direct synthesis of water-soluble iron oxide nanoparticles with high relaxivity and interaction with small molecules,"" is under the direction of Yongfeng Zhao. For more information call Yongfeng Zhao at 601-979-2008.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:12:47Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-175000-awarded-romola-water-association,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $175,000 Awarded to the Romola Water Association",2020-05-28,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker May 28, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $175,000 Awarded to the Romola Water Association Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture/ Rural Development has awarded $78,000 in grant funds and $97,000 in a loan through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program to the Romola Water Association in Port Gibson, MS. This Rural Development Investment will be used to replace 330 radio read meters and upgrade the automatic read meter system (AMR). For more information contact Louis Buck at 601-437-3415.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:07:19Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-takes-action-help-mississippi-s-workers-and-small,"Congressman Thompson Takes Action to Help Mississippis Workers and Small Businesses, Votes to Pass Key Fixes to Paycheck Protection Program",2020-05-28,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Thompson Takes Action to Help Mississippi's Workers and Small Businesses, Votes to Pass Key Fixes to Paycheck Protection Program Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Thompson voted to pass a critical, bipartisan bill to deliver further relief for Mississippi's small businesses. H.R. 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act solves urgent issues with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) facing small business owners in Mississippi's Second Congressional District and across the country who are struggling the most as a result of the coronavirus. The bipartisan PPP Flexibility Act will increase flexibility and access to PPP loans including by: Allowing forgiveness for expenses beyond the 8-week covered period to 24 weeks and extending the rehiring deadline; Increasing the current limitation on nonpayroll expenses (such as rent, utility payments and mortgage interest) for loan forgiveness from 25 to 40 percent; Extending the programfrom June 30 to December 31; Extending loan terms from two to five years; and Ensuring full access to payroll tax deferment for businesses that take PPP loans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-takes-action-help-mississippis-workers-and-small,"Congressman Thompson Takes Action to Help Mississippi’s Workers and Small Businesses, Votes to Pass Key Fixes to Paycheck Protection Program",2020-05-28,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Thompson voted to pass a critical, bipartisan bill to deliver further relief for Mississippi's small businesses. H.R. 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act solves urgent issues with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) facing small business owners in Mississippi's Second Congressional District and across the country who are struggling the most as a result of the coronavirus. The bipartisan PPP Flexibility Act will increase flexibility and access to PPP loans including by:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:07:19Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-1000-awarded-charleston-municipal,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $1,000 Awarded to Charleston Municipal Airport",2020-05-21,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker May 21, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $1,000 Awarded to Charleston Municipal Airport Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $1,000 in grant funds to the City of Charleston through the Federal Aviation Administration for the Charleston Municipal Airport. These grants are being funded as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020. These grants provide economic relief funds for any purpose for which airport revenue may be lawfully used.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:07:19Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-1000-awarded-charleston-municipal-airport,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $1,000 Awarded to Charleston Municipal Airport",2020-05-21,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker May 21, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $1,000 Awarded to Charleston Municipal Airport Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $1,000 in grant funds to the City of Charleston through the Federal Aviation Administration for the Charleston Municipal Airport. These grants are being funded as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020. These grants provide economic relief funds for any purpose for which airport revenue may be lawfully used.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/thompson-report-april-2020-edition,Thompson Report April 2020 Edition,2020-05-15,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome... To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter will be distributed by email to constituents. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/cdc-guidance-business-reopening,CDC Guidance for Business Reopening,2020-05-14,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate ReleaseContact: Bolton OfficeUpdated: May 14, 2020601-866-9003Edition: CDC Guidance for Business Reopening High Alert - Shelter In - Social Distance - High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery Today, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned us as he testified before the Republican led Senate that we could face even more ""suffering and death"" if we rush to reopen businesses. And such a move could be counterproductive to our plans for getting the country back on the road to ""economic recovery."" Some states and businesses have already begun reopening and as a result are seeing a rise in Coronavirus cases (see links below). Other states however are putting lives first and making those tough life saving decisions to issue public stay home orders (see link below). The CDC has established guidance for business as they rush to reopen (see links below). This guidance is intended to help save lives but nothing can be safer than sheltering in to help us flatten the curve in the absence of an FDA approved vaccine. If you have questions about the CDC Guidance call 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or TTY at 888-232-6348. CDC Guidance to Businesses Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (May 10, 2020) Increase in Coronavirus Cases Quietly but Savagely, The Coronavirus Is Decimating Latin America: Live Coverage (New York Times, May 12, 2020) Live Updates: Countries reimpose Lockdowns after Coronavirus Infections Spike; Fauci Warns of Avoidable 'suffering and death' (The Washington Post, May 12, 2020) China sees double-digit rises in COVID-19 Infections with Local Cases in Wuhan and in the Northeast (South China Morning Post, May 11, 2020) Putting Lives First Los Angeles Mayor says while stay-at-home Order Stays, 'do not freak out' about it (CNN, May, 12, 2020) CSU Schools to Keep Campuses Closed Through Fall Semester, Chancellor Says (SFGate, May 12, 2020)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:07:19Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-144812-awarded-mississippi-department,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $144,812 Awarded to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History",2020-05-08,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker May 8, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $144,812 Awarded to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the National Parks Services has awarded $144,812 in grant funds from the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) to protect America's Civil and Revolutionary War battlefields.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:07:19Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-31000-awarded-airports-located-ms-second,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $31,000 Awarded to Airports Located in the MS Second Congressional District",2020-05-08,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker May 8, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $31,000 Awarded to Airports Located in the MS Second Congressional District Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration has awarded grant funds to the following: RECIPIENT/AIRPORT AMOUNT CONTACT City(s) of Ruleville and Drew/ Ruleville-Drew Airport $1,000 Mr. Sterling Luna, President, North Sunflower County Airport (601) 756-4867 County of Hinds/ John Bell Williams Airport $30,000 Ms. Michelle Jackson, Airport Manager (601) 857-3884 These grants are being funded as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020. These grants provide economic relief funds for any purpose for which airport revenue may be lawfully used.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:07:19Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-8653969-cbdg-funds-awarded-state,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $8,653,969 in CBDG Funds Awarded to the State of Mississippi",2020-05-08,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker May 8, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $8,653,969 in CBDG Funds Awarded to the State of Mississippi",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:07:19Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-over-25-million-hrsa-funds-awarded,Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces Over $2.5 Million in HRSA Funds Awarded to Health Centers in the Second Congressional District,2020-05-08,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker May 8, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces Over $2.5 Million in HRSA Funds Awarded to Health Centers in the Second Congressional District Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $2,510,537 through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). These funds will be used to expand the range of testing and testing-related activities to best address the needs of their local communities, including the purchase of personal protective equipment; training for staff, outreach, procurement and administration of tests; laboratory services; notifying identified contacts of infected health center patients of their exposure to COVID-19; and the expansion of walk-up or drive-up testing capabilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:07:19Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-over-25-million-hrsa-funds-awarded-health,Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces Over $2.5 Million in HRSA Funds Awarded to Health Centers in the Second Congressional District,2020-05-08,2020,2020-05,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker May 8, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces Over $2.5 Million in HRSA Funds Awarded to Health Centers in the Second Congressional District Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $2,510,537 through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). These funds will be used to expand the range of testing and testing-related activities to best address the needs of their local communities, including the purchase of personal protective equipment; training for staff, outreach, procurement and administration of tests; laboratory services; notifying identified contacts of infected health center patients of their exposure to COVID-19; and the expansion of walk-up or drive-up testing capabilities. HEALTH CENTER GRANTEE CITY STATE FUNDING AMOUNT AARON E. HENRY COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES CENTER, INC. CLARKSDALE MS $308,029 CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC. JACKSON MS $860,704 CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI HEALTH SERVICES, INC. JACKSON MS $191,824 CLAIBORNE COUNTY FAMILY HEALTH CENTER PORT GIBSON MS $148,579 DELTA HEALTH CENTER, INC. MOUND BAYOU MS $291,289 DR. ARENIA C. MALLORY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, INC. LEXINGTON MS $221,749 G.A. CARMICHAEL FAMILY HEALTH CENTER, INC. CANTON MS $251,749 JEFFERSON COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTER INC FAYETTE MS $236,614",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/update-covid-19-historic-pandemics-and-epidemics-america,Update: COVID-19 Historic Pandemics and Epidemics in America,2020-04-30,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate ReleaseContact: Dr. Timla G. WashingtonUpdated: April 28, 2020662-335-9003Edition: Historic Pandemics and Epidemics in America High Alert – Shelter In – Social Distance – High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery America began its public fight against the Coronavirus in February 2020. Many people I've talked with said, ""They never thought it would grow to this magnitude of a challenge. And they have never in their life seen any thing like this before across the country."" I have heard their fears, worries, and challenges. Constituents are looking for government leadership to guide them with confidence. They want to see and experience the great American spirit prevailing against the COVID-19 pandemic and assurance that we will be alright as a country and individuals. Under the current conditions, no one knows when we will resume normalcy. We must listen to the medical experts not political propaganda. So, let me assure you that as your representative, I will continue to fight on your behalf and won't back down. As a member of the Democratic party, we keep putting the lives of individuals and small businesses first. You are what makes America great, from the big cities to the rural towns. Therefore the goal, of this COVID-19 update is to remind you of the resilience that flows from us in the Mississippi Second Congressional District. We have survived challenges like sharecropping, the civil rights movement, not just the 1927 flood but also repeated rounds of flooding, school integration, the 1994 Delta Ice Storm, and the loss of Black farm land. On a national and global level we have survived numerous times of war, the Great Depression, the 1929 Stock Market Crash, toppling hurricanes and tornadoes, and who could forget the 911 terrorist attacks. I want to share the chart below which contains videos, links, and an overview of some historic pandemics and epidemics that have hit America - there are lessons to be learned. See the attached copy for an enlarged view. Historic Pandemics and Epidemics in America",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-139000-awarded-mississippi-department,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $139,000 Awarded to Mississippi Department of Transportation",2020-04-28,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker April 28, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $139,000 Awarded to Mississippi Department of Transportation Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration has awarded grant funds to the following: These grants are being funded as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020. These grants provide economic relief funds for any purpose for which airport revenue may be lawfully used.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-over-139000-awarded-mississippi,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $139,000 Awarded to Mississippi Department of Transportation",2020-04-28,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker April 28, 2020 601-866-9003 Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $139,000 Awarded to Mississippi Department of Transportation Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration has awarded grant funds to the following: RECIPIENT/AIRPORT AMOUNT CONTACT City of Vicksburg/ Vicksburg Municipal Airport $30,000 Mr. Ron Davis, Airport Director (601) 636-4925 extension 382 County of Tunica & Tunica County Airport Commission/ Tunica Municipal Airport $69,000 Mr. Eric Konupka, Deputy Director (662) 357-7320 City of Lexington/ C A Moore $20,000 Clint Cobbins, Mayor of Lexington (662) 834-1261 County of Yazoo/ Yazoo County Airport $20,000 Ms. Donna Kraft, Yazoo County Administrator (662) 746-8668 These grants are being funded as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020. These grants provide economic relief funds for any purpose for which airport revenue may be lawfully used. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-opposes-trump-administration-s-push-privatize-postal,Congressman Thompson Opposes Trump Administrations Push to Privatize the Postal Service,2020-04-28,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"I am against the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service. The President now imposes such egregious terms that are unnecessary and unworkable. Congress overwhelmingly approved the $10 billion loan in the CARES Act for the Postal Service. The President stated that before the loan would be given the Postal Service must raise rates four times for package and deliveries. Raising the price of postal services is not in the interest of this country. Consumers and retailers are heavily relying on the U.S. Postal Service during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver goods. This will not only hurt the U.S. Postal Service but it will also significantly hurt rural communities and small businesses. The Administration's push will place senior citizens, retirees, low-income communities, and rural communities at a disadvantage given their current reliance on the Postal Service. This will create an unnecessary burden for the American people and the U.S. Postal Service. The good men and women who have worked every day and night making sure that mail and packages get delivered deserve to be treated better by the Trump Administration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-opposes-trump-administrations-push-privatize-postal,Congressman Thompson Opposes Trump Administration’s Push to Privatize the Postal Service,2020-04-28,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""I am against the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service. The President now imposes such egregious terms that are unnecessary and unworkable. Congress overwhelmingly approved the $10 billion loan in the CARES Act for the Postal Service. The President stated that before the loan would be given the Postal Service must raise rates four times for package and deliveries. Raising the price of postal services is not in the interest of this country. Consumers and retailers are heavily relying on the U.S. Postal Service during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver goods. This will not only hurt the U.S. Postal Service but it will also significantly hurt rural communities and small businesses. The Administration's push will place senior citizens, retirees, low-income communities, and rural communities at a disadvantage given their current reliance on the Postal Service. This will create an unnecessary burden for the American people and the U.S. Postal Service. The good men and women who have worked every day and night making sure that mail and packages get delivered deserve to be treated better by the Trump Administration.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/covid-19-firefighters-grant,COVID-19 Firefighters Grant,2020-04-28,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Timla G. Washington Updated: April 24, 2020 662-335-9003 Edition: COVID-19 Firefighters Grant High Alert - Shelter In and Social Distance - High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery Congress had made an additional $100 million in funding for Firefighters. The funding comes under the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act) through FEMA Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). FEMA will begin accepting applications on Tuesday/April 28, 2020. The deadline for applications is May 15, 2020. The funds are available directly to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations and state fire academies to purchase personal protective equipment and supplies. See the attached FEMA Advisory COVID-19 AFG Supplemental Final (FEMA FACT SHEET) and FEMA AFG COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic Advisory to learn about eligibility, who can apply, and more. FEMA is allowing applicants through their FEMA website to access the Notice of Funding Opportunity and the technical assistance tool before April 28th so they can start working on their application. To access the AFGP Grant Program online application go to AFGP-FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO) application portal. For questions or help, email the AFG Grants Help Desk at firegrants@fema.dhs.gov or call (866) 274-0960 (8:00 am to 5:00 pm EDT, Monday - Friday).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronavirus-cases-are-increasing-among-african-americans,Coronavirus Cases are Increasing Among African Americans,2020-04-24,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Timla G. Washington Updated: April 22, 2020 662-335-9003 Edition: Coronavirus Cases are Increasing Among African Americans High Alert - Continue to Shelter In and Social Distance - High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery On April 1, 2020, the State of Mississippi began its ""shelter-in-place"" order to help flatten the curve of the Coronavirus cases, instead the numbers continue to climb, particularly among African Americans. Access to hospitals across the state with enough ICU beds would not be there to meet the needs of the public should the urgency arise. That is why I want to appeal to everyone to shelter in place, visit retail and grocery stores only when necessary, and maintain social distance. I am calling on Mayors, County Supervisors, and other elected officials to take local action to help curtail the spread. This is a matter of life and death and the very life you save may be your own. Our health care workers are exhausted working around the clock and putting their families second to care for others. That is why, I want to appeal to constituents of the Second Congressional District the seriousness of Coronavirus and how it is taking lives. The map and table below gives you the total number of cases and deaths within the African American and White populations. An enlarged copy of both the map and table are attached. If you would like to see the daily totals of Coronavirus cases in the Mississippi, visit the Mississippi State Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are looking for a testing site location go to Mississippi State Department of Health: Testing for COVID-19.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/emergency-childcare-vouchers-essential-workers,Emergency Childcare Vouchers for Essential Workers,2020-04-23,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate ReleaseContact: Dr. Timla G. WashingtonUpdated: April 23, 2020662-335-9003Edition: Emergency Childcare Vouchers for Essential Workers High Alert - Continue to Shelter In and Social Distance - High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) and the Mississippi Department of Health (MDH) have joined forces to provide temporary childcare services assistance to emergency and essential workers at no cost. Emergency and essential workers include but not limited to first responders, emergency personnel, emergency support personnel, essential government personnel, and health care professionals. Many of these workers under normal circumstances would not be eligible for assistance. The program is called Childcare Crisis Assistance in Isolation Response Plan (CCAIR). This service is intended to last throughout the COVID-19 crisis. To read more go to Childcare Crisis Assistance in Isolation Response Plan (CCAIR). To apply go to Parent Application for Mississippi Child Care Payment Program. Choose ""Emergency (CCAIR) Parent Application The following message and question will appear: ""This application is only for essential personnel working as first responders and in healthcare operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Are you a first responder or healthcare worker?"" Afterwards you will need to choose: ""Create new application or continue to existing application"" and proceed as prompted.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-expresses-concern-about-challenges-unemployed,Congressman Thompson Expresses Concern About the Challenges Unemployed Mississippians are Facing in Applying for Benefits,2020-04-22,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""My office has been flooded with calls from frustrated constituents who have not been able to access the Mississippi Department of Employment Services phone number. The CARES Act expanded the eligibility for compensation to self-employed workers, independent contractors/freelancers, and ‘gig economy' workers. The State of Mississippi announced the expansion of unemployment benefits during the coronavirus crisis to cover people who did not previously qualify for assistance. However, people are unable to access the funds that have been made available to them by the federal government. Many individuals, who are eligible for this program only, have shared their newfound dilemmas to our office. There are serious discrepancies between what is being publicized and reality. The State of Mississippi must make the improvements as soon as possible to help these individuals.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/covid-19-update-cms-and-economic-impact-payments,COVID-19 Update CMS and Economic Impact Payments,2020-04-22,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate ReleaseContact: Dr. Timla G. WashingtonUpdated: April 21, 2020662-335-9003Edition: CMS and Economic Impact Payments High Alert - Continue to Shelter In and Social Distance - High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery Democrats are still working to bring the kind of relief to Americans they need to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation that we have already passed to support new and existing programs is constantly being challenged. The Coronavirus is new and has forced us in many ways to re-adapt when we see it necessary to change the way we administer programs. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) To ensure America's health care facilities are prepared to respond to COVID-19, CMS has issued the attached Communicable Disease Reporting Requirements (CDRR). These requirements are meant to meet the needs of the facility, patients in their care, and patient family members to ensure the highest standard of care. To increase transparency in care CMS CDRR will now require nursing homes and facilities to keep residents' and their representatives up to date on the conditions inside the facility when it comes to such things as COVID-19 cases. The CDRR also requires nursing homes to now report COVID-19 cases directly to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). And the CDC will host an online reporting tool for nursing homes to upload data that will be used in the surveillance of their responses to COVID-19. In turn, CMS will make this data available to the public. These changes are effective immediately. IRS Stimulus Payments/Economic Impact Payments (EIP) More than 80 million Americans have received their Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks). More payments are on the way. But the roll out of those checks have not been without hang-ups and leading Americans to wondering if they are entitled to a stimulus check, where is their check, and when will their payment arrive whetherby direct deposit or as check in the mail. Veterans will automatically receive EIP payments. This efforts comes as a result of the Treasury Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs taking steps to ensure eligible veterans don't miss their entitled EIP payments. The eligibility determination for each veteran is on a case by case bases. Some veterans such as those receiving Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments are not required to take any action to receive their EIP payment. Others maybe required to register through the ""Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info"" tool on the IRS website. Read more in the attached IR-2020-75, April 17, 2020 IRS News Release (COVID-19 and Veterans Economic Impact Payments). Tools to Help Tax Payers get their EIP Payments are available through the IRS. The ""Get My Payment"" allows taxpayers to input their direct deposit information into the IRS system to decrease the time it takes for them to receive a payment. Taxpayers can also check daily to track their payment. The IRS updates this system once daily, usually the night before. The ""Non-Filer: Enter Payment Info"" allows Americans who are not required to file a tax return to submit basic information to questions which will help the IRS determine their eligibility so they can receive their EIP payments directly in their bank account. Economic Impact Payment (EIP) Frequently Asked Questions maybe able to provide answers some of your questions. The IRS is constantly adding to and updating the EIP FAQ page. Visit the EIP FAQ page to see if some of your questions can be answered. Get My Payment Frequently Asked Questions maybe able to answer questions you have about recieving your payment. The IRS is constantly adding to and updating the Get My Payment FAQ page. Visit the Get My Payment FAQ page to see if some of your questions can be answered. As news develops, I will continue to share it with you through my Congressional Website, Twitter, and Facebook. However, if you have any questions, call Dr. Timla G. Washington, PhD, my Human Capital Developer for the Mississippi Second Congressional District by email twashington@mail.house.gov or by phone at (662) 335-9003. ## CMS COVID-19 Communiable Disease Reporting Requirements",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/covid-19-education-update,COVID- 19 Education Update,2020-04-20,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate ReleaseContact: Dr. Timla G. WashingtonUpdated: April 17, 2020662-335-9003Edition: Education High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery Mississippi has been faced with COVID-19 since the second week of March and its stern grip on our state. Some counties and communities of course have been hit harder than others. COVID-19 has not been biased in any area of our lives, (e.g., businesses, hospitals and clinics, prison, churches). It is my intention to send out updates on recovery assistance in all areas from various agencies, units of government, private and public sectors. The information below in this edition will focus on education and the stimulus checks. COVID-19 has forced schools to close and our educational system to respond overnight to how they will continue meeting the education need of our students. That response has caught many school districts unprepared and handicapped, forcing them to use only the resources on hand to respond with. I want to thank educators for not abandoning ships. Hopefully the information in this update will help you in your efforts. As news develops, I will continue to share it with you through my Congressional Website, Twitter, and Facebook. However, if you have any questions, call Dr. Timla G. Washington, PhD, my Human Capital Developer for the Mississippi Second Congressional District by email twashington@mail.house.gov or by phone at (662) 335-9003. U.S. Department of Education Do you have Questions about COVID-19 and Schools or Want to Provide Input? If you have questions about the CARES Act and COVID-19 as it relates to your school district, you can contact the U.S. Department of Education at, you can submit questions to COVID-19@ed.gov. If you have questions about Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 K-12 education funding and any Title programs or want to request waivers email the department at OESE.Titlei-a@ed.gov. If you have suggestions or input, you can submit them at COVID-19@ed.gov. See the attached U.S. Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Letter to the Chief State School Officer. U.S. Department of Education Online Education for Students with Disabilities The U.S. Department of Education released this statement, ""The Department recognizes that exceptional circumstances may affect how special education and related services and supports are provided to students with disabilities, and the Department will offer flexibility."" They are offering guidance, technical assistance, and information on how to meet students needs. Updated information is available for students, parents, educators, and local leaders on their website at Coronavirus (COVID-19). To get more information view the attached March 21, 2020, Supplemental Fact Sheet: Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities (COVID-19). The fact sheet also has the contact information for the Office for Civil Rights Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. U.S. Department of Education How to Use Grant Awards During COVID-19 If your school district has received grants funds prior to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Education released guidance on how the district can use those funds to continue paying employees. See the attached April 8, 2020 Fact Sheet: Using Department of Education Grants Funds During COVID-19. U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 Resources School districts and higher education institutions are looking for information and resources. Collaborations and the coordinating of support is happening all across the country. The U.S. Department of Education has compiled a list of resources and information for schools and school personnel. Some of the resources and information found on this list include: Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs shares information on how to plan, prepare, and respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). For more information go to CDC Schools and COVID-19. $6 billion for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to help students facing financial challenges and struggling to make ends meet (see attached letter: Secretary of Education Letter to College and University Presidents - April 9, 2020). Students must contact their institution to see if they have funds. CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund guidance for Colleges and Universities can be found at U.S. Department of Education CARES Act for Higher Ed. Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents will provide automatic relief to student loan borrowers during COVID-19. If you are a borrower with federal student loans, you don't have to do anything. Your payments will automatically stop from March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020. Visit your account at Fedloan Servicing or if you have questions about your student loans check with your lender. Visit the FederalStudentAid website to find out more. Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak gives guidance to K-12 schools on meeting the educational needs of disabled and non-disabled students. See the attached U.S. Department of ED Q&A Children with Disabilities. Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Updates, Communication, Guidance, and Resources for School Districts The Mississippi of Department of Education is closed to the public until further notice. MDE continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak across the country and is in communication with the U.S. Department of Education and the CDC. However, MDE has complied a list of resources and updates on their website for school districts, parents, and communities. Parents are encouraged to contact either their school superintendent or a member of the local school board for their district. Some of the resources include: Distance Learning Educational Stability for Students in Foster Care Graduation Requirements and Earning High School Credit (Carnegie Units) Learning-at-Home Resources for Families School Nutrition Program Meal Service Special Education Textbooks and Library Books Since the office is closed to the public, use the Mississippi Department of Education Directory to find the email address of the person and department you want to contact. Center for Education Reform (CER) Free Online Resources CER is nonprofit organization working to reform educational opportunities so that they lead to improved economic outcomes of all Americans. In the wake of COVID-19, CER has assembled a searchable database of like organizations offering free resources to help educators, parents, teachers, students, community citizens at different levels of education (early, middle, high school, institutions of higher learning, and the public at large). It also covers subject matter classes. These resources bring distance learning to your fingertips while you shelter-in. Teachers can incorporate them into their lesson plan for online learning while schools remain closed. Some of the apps are available in different languages. Go to CER Resources to search their database. Below are some of the resources listed in this database. EDU Learning Series through Apple offers free online guide videos, consultation to teachers on distance learning. Age of Learning gives students in home access to ABCmouse, Adventure Academy, and Reading IQ at no cost. Parent Support for Online Learning was created by parents to help each other and give advice on how to succeed at helping your child on an online learning environment. Enchanted Learning is a free temporary tool of curriculum materials to help teachers who are now teaching remotely during COVID-19. Mystery Science for Young Scientists provides science lessons for anyone to use in grades K-5. Zearn More Math! is a free online tools 24 hours a day, 7 days a week providing 400 hours of online lessons with live teachers and supportive remediation. This source includes paper-based material that you can print out. School Administrators can set this up to be used district wide in their distance learning plan. Zearn Math can provide reports to school to monitor learning at a cost. Zearn will also train teachers and parents on how to use it. CODE Computer Science recognizes that in many areas, there is an underrepresented population of students needing access to computer science courses. CODE allows students, K-12, to learn at home. Why America? is an interactive learning tool that introduces educators, students, and parents to the history of our nation. It gets them excited about learning how the United States was formed, sheds foundational light on the thinking of our founders, and hopefully they will develop an appreciation of civil society and American history to the point where they want to be involved and continue learning. Varsity Tutors offers 30 hours of Grade specific concepts, online classes, and practice questions. Classes are led by subject matter experts in math, science, reading, literature, writing, and more. Classes are held daily with live instructors. Higher Ed Help has collected resources to support higher education administrators during the COVID crisis. A weekly webinar is held every Thursday 9am PST/11am CST/12 EST. You can also access past webinars. Modern States Freshman Year for Free is a newly launched initiative charting the path to free college credits. The goal of the program is to make college more accessible and affordable for high school students, college students and adult learners, including active duty military personnel and their families, and veterans. All courses are taught by college professors. Courses taken can lead to college credit because students are taught so that they are ready to take to the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test. CLEP exams are administered by the College Board and accepted for credit by more than 2,900 colleges and universities. Modern States pays for students to take the CLEP exam. Ecree Keep Writing gives unlimited free online access to their writing tool to students and faculty until the end of May. Edspresso gives free access to the latest substantive, innovative education options from all around the world. They want you to keep your mind active while we social distance in-person but digitally. Virtual Events provides content on a variety of options for how to do digital and remote learning, how COVID-19 has changed the landscape for good as to how we will now function and interact so we can't go back to business as usual once this over, connects you with best practices and many in real-time as you see and hear from others. Zoom Video Conferencing is free for all K-12 schools. Administrators, teachers, parents, and students can socially distance while we flatten this COVID-19 curve but stay connected and continue their jobs of educating. K12 Provides families with an online option for high-quality, personalized education using innovative technology, inspiring teachers, and a dynamic and interactive curriculum. Students can learn at their own pace from home. During the COVID-19 crisis, K12 is providing free access to some of its products and services. K12 has already had a presence in Mississippi (Greenville Public Schools, MS Department of Education, Power Apac School, and others). Go to K12 to view all of the free learning programs they offer. Below are a list of some of the resources. Big Universe is a digital literary learning tool for the students that love to read and those that want to improve their literary knowledge and skills. Students get access to more than 17,000 eBooks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to practice opportunities such as reading aloud, guided reading, interactive writing, writing workshops, and reading workshops. Destinations Career Academy (DCA) is for students in grades 8-11 so they can take courses during the summer and begin exploring high-demand career fields through online access. Course are offered in business, healthcare, and IT (Information Technology). Courses start June 24, 2020 and end July 22, 2020. Students can receive 0.5 in high school elective credit. DCA is offering a two-week boot camp for students to learn coding from June 15, 2020 to June 27, 2020 and another one July 6, 2020 to July 17, 2020. Students should check with their school if they are interested in enrolling is this free course. FuelEducation offers 30 days of free innovative digital curriculum, technology instruction, and support directly to school districts. Stride is a personalized digital game-based learning interactive tool for students preK-8 grade. The subject areas include math, reading, language arts, and science and is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on your tablet, PC or Mac computer. IRS Stimulus Checks for Non-Filers The IRS has set up its FREE online portal for Non-Filers to enter their direct deposit information. The information entered will be used to determine your eligibility and payment amount. Once that is determined your stimulus check will be direct deposited into the account you submitted in the online payment portal for non-filers. Go to IRS Non-Filers Payment Portal to read the instructions and enter your information. Here is the information you will need on-hand to enter into the online portal: Full Name, Current Mailing Address, Current Email Address Date of Birth, Valid Social Security Number Bank Account Number, Type of Account, Bank Routing Number Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) if you have one Driver License or State-Issued ID if you have one For each qualifying child: Name, Social Security Number or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number, their relationship to your or your spouse Who needs to use the online portal for Non-Filers? If you receive veterans disability compensation, a pension, or survivor benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs, or your income level does not require you to file a tax return. Who does NOT need to use the online portal for Non-Filers?",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-department-education-funding-district,Congressman Thompson Announces Department of Education Funding for District Institutions,2020-04-17,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For ImmediateRelease Contact : Ty James April 17, 2019 (202) 225-5876 Congressman Thompson Announces Department of Education Funding for District Institutions WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Bennie Thompson announced funding for district institutions from the Department of Education. Allocations for Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) funding: Additionally, $34,662,872 is provided to the state of Mississippi in the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund. CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund Secretary DeVos Announces $3 Billion in Emergency Education Block Grants for Governors Secretary DeVos Rapidly Delivers More Than $6 Billion in Emergency Cash Grants for College Students Impacted by Coronavirus Outbreak",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/ftc-consumer-alert-scams-covid-19,FTC Consumer Alert Scams (COVID-19),2020-04-17,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate ReleaseContact: Dr. Timla G. WashingtonUpdate: April 16, 2020662-335-9003Edition: Consumer Alert Scams (COVID-19) High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery I want to take a moment and alert constituents to the fact that scam activity is on the rise. I know you are being overwhelmed with information coming out about how to get help if you (businesses, churches, individuals, seniors, schools, parents, students, and more) have been affected by COVID-19. But be on HIGH ALERT that scammers are using COVID-19 messages to take advantage of the people. Visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Information page to file a complaint, sign-up to get email updates on scams, and to learn more about how to protect yourself. Here are some things to be on alert about. If you get a call that you are not sure about whether or not it is legitimate either: hang up ask them for their call back number so you can call them back contact the FTC or the Mississippi Attorney General Office at (601) 359-3680. Remember: The federal government will not call you and ask for money The federal government will not charge you to help you apply for any assistance The federal government will not call and ask for your personal information, like your bank account, Social Security Number, or Medicare number.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/unemployment-covid-19-update,Unemployment-COVID-19 UPDATE,2020-04-17,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate ReleaseContact: Bolton OfficeApril 17, 2020601-866-9003 High Alert COVID-19 REPORT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS UNEMPLOYMENT Would I be eligible for benefits if my employer shuts down or lays me off because of the COVID-19 situation? You should file for unemployment benefits and a determination will be made concerning your eligibility. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. Would I be eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits if I become ill with the COVID-19 virus and cannot work? Yes, may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 by a qualified medical professional.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/usda-helps-rural-residents-businesses-and-communities-covid-19,"USDA Helps Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities (COVID-19)",2020-04-16,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Timla G. Washington Updated: April 16, 2020 662-335-9003 Edition: USDA Helps Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities (COVID-19) High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery We still have more work to do to combat and to free our country of the Coronavirus. Continue to shelter in and follow safe and healthy practices to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus. I want to continue thanking the front line health care and essential workers for staying on this battlefield to help us win the war against Coronavirus/COVID-19. USDA has implemented steps so they can provide added additional support in the way of but not limited to extending application deadlines, provide payment assistance to voucher holder, payment deferments, allowing lenders to offer covered loans, and more to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by COVID-19. Read the attached updated release by the agency outlining their available COVID-19 Resources under the programs below. Rural Development Guaranteed Loan Program Rural Housing Service (Direct Loan and Guaranteed Loan Program) for Single-Family Housing Rural Housing Service (Direct Loan and Guaranteed Loan Program) for Multi-Family Housing *Tenant Vouchers Rural Utilities Services Rural Business-Cooperative Service As news develops, I will continue to share it with you through my Congressional Website, Twitter, and Facebook. However, if you have any questions, call Dr. Timla G. Washington, PhD, my Human Capital Developer for the Mississippi Second Congressional District by email twashington@mail.house.gov or by phone at (662) 335-9003.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-coronavirus-response-grants-2nd-district,Congressman Thompson Announces Coronavirus Response Grants for 2nd District Airports,2020-04-14,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Rep. Thompson Congressman Thompson (MS-02), today announced the award of $9,141,630 in grants to 21 Second Congressional District airfields experiencing severe economic disruption because of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awards, made available directly from the U.S. Treasury were funded in the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/irs-non-filers-payment-portal,IRS Non-Filers Payment Portal,2020-04-14,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate ReleaseContact: Dr. Timla G. WashingtonUpdated: April 14, 2020662-335-9003Edition: Stimulus Checks High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery Mississippi has been faced with COVID-19 since the second week of March and its stern grip on our state. Some counties and communities of course have been hit harder than others. COVID-19 has not been biased in any area of our lives, (e.g., businesses, hospitals and clinics, prison, churches). It is my intention to send out updates on recovery assistance in all areas from various agencies, units of government, private and public sectors. The information below in this edition focuses on stimulus checks. As news develops, I will continue to share it with you through my Congressional Website, Twitter, and Facebook. However, if you have any questions, call Dr. Timla G. Washington, PhD, my Human Capital Developer for the Mississippi Second Congressional District by email twashington@mail.house.gov or by phone at (662) 335-9003. IRS Stimulus Checks for Non-Filers The IRS has set up its FREE online portal for Non-Filers to enter their direct deposit information. The information entered will be used to determine your eligibility and payment amount. Once that is determined your stimulus check will be direct deposited into the account you submitted in the online payment portal for non-filers. Go to IRS Non-Filers Payment Portal to read the instructions and enter your information. Here is the information you will need on-hand to enter into the online portal: Full Name, Current Mailing Address, Current Email Address Date of Birth, Valid Social Security Number Bank Account Number, Type of Account, Bank Routing Number Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) if you have one Driver License or State-Issued ID if you have one For each qualifying child: Name, Social Security Number or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number, their relationship to you or your spouse Who needs to use the online portal for Non-Filers? If you receive veterans disability compensation, a pension, or survivor benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs, or your income level does not require you to file a tax return. Who does NOT need to use the online portal for Non-Filers?",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronaviruscovid-19-response-recovery-updated-6-2020,"CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery (Updated April 6, 2020)",2020-04-13,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Timla G. Washington Updated: April 6, 2020 662-335-9003 High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery Before I begin my update, I want to thank all of the individuals in the health care field for the selfless work they are doing to save lives in Mississippi and all across the country. And I want to thank the families of those individuals who are supporting their loved ones. I stand with you! On April 1, 2020, the State of Mississippi joined thirty-nine states across the country by issuing a ""shelter-in-place"" order to help flatten the curve of the Coronavirus/COVID-19. The order went into effect on April 3, 2020 and lasts until April 20, 2020. It runs daily from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. of the next day. Hopefully the order has a positive impact on decreasing the number of Coronavirus/COVID-19 cases in Mississippi. But to be effective, Mississippians all across the state must practice social distancing and stay at home. Help those of us risking our lives daily to help America recover from this deadly virus by adhering to the order. Think logically when deciding if the need to leave home is truly essential. Sheltering-in-place may seem like a long time but when put into perspective consider this quote, I read it on Instagram posted by liljamestucker, ""Rest at Home is better than Rest in Peace... 6 feet away is better than 6 feet under..."" As news develops, I will continue to share it with you through my Congressional Website, Twitter, and Facebook. However, if you have any questions, call Dr. Timla G. Washington, PhD, my Human Capital Developer for the Mississippi Second Congressional District by email twashington@mail.house.gov or by phone at (662) 335-9003. FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control FEMA has established a page on its website dedicated to the facts regarding federal response to the Coronavirus/COVID-19. Rumors are serious in that the wrong information could be harmful to individuals and the public at large. That is why going to a trusted source for information is critical at this time, in fact the truth of it is - is that it could save lives. If you have concerns about information you receive visit FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control page and help spread the facts. How YOU can reduce your chances of getting the Coronavirus/COVID-19 COVID-19 is ever evolving and developing. Recommendations are constantly being updated as we learn more about the virus. So, to help educate you with what you need to know about COVID-19, visit these links on the website or your mobile device. Surgeon General Social Distancing CDC Now Recommends People Wear Masks Outdoors Dr. Anthony Fauci on Stopping COVID-19 thru Social Distancing/Stay Home, Wear Masks Coronavirus Hits Hard: Rural Georgia Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus Relief Options SBA - Forgivable Loans Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDLAdvance) Small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, self-employed persons, private non-profits, and veterans organizations that have been impacted by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 may be eligible for the EIDL and receive an advance of $10,000 within days of getting approved, and this loan advance does not have to be repaid. To read more and to apply visit SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance. Apply while funds last. For questions call the SBA District Office in Jackson, MS at (601) 965-4378. Churches are now eligible to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL Advance). The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations can now apply without restriction based on their religious identity or activities as long as they meet the eligibility criteria already outline for EIDL Advance. To read more and to apply visit SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance. Apply while funds last. For questions call the SBA District Office in Jackson, MS at (601) 965-4378. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, self-employed persons, private, non-profits, and veterans organizations that were already in operation as of February 15, 2020 may be eligible for a PPP Loan under the SBA 7(a) loan program. All loans must be made before June 30, 2020. The PPP Loan was created to keep Americans employed and paid during the COVID-19 crisis. In an effort to get loans approved and money into the business accounts of approved applicants, the normal channels of applying and requirements have been waived. For example, lenders are authorized to certify an applicant as eligible with the proper documentation (e.g., payroll records, payroll tax filings, Form 1099-MISC) and no collateral, personal guarantees, or credit elsewhere are required. Applicants without the above-mentioned forms ofdocumentation cansubmit other forms of proof such as bank records that show qualifying payroll amounts. The interest rate on all PPP Loans is 1 percent with 6 months of deferred payments. What makes your loan plus interest forgivable? If you use the money to make payroll (full-time for 8 weeks minimum), re-hire employees (full time for 8 weeks minimum), pay mortgage interests, rent, group health care benefits/premiums, interest paymentson debts incurred before February 15, 2020,andutilities and is able to provide the necessary documentation to show proof. What makes your loan ineligible for forgiveness? If you use themoney on any non-approved expenses, if you areunable to keepyour employees working full-time for a minimum of 8 weeks, and if you do not keep records to show how you spent the money. Check with your lender to see if they are approved to make this loan. Check with your lender to see how soon you can apply for forgiveness and what documentation you will need for the request. Apply while funds last. To read more on PPP, find an approved lender, and to download the short two page application visit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan. Churchesare now eligible to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations can now apply without restriction based on their religious identity or activities as long as they meet the eligibility criteria already outline for PPP. Apply while funds last. To read more on PPP, find an approved lender, and to download the short two page application visit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan. SBA - Financial Reprieve on Existing Loans SBA Debt Relief Small businesses that have an existing 7(a), 504, or microloan with SBA, the agency will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees for six months. Small business that get approved for a new 7(a), 504, or microloan with SBA before September 27, 2020 will have their principal, interest, and fees automatically paid for by SBA. Homeowners and small businesses that had and SBA Serviced Disaster (Home and Business) Loan as of March 1, 2020 will receive automatic payment deferments until December 31, 2020. Note: Visit SBA Debt Relief COVID-19 to learn more. Or contact your loan Servicing Officer at the Birmingham Disaster Loan Servicing Center by Email: BirminghamDLSC@sba.gov or Ph: 800-736-6048, or the EL Paso Disaster Loan Servicing Center by Email: ElPasoDLSC@sba.gov or Ph: 800-487-6019. SBA - Bridging the Gap SBA Express Bridge Loans Small businesses that have a currently active relationship with SBA and need to up $25,000 fast can apply for an SBA Express Bridge Loan. This loan can be a term loan or used for expenses as you wait for a decision and disbursement on your SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). If your EIDL Loan is approved, you can use that money to pay off your SBA Express Bridge Loan. Apply while funds last and this offer ends six-months from March 13, 2020 (date of ""COVID-19 Emergency Declaration""). You must apply with an authorized SBA Express Lender. Check with your lender to see if they are authorized to make an SBA Express Bridge Loan. To read more see the attached Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program Guide. You may also visit their website and SBA Express Bridge Loans. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Coronavirus Relief Options USDA - Deferred Loan Payments Rural Business-Cooperative Service B&I Program and REAP Program All borrowers with a loan currently in repayment status as of March 1, 2020 can receive up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) of deferred payments. This applies to loans under the USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantees (B&I) and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) programs. All that is required is that your lender must notify in writing USDA of the request to defer payments. If you loan has been sold on the secondary market, the secondary market holder and lender must agree to the deferment; and written notice to USDA is also required. Rural Business-Cooperative Service IRP Program Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. The IRP provides revolving loans funds in the form of financial assistance to businesses and financial support for economic development activities aiming to create or retain jobs in rural areas. Check with your IRP lender about having your payments deferred. If you are an Intermediary Relending Program (IRP), USDA has committed to working with you amid COVID-19 to continue loan servicing on a case-by-case basis because your presence in rural business communities is vital. Rural Business-Cooperative Service RBDG Program Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. The RBDG are competitive grants that support the development or expansion of small and emerging, and private rural businesses. Check with your RBDG program about having your payments deferred. Rural Business-Cooperative Service REDL and RMAP Program Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDL and REDG) program participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. REDL and REDG program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. The local utility organization in turn funds local businesses on projects that will create and retain employments in rural areas. Check with the utility organizations that loan you the money about having your payments deferred. If you are a Rural Economic Development Loan (REDL) program, USDA has committed to working with you amid COVID-19 to continue loan servicing on a case-by-case basis because your presence in rural business communities is vital. Rural Business-Cooperative Service RMAP Program Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. The RMAP program provides loans to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) who in turn help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund. Check with your MDO about having your payments deferred.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronaviruscovid-19-response-recovery-updated-april-6-2020,"CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery (Updated April 6, 2020)",2020-04-13,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"April 13, 2020 For Immediate ReleaseContact: Dr. Timla G. WashingtonUpdated: April 6, 2020662-335-9003 High Alert CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery Before I begin my update, I want to thank all of the individuals in the health care field for the selfless work they are doing to save lives in Mississippi and all across the country. And I want to thank the families of those individuals who are supporting their loved ones. I stand with you! On April 1, 2020, the State of Mississippi joined thirty-nine states across the country by issuing a ""shelter-in-place"" order to help flatten the curve of the Coronavirus/COVID-19. The order went into effect on April 3, 2020 and lasts until April 20, 2020. It runs daily from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. of the next day. Hopefully the order has a positive impact on decreasing the number of Coronavirus/COVID-19 cases in Mississippi. But to be effective, Mississippians all across the state must practice social distancing and stay at home. Help those of us risking our lives daily to help America recover from this deadly virus by adhering to the order. Think logically when deciding if the need to leave home is truly essential. Sheltering-in-place may seem like a long time but when put into perspective consider this quote, I read it on Instagram posted by liljamestucker, ""Rest at Home is better than Rest in Peace... 6 feet away is better than 6 feet under..."" As news develops, I will continue to share it with you through my Congressional Website, Twitter, and Facebook. However, if you have any questions, call Dr. Timla G. Washington, PhD, my Human Capital Developer for the Mississippi Second Congressional District by email twashington@mail.house.gov or by phone at (662) 335-9003. FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control FEMA has established a page on its website dedicated to the facts regarding federal response to the Coronavirus/COVID-19. Rumors are serious in that the wrong information could be harmful to individuals and the public at large. That is why going to a trusted source for information is critical at this time, in fact the truth of it is - is that it could save lives. If you have concerns about information you receive visit FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control page and help spread the facts. How YOU can reduce your chances of getting the Coronavirus/COVID-19 COVID-19 is ever evolving and developing. Recommendations are constantly being updated as we learn more about the virus. So, to help educate you with what you need to know about COVID-19, visit these links on the website or your mobile device. Surgeon General Social Distancing CDC Now Recommends People Wear Masks Outdoors Dr. Anthony Fauci on Stopping COVID-19 thru Social Distancing/Stay Home, Wear Masks Coronavirus Hits Hard: Rural Georgia Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus Relief Options SBA - Forgivable Loans Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL Advance) Small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, self-employed persons, private non-profits, and veteransorganizations that have been impacted by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 may be eligible for the EIDL and receive an advance of $10,000 within days of getting approved, and this loan advance does not have to be repaid. To read more and to apply visit SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance. Apply while funds last. For questions call the SBA District Office in Jackson, MS at (601) 965-4378. Churches are now eligible to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL Advance). The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations can now apply without restriction based on their religious identity or activities as long as they meet the eligibility criteria already outline for EIDL Advance. To read more and to apply visit SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance. Apply while funds last. For questions call the SBA District Office in Jackson, MS at (601) 965-4378. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, self-employed persons, private, non-profits, and veterans organizations that were already in operation as of February 15, 2020 may be eligible for a PPP Loan under the SBA 7(a) loan program. All loans must be made before June 30, 2020. The PPP Loan was created to keep Americans employed and paid during the COVID-19 crisis. In an effort to get loans approved and money into the business accounts of approved applicants, the normal channels of applying and requirements have been waived. For example, lenders are authorized to certify an applicant as eligible with the proper documentation (e.g., payroll records, payroll tax filings, Form 1099-MISC) and no collateral, personal guarantees, or credit elsewhere are required. Applicants without the above-mentioned forms of documentation can submit other forms of proof such as bank records that show qualifying payroll amounts. The interest rate on all PPP Loans is 1 percent with 6 months of deferred payments. What makes your loan plus interest forgivable? If you use the money to make payroll (full-time for 8 weeks minimum), re-hire employees (full time for 8 weeks minimum), pay mortgage interests, rent, group health care benefits/premiums, interest payments on debts incurred before February 15, 2020, and utilities and is able to provide the necessary documentation to show proof. What makes your loan ineligible for forgiveness? If you use the money on any non-approved expenses, if you are unable to keep your employees working full-time for a minimum of 8 weeks, and if you do not keep records to show how you spent the money. Check with your lender to see if they are approved to make this loan. Check with your lender to see how soon you can apply for forgiveness and what documentation you will need for the request. Apply while funds last. To read more on PPP, find an approved lender, and to download the short two page application visit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan. Churches are now eligible to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations can now apply without restriction based on their religious identity or activities as long as they meet the eligibility criteria already outline for PPP. Apply while funds last. To read more on PPP, find an approved lender, and to download the short two page application visit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan. SBA - Financial Reprieve on Existing Loans SBA Debt Relief Small businesses that have an existing 7(a), 504, or microloan with SBA, the agency will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees for six months. Small business that get approved for a new7(a), 504, or microloan with SBA before September 27, 2020 will have their principal, interest, and fees automatically paid for by SBA. Homeowners and small businesses that had and SBA Serviced Disaster (Home and Business) Loan as of March 1, 2020 will receive automatic payment deferments until December 31, 2020. Note: Visit SBA Debt Relief COVID-19 to learn more. Or contact your loan Servicing Officer at the Birmingham Disaster Loan Servicing Center by Email: BirminghamDLSC@sba.gov or Ph: 800-736-6048, or the EL Paso Disaster Loan Servicing Center by Email: ElPasoDLSC@sba.gov or Ph: 800-487-6019. SBA - Bridging the Gap SBA Express Bridge Loans Small businesses that have a currently active relationship with SBA and need to up $25,000 fast can apply for an SBA Express Bridge Loan. This loan can be a term loan or used for expenses as you wait for a decision and disbursement on your SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). If your EIDL Loan is approved, you can use that money to pay off your SBA Express Bridge Loan. Apply while funds last and this offer ends six-months from March 13, 2020 (date of ""COVID-19 Emergency Declaration""). You must apply with an authorized SBA Express Lender. Check with your lender to see if they are authorized to make an SBA Express Bridge Loan. To read more see the attached Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program Guide. You may also visit their website and SBA Express Bridge Loans. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Coronavirus Relief Options USDA - Deferred Loan Payments Rural Business-Cooperative Service B&I Program and REAP Program All borrowers with a loan currently in repayment status as of March 1, 2020 can receive up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) of deferred payments. This applies to loans under the USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantees (B&I) and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) programs. All that is required is that your lender must notify in writing USDA of the request to defer payments. If you loan has been sold on the secondary market, the secondary market holder and lender must agree to the deferment; and written notice to USDA is also required. Rural Business-Cooperative Service IRP Program Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. The IRP provides revolving loans funds in the form of financial assistance to businesses and financial support for economic development activities aiming to create or retain jobs in rural areas. Check with your IRP lender about having your payments deferred. If you are an Intermediary Relending Program (IRP), USDA has committed to working with you amid COVID-19 to continue loan servicing on a case-by-case basis because your presence in rural business communities is vital. Rural Business-Cooperative Service RBDG Program Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. The RBDG are competitive grants that support the development or expansion of small and emerging, and private rural businesses. Check with your RBDG program about having your payments deferred. Rural Business-Cooperative Service REDL and RMAP Program Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDL and REDG) program participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. REDL and REDG program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. The local utility organization in turn funds local businesses on projects that will create and retain employments in rural areas. Check with the utility organizations that loan you the money about having your payments deferred. If you are a Rural Economic Development Loan (REDL) program, USDA has committed to working with you amid COVID-19 to continue loan servicing on a case-by-case basis because your presence in rural business communities is vital. Rural Business-Cooperative Service RMAP Program Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. The RMAP program provides loans to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) who in turn help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund. Check with your MDO about having your payments deferred.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/covid-19-critical-recovery-report,COVID-19 CRITICAL RECOVERY REPORT,2020-04-01,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"FIGHTING THE CORONAVIRUS This bill includes a $200 billion investment in hospitals, health systems, and health research. This includes funding for healthcare equipment and infrastructure, including personal protective equipment for health care workers, testing supplies, and new construction to house patients. It also includes increases in Medicare payments to all hospitals and providers to get them the resources they need during this crisis and additional investments into COVID-19 research. The bill also includes $150 billion for the Coronavirus Relief Fund, a program that provides direct funding to states to give them the resources they desperately need during this emergency. Mississippi is expected to receive $1.25 billion in this funding for new and necessary expenses being incurred in the fight against COVID-19. FOR INDIVIDUALS This bill creates two new programs to help get money into people's pockets now. The first program is Recovery Rebates, a direct payment of $1,200 to each adult and $500 per child. The second is a new Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program that increases unemployment benefits by a taxable $600 per week and expands eligibility for unemployment to include people who are self-employed, independent contractors, and gig economy workers, such as Uber and Lyft drivers. This is a $260 billion investment in Unemployment Insurance benefits to match the average paycheck of laid-off or furloughed workers. These increased payments will run until July 31, 2020. This bill also provides an additional $15.5 billion in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). CORONAVIRUS STIMULUS CHECKS Stimulus payment checks: No sign-up needed. Who exactly qualifies for a payment? Individuals with adjusted gross incomes up to $75,000 a year will be eligible for the full $1,200 check. Reduced checks will go out to individuals making up to $99,000 a year (the payment amount falls by $5 for every $100 in income above $75,000). Married couples are eligible for a $2,400 check as long as their adjusted gross income is under $150,000 a year. Reduced checks, on a sliding scale, will go out to married couples who earn up to $198,000. Married couples also will receive an additional $500 for every child under 17. People who file as a head of household (typically single parents with children) are eligible for a $1,200 check if they have an adjusted gross income up to $112,500 a year. Reduced checks on a sliding scale are available for heads of household earning up to $136,500 annually. Heads of household will also receive an additional $500 per child under 17. How does the U.S. government know where to send the money? If you have already filed a 2019 tax return (that's the one most people are working on now), the Internal Revenue Service will use the direct deposit information on your 2019 return to send your payment to your bank account. If you don't provide the IRS with your direct deposit details or you closed that account, then the IRS will mail you a check. If you have yet to file a 2019 tax return, the IRS will see if you have filed a 2018 tax return and use that information to determine whether you meet the qualifications for a check and to find your bank details or mailing address. When will the payments arrive? Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has set a goal of getting the first payments out the door the week of April 6. Many experts say that is an ambitious timetable, and it might get pushed back to later in April. The last time the U.S. government did anything like this, in 2008, the payments went out in batches and it took about eight weeks for the final people to receive their checks. What about people on Social Security? People on Social Security are eligible to receive the coronavirus relief payment as long as their total income does not exceed the limit. Low-income Americans on Social Security do not need to file a tax return. As long as they received an SSA-1099 form (the Social Security benefit statement), the federal government will be able to send them a payment via the usual way they get their Social Security payment. Retirees and people on disability are both eligible for the special payment. Who won't get a check? The main people excluded from receiving a payment are the wealthy, nonresident aliens and dependents who can be claimed on someone else's tax return. If I owe past taxes, will my check be reduced? No. The only reason a check would be reduced is if past child support payments are due and the amount has been reported to the federal government. I have a lot more questions. What should I do? The Treasury and IRS are still figuring out a lot of the administrative details. The IRS created a website where more information will eventually be posted. For now, there is no information available beyond what is in the legislation. Pandemic Unemployment Insurance Application process administered by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security Increased Benefit The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation is a taxable $600 a week in addition to regular state unemployment benefits. States would be allowed to provide an additional 13 weeks of benefits beyond current law. Expanded Eligibility People not normally eligible for unemployment insurance are now eligible under this expanded eligibility if their unemployment is due to COVID-19. This specifically includes: Self-Employed workers Independent contractors Gig economy workers People who were going to begin a new job or new contract which was canceled due to COVID-19. How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance? The U.S. Department of Labor's unemployment insurance programs provides unemployment benefits to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own and meet certain other eligibility requirements. Unemployment insurance is a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers. Each state administers a separate unemployment insurance program, but all states follow the same guidelines established by federal law. Am I Eligible? Each state sets its own unemployment insurance benefits eligibility guidelines, but you usually qualify if you: Are unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states, this means you have to have separated from your last job due to a lack of available work. Meet work and wage requirements. You must meet your state's requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a ""base period."" (In most states, this is usually the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before the time that your claim is filed.) Meet any additional state requirements. Find details of your own state's program. How Do I Apply? To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you need to file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked. Depending on the state, claims may be filed in person, by telephone, or online. You should contact your state's unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. Generally, you should file your claim with the state where you worked. If you worked in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in multiple states, the state unemployment insurance agency where you now live can provide information about how to file your claim with other states. When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of your former employment. To make sure your claim is not delayed, be sure to give complete and correct information. It generally takes two to three weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check. Guidance on Unemployment Insurance Flexibilities During COVID-19 Outbreak NOTE: Check with your state's unemployment insurance program regarding the rules in your state. Federal law permits significant flexibility for states to amend their laws to provide unemployment insurance benefits in multiple scenarios related to COVID-19. For example, federal law provides states flexibility to pay benefits where: An employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID-19, preventing employees from coming to work; An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work after the quarantine is over; and An individual leaves employment due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member. In addition, federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19. The Department of Labor's toll-free call center can assist workers and employers with questions about job loss, layoffs, business closures, unemployment benefits, and job training: 1-877-US-2JOBS (TTY: 1-877-889-5627). Additional information on topics relevant to the unemployed can be found on the Department of Labor's web interface, Find It! By Audience - Job Seekers/Unemployed. EMERGENCY PAID SICK LEAVE The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act made slight adjustments to the emergency paid sick leave and medical and family leave policies established under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. These changes include: Allows an employee who was laid off by an employer after March 1, 2020, to have access to paid family and medical leave if: The employee worked for the employer at least 30 of the last 60 calendar days prior to the employee's layoff, and The employee is rehired by the employer. Provides the Director of the Office of Management and Budget authority to exclude for good cause certain Executive Branch employees from emergency paid sick leave and expanded FMLA leave. EMERGENCY FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT Who Is Eligible? Employees at companies with fewer than 500 employees Government employees Employees who work under a multiemployer collective agreement and whose employers pay into a multiemployer plan. What Are They Eligible For? Eligible full-time employees are entitled to two weeks (80 hours) of fully paid time off (up to $511 per day) to self-quarantine, seek a diagnosis or preventive care, or receive treatment for COVID-19. Eligible part-time employees are entitled to fully paid time off (up to $511 per day) for the typical number of hours that they work in a typical two-week period to self-quarantine to seek a diagnosis or preventive care or receive treatment for COVID-19. Eligible full-time employees are entitled to two weeks (80 hours) paid time off at two-thirds of their regular pay (up to $200 per day) to care for a family member or to care for a child whose school has closed, or if their childcare provider is unavailable due to COVID-19. Eligible part-time employees are also entitled to the typical number of hours that they work in a typical two-week period at two-thirds of their typical pay (up to $200 per day) to care for a child whose school has closed, or if their childcare provider is unavailable, due to COVID-19. Who Pays for the Emergency Paid Sick Leave? Employers initially front the cost of emergency paid sick leave but will be fully reimbursed by the federal government within three months. The reimbursement will cover both the wages paid and the employer's contribution to employee health insurance premiums during the period of leave. Employers will be reimbursed through a refundable tax credit that counts against employers' payroll tax, which all employers pay regardless of non-profit/for-profit status. Employers will submit emergency paid sick leave expenses as part of their estimated quarterly tax payments. If employer's costs more than offset their tax liability, they will get a refund from the IRS. SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved the issuance of emergency supplement benefits for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients for March and April 2020. SNAP households will receive an emergency benefit in March and April that, combined with the benefit amount the household is certified to receive, will equal the maximum benefit for the household, based on its size. March emergency supplements for ongoing SNAP households will be issued March 29. March 2020 cases approved after March 29 will receive the emergency benefit amount two days after the case is approved. April emergency supplements for ongoing SNAP households will be available on April 2. The household benefit amount will be made available on the household's regular issuance date. SNAP households that currently receive the maximum benefit for their household's size will not receive an emergency supplement. SNAP Eligibility Requirements: Identity- Individuals must show proof they are the person they claim to be. Applicants must provide proof of their identity. Residence- the client must be living in Mississippi. Citizenship- household members can include either US citizens and/or certain aliens with verifiable USCIS documentation. Enumeration- households must provide or apply for Social Security numbers for each member before certification. Work Registration- all able-bodied adults, with specific exceptions, must register for work and accept suitable employment Benefits: The amount of SNAP a household receives depends on the number of people in the SNAP household and the amount of their net income. How to Apply: Step One Step Two Gather the documents you will need to verify the information in your application.(i.e. driver's license, work or school I.D., social security number, alien status, wages, self-employment) full list provided on the website. Step Three After receiving your application, a MDHS employee will call you to conduct an interview over the phone, saving you time. Please provide a valid telephone number for contact purposes. For more information on SNAP and other services available through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), call 1-601-359-4500 or visit their website at www.mdhs.ms.gov/. SNAP participants may also meet the income eligibility guidelines for nutrition services through the Women, Infants & Children Program (WIC) offered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. FOR SMALL BUSINESSES The bill includes a $377 billion infusion of fast relief for small businesses and made rent, mortgage, and utility costs eligible for SBA loan forgiveness.This bill creates several new programs designed to get assistance to small businesses and non-profits during this crisis. These include the Paycheck Protection Program to help cover the cost of retaining employees, Emergency Economic Injury Grants to get smaller amounts of capital quickly and the Small Business Debt Relief Program to help with payments on current or potential SBA loans. Paycheck Protection Program The program will provide 100 percent federally guaranteed loans to employers who maintain their payroll during this emergency. If employers maintain their payroll, the loans would be forgiven for amounts expended for payroll over certain periods and certain other business expenses. Small businesses and non-profits will be able to apply if they were in business as of February 15, 2020, and the program will remain open for applications until June 30, 2020. Loans under the Paycheck Protection Program may be made up to $10,000,000 amortized over 10 years depending on a particular business's circumstances. These loans can be taken out from all current SBA 7(a) lenders. Most local banks are currently SBA 7(a) lenders and many of the ones that are not are quickly joining the program. Contact your banker to inquire into their process. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) & Emergency Economic Injury Grants EIDLs are lower interest loans of up to $2 million, with the principal and interest deferment available for up to 4 years, that are available to pay for expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred, including payroll and other operating expenses. Emergency Economic Injury Grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 within three days of applying for an EIDL to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19. Small business concerns, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, cooperatives and employee owned businesses, and private non-profits are eligible for EIDL. To apply for an EIDL online, please visithttps://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. YourSBA District Officeis an important resource when applying for SBA assistance. Taking an EIDL will not prevent you from participating in the 7(A) program.Once approved for the 7(A) program your EIDL will be rolled into the 7(A) program. SMALL BUSINESS DEBT RELIEF PROGRAM This program will provide immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504, and microloans. Under it, SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans, including principal, interest, and fees, for six months. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months of the President signing the bill into law. To Apply for a 7(a) loan click here. To Apply for a 504 loan click here. Microloans: Eligibility Requirements Each intermediary lender has its own lending and credit requirements. Generally, intermediaries require some type of collateral as well as the personal guarantee of the business owner. Use of Microloan Proceeds Microloans can be used for: Working capital Inventory or supplies Furniture or fixtures Machinery or equipment Proceeds from an SBA microloan cannot be used to pay existing debts or to purchase real estate. Repayment Terms, Interest Rates, and Fees Loan repayment terms vary according to several factors: Loan amount Planned use of funds Requirements determined by the intermediary lender Needs of the small business borrower The maximum repayment term allowed for an SBA microloan is six years. Interest rates vary, depending on the intermediary lender and costs to the intermediary from the U.S. Treasury. Generally, these rates will be between 8 and 13 percent. Application Process Microloans are available through certain nonprofit, community-based organizations that are experienced in lending and business management assistance. If you apply for SBA microloan financing, you may be required to fulfill training or planning requirements before your loan application is considered. This business training is designed to help you launch or expand your business. Find a Microloan Provider To apply for a Microloan, you must work with an SBA approved intermediary in your area. Approved intermediaries make all credit decisions on SBA microloans. For more information, you can contact your localSBA District Office. FOR HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS This bill provides important protections for millions of people with federally backed mortgages or that receive federal subsidies. The bill provides a 4-month moratorium on evictions to protect renters who are unable to pay their rent. The moratorium applies to properties that receive federal subsidies or assistance, such as public housing, Section 8, USDA rental assistance, and Low Income Housing Tax Credits, as well as to properties that have a mortgage issued or guaranteed by a federal agency, including FHA and USDA, or Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Additionally, for homeowners with federally backed loans, there will be a foreclosure moratorium for four months and mortgage forbearance for up to a year. This includes a prohibition on fees and additional interest during the term of the forbearance. Multifamily rental property owners with federally backed mortgages will also have access to forbearance for up to 90 days and would be required to comply with requirements to halt evictions and late fees for the duration of the forbearance. FOR STUDENTS This bill includes more than $30 billion in emergency education funding and eliminated income tax on student loan repayment assistance by an employer.A portion of that funding is specifically designated for HBCUs, including those so important to our district. On student loans, this bill pauses payments and suspends debt collection on most federal student loans until September 30, 2020. FOR PLACES OF WORSHIP 501(c)(3) non-profits, including churches, are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program, which makes non-profits eligible for a SBA loan that can be used for payroll support, such as employee salaries, paid sick or medical leave, insurance premiums, and mortgage, rent, and utility payments. Who is eligible for the loan? You are eligible for a loan if you are a small business that employs 500 employees or fewer, or if your business is in an industry that has an employee-based size standard through SBA that is higher than 500 employees. In addition, if you are a restaurant, hotel, or a business that falls within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 72, Accommodation and Food Services, and each of your locations has 500 employees or fewer, you are eligible. Tribal businesses, 501(c)(19) veteran organizations, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including religious organizations, will be eligible for the program. Nonprofit organizations are subject to SBA's affiliation standards. Independently owned franchises with under 500 employees, who are approved by SBA, are also eligible. Eligible franchises can be found through SBA's Franchise Directory. I am an independent contractor or gig economy worker, am I eligible? Yes. Sole proprietors, independent contractors, gig economy workers, and self-employed individuals are all eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program. What is the maximum amount I can borrow? The amount any small business is eligible to borrow is 250 percent of their average monthly payroll expenses, up to a total of $10 million. This amount is intended to cover 8 weeks of payroll expenses and any additional amounts for making payments towards debt obligations. This 8 week period may be applied to any time frame between February 15, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Seasonal business expenses will be measured using a 12-week period beginning February 15, 2019, or March 1, 2019, whichever the seasonal employer chooses. How can I use the money such that the loan will be forgiven? The amount of principal that may be forgiven is equal to the sum of expenses for payroll, and existing interest payments on mortgages, rent payments, leases, and utility service agreements. Payroll costs include employee salaries (up to an annual rate of pay of $100,000), hourly wages and cash tips, paid sick or medical leave, and group health insurance premiums. If you would like to use the Paycheck Protection Program for other business-related expenses, like inventory, you can, but that portion of the loan will not be forgiven. When is the loan forgiven? The loan is forgiven at the end of the 8-week period after you take out the loan. Borrowers will work with lenders to verify covered expenses and the proper amount of forgiveness. What is the covered period of the loan? The covered period during which expenses can be forgiven extends from February 15, 2020, to June 30, 2020. Borrowers can choose which 8 weeks they want to count towards the covered period, which can start as early as February 15, 2020. How much of my loan will be forgiven? The purpose of the Paycheck Protection Program is to help you retain your employees, at their current base pay. If you keep all of your employees, the entirety of the loan will be forgiven. If you still lay off employees, the forgiveness will be reduced by the percent decrease in the number of employees. If your total payroll expenses on workers making less than $100,000 annually decrease by more than 25 percent, loan forgiveness will be reduced by the same amount. If you have already laid off some employees, you can still be forgiven for the full amount of your payroll cost if you rehire your employees by June 30, 2020. Am I responsible for the interest on the forgiven loan amount? No, if the full principal of the PPP loan is forgiven, the borrower is not responsible for the interest accrued in the 8-week covered period. The remainder of the loan that is not forgiven will operate according to the loan terms agreed upon by you and the lender. What are the interest rate and terms for the loan amount that is not forgiven? The terms of the loan not forgiven may differ on a case-by-case basis. However, the maximum terms of the loan feature a 10-year term with interest capped at 4 percent and a 100 percent loan guarantee by the SBA. You will not have to pay any fees on the loan, and collateral requirements and personal guarantees are waived. Loan payments will be deferred for at least six months and up to one year starting at the origination of the loan. When is the application deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program? Applicants are eligible to apply for the PPP loan until June 30th, 2020. I took out a bridge loan through my state, am I eligible to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program? Yes, you can take out a state bridge loan and are still be eligible for the PPP loan. If I have applied for or received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) related to COVID- 19 before the Paycheck Protection Program became available, will I be able to refinance into a PPP loan? Yes. If you received an EIDL loan related to COVID-19 between January 31, 2020, and the date at which the PPP becomes available, you would be able to refinance the EIDL into the PPP for loan forgiveness purposes. However, you may not take out an EIDL and a PPP for the same purposes. Remaining portions of the EIDL, for purposes other than those laid out in loan forgiveness terms for a PPP loan, would remain a loan. If you took advantage of an emergency EIDL grant award of up to $10,000, that amount would be subtracted from the amount forgiven under PPP.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/thompson-report-march-2020-edition,The Thompson Report March 2020 Edition,2020-04-01,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome... To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter will be distributed by email to constituents. Click here to read the newsletter. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/thompson-report-march-2020-edition-0,The Thompson Report March 2020 Edition,2020-04-01,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome... To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter will be distributed by email to constituents. Click here to read the newsletter. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/coronaviruscovid-19-response-recovery,CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery,2020-04-01,2020,2020-04,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Timla G. Washington March 30, 2020 662-335-9003 High Alert This is an important message for constituents of the Second Congressional District and Mississippians all across the State. The Coronavirus also called COVID-19 does not know anything about country borders, state line or any boundaries. By now we all know COVID-19 is not a hoax and never was. I joined fellow Democrats early on, in the fight. Our strategy is to listen to the experts, learn the facts, and respond with resources like American lives depend on it. We are focused on saving lives, supporting families, and small businesses. On Friday, March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed in to as a response. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has warned us saying, ""Things will get worse before they get better."" We all play a role in beating this ugly and deadly virus. Informed people are one of the best defenses against beating COVID-19. So, to keep you informed, let me start by telling you what you can do and about other credible sources of information. As news continues to come forward, I will continue to share it with you through my Congressional Website, Twitter, and Facebook social media accounts. However, if you have any questions, call Dr. Timla G. Washington, PhD, my Human Capital Developer for the Mississippi Second Congressional District by email twashington@mail.house.gov or by phone at (662) 335-9003. Everyone Practice Social Distancing As your federal Congressman, my job is essential; it is my responsibility to help save lives and our country through legislative actions like the passing of the CARES Act. While doing so, this means I practice social distancing. However, I am asking all Mississippians to help us by practicing social distancing (e.g., work from home when possible, call instead of visiting in person, etc.). This virus is racing across America leaving its unforgettable mark everywhere (i.e., taking lives, putting a strain on our health care system and workers on the front line, jeopardizing our economy, and way of life). WHERE TO GO FOR HELP AND INFORMATION Coronavirus Cases in my Community: To find out how many Coronavirus/COVID-19 cases are in your county, contact the Mississippi State Department of Health Coronavirus COVID-19. You can also call the COVID-19 Hotline 877-978-6453 (Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm). My Mississippi Medicaid Coverage: Because we are dealing with a health crisis, you are fully covered for any health care services related to COVID-19 at no cost to you. These services include telemedicine, specialized treatment, therapy, lab work, testing, etc. To learn more or to stay informed visit the Mississippi Division of Medicaid website. To ask questions by phone call the Provider and Beneficiaries toll free line at 800-884-3222 or their COVID-19 Hotline 877-978-6453. My Medicaid and Medicare Coverage: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services CMS is covering services for patients when it comes to individual facilities (e.g., hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, testing labs and COVID-19 tests), telehealth, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), patients are able to communicate with their doctor through the online patient portals, and when a vaccine becomes available you will be covered. All of this is covered at no out of pocket expenses to you. Here are two ways to keep up with what CMS is doing in response to COVID-19, (1) read the attached COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Health Care Providers Fact Sheet, and (2) visit the CMS Coronavirus (COVID-19) Partner Toolkit online. For information about telemedicine call your doctor. If You are Uninsured and Do Not Have a Doctor: You can receive medical care by contacting a local Community Health Center near you (see the listing below). Or if you have questions about a community health center contact the Community Health Center Association of Mississippi (CHCAM) by phone at 601-981-1817. You may also visit their website at CHCAM to learn more. All COVID-19 tests are free. CityCommunity Health CenterTelephone Clarksdale Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center 662-624-2504 Jackson Central Mississippi Health Services 601-948-5572 Port Gibson Claiborne County Family Health Center 601-437-3050 Mound Bayou Delta Health Center 662-741-8880 Canton G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center 601-859-5213 Jackson Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center 601-362-5321 Fayette Jefferson Comprehensive Health Center 601-786-3475 Lexington Mallory Community Health 662-834-1857 Community Programs: Programs administered by USDA Rural Development are lifelines to rural and urban communities. If you are an individual, business or elected leader wondering how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting programs, visit Rural Development COVID-19 Response website page. LIST OF TESTING SITES IN THE SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT *You Must Have an Appointment CityProviderTelephone Number Canton G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center 601-859-5213 Clarksdale Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center 662-624-4292 Greenville Delta Regional Medical Center 662-725-6000 Greenville Dr. Neal Suares Family Medicine Clinic 662-334-8557 Jackson Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center 601-362-5321 Jackson Central Mississippi Health Services 601-948-5572 Jackson Sam's Choice Healthcare Mobile Testing 601-594-0032 Jackson St. Dominic's 601-200-5000 or 601-898-7540 Jackson University of Mississippi Medical Center 601-496-7200 Kosciusko Trace Urgent Clinic/Premier Medical 662-286-9155 Lexington Mallory Community Health 662-834-1857 Mound Bayou Delta Health Center 662-741-8880",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:02:07Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/covid-19-stimulus-report-0,COVID-19 STIMULUS REPORT,2020-03-31,2020,2020-03,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"P.O. Box 679 106 Green Avenue, Suite 106",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/covid-19-stimulus-report-1,COVID-19 STIMULUS REPORT,2020-03-31,2020,2020-03,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"P.O. Box 679 106 Green Avenue, Suite 106",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/miss-delegation-requests-federal-disaster-declaration-february-storm-damage,Miss. Delegation Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for February Storm Damage,2020-03-31,2020,2020-03,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The Mississippi congressional delegation, which includes U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., and Michael Guest, R-Miss., today sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump requesting full consideration of Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves's request for a major federal disaster declaration in the wake of damages sustained across the state from the severe storms, flooding, and mudslides that occurred from Feb. 10 to Feb. 18, 2020. These storms caused the Pearl River to reach its third-highest crest on record. If approved, the disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts. The delegation's letter referenced damage reports indicating at least 487 lost or damaged homes in addition to 16 affected businesses, four farms, 160 roads, one bridge, and three non-profit utilities. The Governor's request covers 11 counties, including Attala, Carroll, Claiborne, Clay, Copiah, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, Leflore, Warren, and Yazoo, as well as hazard mitigation assistance statewide. The full text of the delegation's letter is below: Dear President Trump, In the wake of recent devastating weather events and record flooding across the State of Mississippi, we request your full consideration of Governor Tate Reeves's request for a Major Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act. We appreciate the continued efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and anticipate expeditious assistance from the agency in assisting state and local officials in Mississippi as they continue their hard work to assess the severity of damages across our state from the severe storms, flooding, and mudslides that occurred from February 10 through February 18, 2020. These storms caused the Pearl River to reach its third-highest crest on record. As Governor Reeves indicated in his request, the Joint Public Assistance damage assessments conducted by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), FEMA, and other agencies showed that at least one home was destroyed, 86 homes suffered major damage, and 400 homes suffered minor damage. In addition, 16 businesses, four farms, 160 roads, one bridge, and three non-profit utilities were reported as damaged from these events. On February 15, 2020, Governor Reeves declared a State of Emergency in Mississippi to begin rebuilding. However, resources from the state government, local governments, and volunteer organizations are not adequate to recover from these damages. Significant federal assistance and cooperation are required. We are determined to help Mississippi recover by supporting the affected local communities and the State of Mississippi as they work to rebuild from these major weather events. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further assistance in this effort. Sincerely, Roger F. Wicker, United States Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, United States Senator Bennie G. Thompson, Member of Congress Steven Palazzo, Member of Congress Trent Kelly, Member of Congress Michael Guest, Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:56:21Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/miss-delegation-requests-federal-disaster-declaration-february-storm-damage-0,Miss. Delegation Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for February Storm Damage,2020-03-31,2020,2020-03,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/covid-19-information-federal-and-state-resources,COVID-19 Information Federal and State Resources,2020-03-30,2020,2020-03,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"County Level Response POC MEMA and MS State Department of Health: Guidelines for Prioritization of Allocation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has outlined the process/procedures for requesting supplies. Note: Your Local Emergency Manager is the lead point of contact (poc). See Attachment. All requests can be viewed by the MS Emergency Management Agency as well as the MS State Department of Health. MS State Department of Health is in charge of choosing where those supplies go and when they go. Employees/Workers Anne Hall Brashier in Governor Tate Reeves office provided the following contact information about unemployment benefits. Please refer all questions to: Kaylee Berry Email: kberry@mdes.ms.gov Phone: 601-321-6065 Jeffrey M. Rhodes Email: jrhodes@mdes.ms.gov Phone: 601-321-6200 Businesses SBA and MEMA Disaster Assistance for Businesses is available for anyone in private business. They can now apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan through SBA. That information is at Governor Reeves Requests SBA Economic Disaster Declaration for COVID-19. Local Emergency Managers also have those applications. The applications need to be turned in to MEMA before April 1, 2020. That paperwork is to be submitted to MEMA State Coordinating Officer, Todd DeMuth at tdemuth@mema.ms.gov. Housing Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has issued a Suspension on Foreclosures and Evictions Amid COVID-19 for people facing foreclosures and evictions on single-family homes for 60- days. See Attachment. Utility Services Cutoffs Governor Tate Reeves signed an order on March 14, 2020 declaring a State of Emergency which impacts utility services. And the MS Public Service Commission issued a March 15, 2020 News Release suspending disconnection on certain utility services in response to COVID-19. Input from the MS Attorney General Office was garnered for this decision. And the press release was sent to the MS Municipal League to be disseminated to municipalities. See Attachment. Social Security All social security offices will only offer phone service - effective March 17, 2020. Read the March 17, 2020 News Release. See Attachment. MS State Department of Health To get the latest guidelines issued on the Coronavirus in additions to the number of cases confirmed daily go to MS State Department of Health website https://msdh.ms.gov/. The State Health Officer is Dr. Thomas Dobbs. MS State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline Number is 1-877-978-6453 (Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm). Healthcare The Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) has expanded its coverage of telehealth services across the state in alignment with Governor Tate Reeves' recommendations on utilizing telemedicine as an approach to care for patients in an effort curtail/limit unnecessary travel to clinics to reduce possible exposure to COVID-19. If it is not a life-threatening situation, tell citizens to call their healthcare provider or Medicaid to find out if telehealth is an option specific to them. To find out more visit the Mississippi Division of Medicaid website. Education To get up to date information on school district's plan to continue educating and feeding students contact the School District Superintendent Office in your county. To get up to date information on school closures contact the School District Superintendent Office or the MS Department of Education at www.mdek12.org. The MS Department of Education maintains an updated ""Listing of Schools Serving Meals During Coronavirus Closures."" To see the list, go to https://www.mdek12.org/OCN. The MS Department of Education provides COVID-19 Updates, Family Guides for Student Success, and COVID-19/Coronavirus Guidance for School Districts *Also has resources for teachers looking for off-site learning opportunities on their website at https://www.mdek12.org/.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:56:21Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-supports-senate-s-coronavirus-response-bill,Congressman Thompson Supports the Senates Coronavirus Response Bill,2020-03-26,2020,2020-03,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson today announced his support for the Senate's Coronavirus Response Bill. America has a moral obligation to care and protect our citizens, Thompson said. I am committed to the health and well-being of my constituents. Therefore, I will support this legislation when it comes to the House. This legislation will make a large investment in hospitals, health systems, and state and local governments; implement unemployment insurance benefits; give relief for small businesses; and provide emergency education funding and eliminated income tax on student loan repayment assistance by an employer. I will continue working tirelessly to make sure families and workers are protected.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-supports-senates-coronavirus-response-bill,Congressman Thompson Supports the Senate’s Coronavirus Response Bill,2020-03-26,2020,2020-03,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson today announced his support for the Senate's Coronavirus Response Bill. ""America has a moral obligation to care and protect our citizens,"" Thompson said. ""I am committed to the health and well-being of my constituents. Therefore, I will support this legislation when it comes to the House. This legislation will make a large investment in hospitals, health systems, and state and local governments; implement unemployment insurance benefits; give relief for small businesses; and provide emergency education funding and eliminated income tax on student loan repayment assistance by an employer. I will continue working tirelessly to make sure families and workers are protected.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:56:21Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-and-resources,Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updates and Resources,2020-03-18,2020,2020-03,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, As your Member of Congress, one of my top priorities is to keep you informed on critical issues such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). My office continues to receive new information regarding the global COVID-19 pandemic and I want to provide you with the latest information and resources so you can stay up to date and prepared. It is important to familiarize yourself withlocal health department resources. Most schools have or are developingemergency operations plans, and I strongly encourage students and parents to familiarize themselves with those plans now. In any public health emergency, it is important to get trusted, verified information. Below, you will find helpful information from the CDC and the Mississippi State Department of Health. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Trusted and resources on the coronavirus (COVID-19): For the latest updates from the Mississippi State Department of Health, click here. For the latest updates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. For the latest updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), click here. Frequently asked questions on the coronavirus (COVID-19): What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. In rare cases, animal coronaviruses can be transmitted from animals to humans. This novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of: Fever Cough Shortness of Breath Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you experience the symptoms of COVID-19 or have reason to believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility. To help prevent the spread of germs, you should: Stay home when feeling sick. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, multiple times a day. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions. If you are in this higher-risk population, the CDC recommends that you: Stock up on supplies. Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed. When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands often (using soap and water for at least 20 seconds). Avoid crowds as much as possible. Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel. The best thing we can do right now is to make sure we do not panic, stay informed and be prepared. Sincerely, Bennie G. Thompson Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-and-resources-0,Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updates and Resources,2020-03-18,2020,2020-03,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, As your Member of Congress, one of my top priorities is to keep you informed on critical issues such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). My office continues to receive new information regarding the global COVID-19 pandemic and I want to provide you with the latest information and resources so you can stay up to date and prepared. It is important to familiarize yourself withlocal health department resources. Most schools have or are developingemergency operations plans, and I strongly encourage students and parents to familiarize themselves with those plans now. In any public health emergency, it is important to get trusted, verified information. Below, you will find helpful information from the CDC and the Mississippi State Department of Health. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Trusted and resources on the coronavirus (COVID-19): For the latest updates from the Mississippi State Department of Health, click here. For the latest updates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. For the latest updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), click here. Frequently asked questions on the coronavirus (COVID-19): What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. In rare cases, animal coronaviruses can be transmitted from animals to humans. This novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of: Fever Cough Shortness of Breath Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you experience the symptoms of COVID-19 or have reason to believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility. To help prevent the spread of germs, you should: Stay home when feeling sick. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, multiple times a day. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions. If you are in this higher-risk population, the CDC recommends that you: Stock up on supplies. Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed. When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands often (using soap and water for at least 20 seconds). Avoid crowds as much as possible. Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel. The best thing we can do right now is to make sure we do not panic, stay informed and be prepared. Sincerely, Bennie G. Thompson Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-and-resources-1,Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updates and Resources,2020-03-18,2020,2020-03,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, As your Member of Congress, one of my top priorities is to keep you informed on critical issues such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). My office continues to receive new information regarding the global COVID-19 pandemic and I want to provide you with the latest information and resources so you can stay up to date and prepared. It is important to familiarize yourself withlocal health department resources. Most schools have or are developingemergency operations plans, and I strongly encourage students and parents to familiarize themselves with those plans now. In any public health emergency, it is important to get trusted, verified information. Below, you will find helpful information from the CDC and the Mississippi State Department of Health. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Trusted and resources on the coronavirus (COVID-19): For the latest updates from the Mississippi State Department of Health, click here. For the latest updates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. For the latest updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), click here. Frequently asked questions on the coronavirus (COVID-19): What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. In rare cases, animal coronaviruses can be transmitted from animals to humans. This novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of: Fever Cough Shortness of Breath Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you experience the symptoms of COVID-19 or have reason to believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility. To help prevent the spread of germs, you should: Stay home when feeling sick. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, multiple times a day. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions. If you are in this higher-risk population, the CDC recommends that you: Stock up on supplies. Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed. When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands often (using soap and water for at least 20 seconds). Avoid crowds as much as possible. Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel. The best thing we can do right now is to make sure we do not panic, stay informed and be prepared. Sincerely, Bennie G. Thompson Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z