Deferment period for all COVID-19 EIDL and other Disaster Loans extended until 2022

 The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that it will extend deferment periods for all disaster loans, including the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, until 2022. All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2020 will have the first payment due date extended from 12 months to 24 months from the date of the note. Similarly, all SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2021 will have the first payment due date extended from 12 months to 18 months from the date of the note.

For more information, click here. Questions on SBA COVID-19 EIDL and disaster loan payments can be answered by email at DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by calling SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955.

High schoolers: Don’t miss the 2021 Congressional Art Competition

Each year, one outstanding high school artist from the 22nd Congressional District has the opportunity to display his or her artwork for a year at a national exhibition in the U.S. Capitol. Members of Congress choose a winner of the contest, known as the Congressional Art Competition, from their district whose art will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol. Typically, the tunnel is the most highly traveled access point to the Capitol, with Members of Congress and thousands of tourists viewing the artwork daily.

If you are interested in competing for a place in the national exhibition, please review the guidelines. In addition, all participants will need to complete the student release form, which should be included with all art entries. Finally, all art must be delivered by April 21, 2021, to my Visalia office at 113 North Church Street, Suite 208. For more information please call (559) 733-3861 or stop by my Visalia office.

The San Joaquin Valley has lost a legend

I am deeply saddened by the news that a San Joaquin Valley legend, Robert Smittcamp, has passed away.

Bob was a one-man Valley institution. A businessman, philanthropist, and community activist, he headed both Lyons Magnus food company and Wawona Packing. He had a particular passion for expanding healthcare access and improving education, donating millions of dollars to enhance both sectors throughout the Valley.

I’m lucky to have had Bob as a close friend and mentor. I was among countless Valley residents who frequently turned to him for advice on Valley issues. His assistance was invaluable on critical issues such as the Valley water crisis and the 2008 recession.

Bob and I also spent many hours discussing how to bring high-quality, affordable healthcare to every Valley family. I valued his insights on that question because he developed innovative ways to provide healthcare for his employees, who he always viewed as part of his own family. I’m convinced Bob’s approach provides a model for drastically improving healthcare for the entire country.

Bob epitomized all the virtues of the San Joaquin Valley. He was always available to help those of us who sought his guidance. But if you were looking for someone to sugarcoat a tough situation, then Bob was not your best option. He was an honest straight-shooter who’d give you candid answers whether you wanted them or not. That’s why I always consulted him when I had especially tough problems that needed realistic solutions.

Bob’s love for the Valley ran deep, and the region is richer in countless ways thanks to his contributions. He created jobs, ran companies that fed millions of people, shared his wisdom and experience with anyone who asked, generously funded deserving community institutions, and raised an exceptional family.

Bob was simply irreplaceable. He’ll be deeply missed, but he leaves behind an incredible legacy of hard work, success, and unconcealed passion for the Valley and its people. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife Annette, his children Brent, Lisa, and Brandon, and the rest of his family.

After months of delay, Governor Newsom unveils plan for school reopening

On Monday, Governor Newsom revealed that state legislators are working to pass a bill that would incentivize California public schools to reopen for in-person learning by April 1st. Schools that open by April 1st will receive access to $2 billion in state grants to help further their reopening efforts. To be eligible for the grant funding, public schools in Fresno County and Tulare County must reopen in-person instruction for grades TK-2 by April 1st.

The Governor’s announcement comes after months of unnecessary delay have done untold harm to the Central Valley’s youth. For more information, read this article from The San Joaquin Valley Sun.