Working to maintain the virtue of hope

As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the state and the nation, we must work to maintain that all-important virtue: hope.

We have every reason to believe we will survive this short-term challenge and be stronger both personally and as a nation when the threat is defeated.

Until then, it is heartwarming to see so many in our community coming together to ensure a positive outcome for those most vulnerable, such as seniors and those with underlying medical issues.

In Poplar Bluff, we are blessed to have a wonderful group of volunteers offering food delivery and wellness to checks for our senior citizens. They are also seeking monetary and nonperishable food donations.

Anyone who needs help or would like to volunteer can call 573-872-4161 or visit deliver-hope.com .

The capitol was closed after Rep. Joe Runions tested positive for coronavirus.

I was told he is doing better, but was still in the hospital. Please keep Rep. Runions and his family in your prayers.

Other state representatives and I have self-quarantined for two weeks. Fortunately, my two weeks have already passed, and I am healthy, and I pray that all my other state representatives are doing just as well.

Although the lights are temporarily out, my assistant and I are working from home, checking emails and voice messages to continue serving our district without interruption.

As President Trump said, we are at war with this unseen enemy, but we do not want fear to drive our decision making. We need to fight this enemy with prayer and follow the guidelines from President Trump and the CDC.

President Trump is doing an outstanding job, working hard every day to make sure that everyone has what they need and to ensure our nation continues to prosper. Curbing international travel has saved unknown lives that otherwise would have been lost.

Missourians are currently under a statewide order that requires all citizens to practice appropriate “social distancing.”

Missourians should be aware the order does not prohibit them from visiting places such as grocery stores, gas stations, parks and banks, so long as necessary precautions are taken and maintained to reduce the transmission of coronavirus, including maintaining at least six feet of distance between all individuals that are not family members. The order remains in effect until Monday, April 6.

Gov. Parson and his administration have made several important changes to help all those who are being impacted by COVID-19.

Eligibility for any Medicaid participant will not be terminated unless the individual requests a voluntary termination of eligibility or the individual ceases to be a resident of the state through the end of the federal emergency COVID-19 declaration.

The Family Support Division is waiving all work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents for 90 days.

Child Care Subsidy benefits and provider application renewals are extended for 90 days.

Family Support Division has requested waivers from the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service to waive various food stamp regulations. The filing deadline to file income tax returns has been extended to July 15.

The U.S. Small Business Administration approved Missouri’s request for assistance through the federal agency’s disaster loan program. This move makes low interest disaster loans available to small businesses and private non-profits severely impacted by coronavirus. Applicants may also call the SBA at 800-659-2955.

Attorney General Eric Schmitt is working to protect Missourians from coronavirus scams and price gouging.

Schmitt asked lawmakers to encourage their constituents to report unscrupulous activities. Those wanting to report concerns can contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 or online at ago.mo.gov .