Dear <<First Name>>,
Last week, I voted with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass a supplemental budget to facilitate federal CARES Act funding to reimburse communities hard-hit by COVID-19.
This bill follows the April passage in Congress of the Federal CARES Act, which requires states to expend funds on items related to COVID-19 for federal reimbursement. This supplemental budget directs funds to address vital needs including for personal protective equipment, field hospitals and contact tracing.
The spending bill includes, among other items:
- $350 million for personal protective equipment costs across the Commonwealth
- $139 million for increased rate add-ons to congregate care providers
- $94 million for incentive pay for human service employees
- $85 million for field hospitals and shelters
- $44 million for Community Tracing Collaborative
- $81.6 million for child care needs during the pandemic and re-opening
- $500,000 to create an Early Education and Care Public-Private Trust Fund to establish an infrastructure to foster public-private and philanthropic efforts in support of childcare providers
Adopted into the bill were a number of amendments offered by my colleagues that I supported. Additional funds were allocated for nursing home COVID-19 testing, regional Buy Local organizations, and a food for veterans program. Several other amendments were adopted that gave our Regional Tourism Councils and Restaurant Promotion Comission more flexibility and extended the availability of funds for the Healthy Incentives Program.
I am glad to report that several amendments I offered were also adopted to address the impact of COVID-19 on Cape Ann:
- $100,000 for The Open Door to deal with the heightened demand that the pandemic has placed on our food safety net
- $60,000 for Wellspring House receives for a mentoring program to connect individuals with living-wage employment
- $25,000 for First R Foundation and Pathways for Children receive to promote children's literacy as the pandemic interrupts our children's education
This legislation now must be passed by the Senate and signed by Governor Baker.
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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How to Safely Cover Your Face Outside of Home
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Social distancing and staying at home are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But if you must go out, be sure to cover your face. Here's how.
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Sector Reopening Webinar Series
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The North Shore Chamber of Commerce is hosting a third webinar series on the reopening process, bringing together specific industry sectors to discuss their reopening strategies, challenges, and best practices. Attendees will benefit from hearing the goals and ideas of particiapnts and peers in their industry.
- Tuesday, June 30th at 10 AM - Restaurant & Retail Update
- Wednesday, July 1st at 10 AM - Health Clubs & Fitness Centers
- Thursday, July 2nd at 10 AM - Hospitality, Tourism & Arts
- Monday, July 6th at 10 AM - Banking, Accounting & Insurance Update
- Tuesday, July 7th at 10 AM - Legal & HR Sectors
- Wednesday, July 8th at 10 AM - Education & Child Care Update
- Thursday, July 9th at 10 AM - Special Economic Forecast for Key Sectors
The webinars are free, but attendees must pre-register.
Additionally, recordings of previous webinars are now available for viewing. They can be found on the North Shore Chamber of Commerce message board.
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Paycheck Protection Program Applications Close on June 30
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Time is running out to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to help your small business through the COVID-19 crisis. There is nearly $120 billion still available and the deadline to apply is tomorrow, June 30th.
The Paycheck Protection Program, established by the CARES Act, is implemented by the U.S. Small Business Administration with support from the Department of the Treasury. This program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
Visit the Paycheck Protection Program page on the SBA website for more information about eligibility, forgiveness, and how to apply.
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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 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:
- Tuesday, June 30 at 2:30 PM
- Thursday, July 2 at 2:30 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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