Dear <<First Name>>,
This week, Governor Baker announced that the Commonwealth is preparing to distribute up to $502 million from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund to local cities and towns for eligible costs related to the COVID-19 response effort. The Commonwealth is also providing guidance to local municipalities on this formal distribution process and establishing protocols to maximize the use of federal resources and promote compliance with federal restrictions.
This distribution, plus funds allocated directly to Boston and Plymouth County, represents approximately 25% of the state’s allocation from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, and in most cases, is expected to be sufficient to address incurred or expected eligible COVID-related expenses. This approach is intended to distribute money to municipalities quickly and efficiently, and maintain necessary flexibility to allocate additional funds if unanticipated needs arise, or if federal rules change. These resources will also help ease municipal cashflow pressures.
The Commonwealth’s distribution process will allow municipalities to apply for estimated Fiscal Year 2020 needs. These funds will help address any existing deficits in FY20, thereby avoiding the need to use reserves to fund a deficit or carry one into Fiscal Year 2021. Municipalities will then have the opportunity to request funding for FY21 eligible COVID-19 costs at a later date.
These funds must be utilized by municipalities consistent with parameters established by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES” Act) and guidance from the US Treasury Department.
Please read on below for new, updated, and important information surrounding the COVID-19 crisis and see our past newsletters if you haven't had a chance to read them already for more relevant guidance and directives following Governor Baker's declaration of a state of emergency on March 10th. Visit Mass.gov for complete information, check the municipal websites for Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex for local guidance, and text "COVIDMA" to 888-777 to receive COVID-19 text message alerts straight to your phone.
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The MA COVID Team is Calling
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The Community Tracing Collaborative is working hard to identify close contacts of those who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Massachusetts. If the MA COVID Team calls or texts, please answer the phone to assist in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
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S.M.A.R.T. Reopening and Recovery Webinar
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The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network will host a free webinar on Monday, May 18 at 9 AM, to discuss the reopening of small businesses during and after COVID-19.
This webinar will discuss tactics to show small business owners how to survive and thrive in this new economic climate. Featured speaker Cliff Robbins is an 18 year veteran in assisting small businesses as the senior business advisor for the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. He has counseled thousands of entrepreneurs in many industries.
Register online to attend the free webinar on May 18 at 9 AM.
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Substance Abuse and Recovery Resources
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Social distancing is affecting everyone in different ways. The inability to meet in person may especially be impacting those dealing with substance abuse and those in recovery more than others. Please see the list below for online and phone meetings that can be attended during the pandemic, as well as helpful resources for those in recovery and otherwise dealing with addiction.
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Resources for Children and Parents
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With all public and private schools in Massachusetts closed for the rest of the school year, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is working with school districts to develop educational programming that students can access from home. In addition to the WGBH Distance Learning Center, there are numerous other online resources to help children stay engaged, safe, and healthy during this stressful time apart from their normal learning environment.
Here are a few resources that my office has come across through the week:
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Unemployment Virtual Town Halls
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In order to better meet the needs of residents whose employment has been affected by COVID-19, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Unemployment Assistance will be hosting daily virtual town hall meetings. They will take all who sign up through a step by step process of achieving a successful unemployment claim and will be taking questions from applicants across the Commonwealth.
The following town halls are currently scheduled:
- Saturday, May 16 at 2:10 PM
- Sunday May 17 at 2:10 PM
Sign up now to attend a virtual town hall meeting.
The Department of Unemployment Assistance has made specific web page updates that include the latest COVID-19 guidance for employee qualifications. To learn more about unemployment insurance and how to apply, visit the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance website.
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