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State and Federal Overview: the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), September 2020
International

Federal Government
U.S. CASES PROVIDED BY THE NEW YORK TIMES
U.S. Cases-Provided by the New York Times
As of September 10th, 6:00 PM:
 
Total Cases: 6.378 Million+
Deaths: 170,900
Includes confirmed and probable cases where available
COVID-19 ECONOMIC SUPPORT
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
 
IRS to mail special letter to estimated 9 million non-filers, urging them to claim Economic Impact Payment by Oct. 15 at IRS.gov
 
IR-2020-203, September 8, 2020
WASHINGTON — Later this month, the Internal Revenue Service will start mailing letters to roughly nine million Americans who typically don't file federal income tax returns who may be eligible for, but have not registered to claim, an Economic Impact Payment.
The letters will urge recipients to register at IRS.gov by October 15 in order to receive their payment by the end of the year. Individuals can receive up to $1,200, and married couples can receive up to $2,400. People with qualifying children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 for each qualifying child.
The letters are being sent to people who haven't filed a return for either 2018 or 2019. Based on an internal analysis, these are people who don't typically have a tax return filing requirement because they appear to have very low incomes, based on Forms W-2, 1099s and other third-party statements available to the IRS. But many in this group are still eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment.
"The IRS has made an unprecedented outreach effort to make sure people are aware of their potential eligibility for an Economic Impact Payment this year," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Millions who don't normally file a tax return have already registered and received a payment. We are taking this extra step to help Americans who may not know they could be eligible for this payment or don't know how to register for one. People who aren't required to file a tax return can quickly register on IRS.gov and still get their money this year."
The letter, officially known as IRS Notice 1444-A, is written in English and Spanish and includes information on eligibility criteria and how eligible recipients can claim an Economic Impact Payment on IRS.gov. The mailing, which will begin around September 24, will be delivered from an IRS address. To help address fraud concern, a copy of the letter (PDF) is available on IRS.gov.
If those receiving letters haven't done so already, this letter urges eligible individuals to register by October 15 for a payment by using the free Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool, available in English and Spanish and only on IRS.gov. More than seven million people have used the Non-Filers tool so far to register for a payment. Those unable to access the Non-Filers tool may submit a simplified paper return following the procedures described in the Economic Impact Payment FAQs on IRS.gov.
The IRS reminds recipients that receiving a letter is not a guarantee of eligibility for an Economic Impact Payment. An individual is likely eligible if he or she is a U.S. citizen or resident alien; has a work-eligible Social Security number; and can't be claimed as dependent on someone else's federal income tax return. However, there can be a variety of situations that could affect an individual's eligibility. For more information on eligibility requirements, recipients should read the Economic Impact Payment eligibility FAQs on IRS.gov.
The registration deadline for non-filers to claim an Economic Impact Payment through the Non-Filers tool is October 15, 2020. People can also wait until next year and claim it as a credit on their 2020 federal income tax return by filing in 2021.
The IRS emphasizes that anyone required to file either a 2018 or 2019 tax return should file the tax return and not use the Non-Filers tool.

Don't wait: Non-Filers can still get a payment; must act by October 15

Though most Americans − more than 160 million in all − have already received their Economic Impact Payments, the IRS reminds anyone with little or no income who is not required to file a tax return that they may be eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment. This is true regardless of whether they get a letter.
"Time is running out this year for the IRS to issue payments," Rettig said. "People who normally don't file a tax return shouldn't wait to see if they receive one of these letters. They can review the guidelines and register now if they're eligible."
Available in both English and Spanish, the Non-Filers tool is designed for people with incomes typically below $24,400 for married couples, and $12,200 for singles. This includes couples and individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
People can qualify for a payment, even if they don't work or have no earned income. But low- and moderate-income workers and working families eligible to receive special tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, cannot use this tool. They will need to file a regular return as soon as possible. The IRS will use their tax return information to determine and issue any EIP for which they are eligible.
Anyone using the Non-Filers tool can speed up the arrival of their payment by choosing to receive it by direct deposit. Those not choosing this option will get a check.
Beginning two weeks after they register, people can track the status of their payment using the Get My Payment tool, available only on IRS.gov.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Trump Administration Takes Action to Expand Access to COVID 19 Vaccines
 
Today, under the leadership of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Assistant Secretary for Health, issued guidance under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) to expand access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines when they are made available. This guidance authorizes state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer, and state-licensed or registered pharmacy interns acting under the supervision of the qualified pharmacist to administer, COVID-19 vaccinations to persons ages 3 or older, subject to certain requirements.
"This action builds upon our Administration's progress toward delivering a safe, effective, and widely available vaccine by 2021," said Assistant Secretary for Health ADM Brett P. Giroir, M.D. "Allowing pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines will greatly expand convenient access for the American people."
To qualify as "covered persons" under 42 U.S.C. § 247d-6d((i)(8)(B) when administering COVID-19 vaccines authorized or licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to persons ages 3 or older, state-licensed pharmacists and pharmacy interns licensed or registered by their state board of pharmacy must satisfy the following requirements:
·       The vaccine must be FDA-authorized or FDA-licensed.
·       The vaccination must be ordered and administered according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) COVID-19 vaccine recommendation.
·       The licensed pharmacist must complete a practical training program of at least 20 hours that is approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This training program must include hands-on injection technique, clinical evaluation of indications and contraindications of vaccines, and the recognition and treatment of emergency reactions to vaccines.
·       The licensed or registered pharmacy intern must complete a practical training program that is approved by the ACPE.
·       The licensed pharmacist and licensed or registered pharmacy intern must have a current certificate in basic CPR.
·       The licensed pharmacist must complete a minimum of two hours of ACPE-approved, immunization-related continuing pharmacy education during each state licensing period.
·       The licensed pharmacist must comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the jurisdiction in which he or she administers vaccines, including reviewing the vaccine registry or other vaccination records prior to administering a vaccine.
·       The licensed pharmacist must, if the patient is 18 years of age or younger, inform the patient and the adult caregiver accompanying the patient of the importance of a well-child visit with a pediatrician or other licensed primary-care provider and refer patients as appropriate.
·       The licensed pharmacist and the licensed or registered pharmacy intern must comply with any applicable requirements (or conditions of use) as set forth in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 vaccination provider agreement and any other federal requirements that apply to the administration of COVID-19 vaccine(s).
The authorization preempts any state and local laws that prohibit or effectively prohibits those who satisfy these requirements from ordering or administering COVID-19 vaccines as set forth above. The authorization does not preempt state and local laws that permit additional individuals to administer COVID-19 vaccines to additional persons.
Access a copy of the guidance - PDF*
Information on Operation Warp Speed
Clinical resources on vaccines, including continuing education training on best practices
CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
SNF QRP COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is Available. The SNF COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is now available. The purpose of this Tip Sheet is to help providers understand CMS’ public reporting strategy for the PAC QRP in the midst of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).  This Tip Sheet explains the CMS strategy to account for CMS quality data which were exempted from public reporting due to COVID-19, and the impact on CMS’ Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Compare website refreshes.  Please navigate to the SNF QRP Training webpage to download this document.
 
IRF QRP COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is Available. The IRF COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is now available. The purpose of this Tip Sheet is to help providers understand CMS’ public reporting strategy for the PAC QRP in the midst of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).  This Tip Sheet explains the CMS strategy to account for CMS quality data which were exempted from public reporting due to COVID-19, and the impact on CMS’ Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Compare website refreshes.  Please navigate to the IRF QRP Training webpage to download this document.
 
LTCH QRP COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is Available. The LTCH COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is now available. The purpose of this Tip Sheet is to help providers understand CMS’ public reporting strategy for the PAC QRP in the midst of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).  This Tip Sheet explains the CMS strategy to account for CMS quality data which were exempted from public reporting due to COVID-19, and the impact on CMS’ Long Term Care Hospital (LTCH) Compare website refreshes.  Please navigate to the LTCH QRP Training webpage to download this document.
 
HQRP COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is Available. The HQRP COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is now available. The purpose of this Tip Sheet is to help providers understand CMS’ public reporting strategy for the PAC QRP in the midst of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).  This Tip Sheet explains the CMS strategy to account for  CMS quality data which were exempted from public reporting due to COVID-19, and the impact on CMS’ Hospice Compare website refreshes.
 
Home Health QRP COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is Available. The Home Health COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is now available. The purpose of this Tip Sheet is to help providers understand CMS’ public reporting strategy for the PAC QRP in the midst of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).  This Tip Sheet explains the CMS strategy to account for CMS quality data which were exempted from public reporting due to COVID-19, and the impact on CMS’ Home Health Agency (HHA) Compare website refreshes.  Please navigate to the Home Health QRP Training webpage to download this document.
 
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Federal Government Adjusts COVID-19 Entry Strategy for International Air Passengers
 
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the United States Government (USG) is innovating and taking a new approach to help keep international air passengers healthy. The new, more effective strategy focuses on the continuum of travel and the individual passenger, including pre-departure and post-arrival education, efforts to develop a potential testing framework with international partners, and illness response. This strategy is consistent with the current phase of the pandemic and more effectively protects the health of the American public.
 
Beginning September 14, 2020, the USG will remove requirements for directing all flights carrying airline passengers arriving from, or recently had a presence in, certain countries to land at one of 15 designated airports and halt enhanced entry health screening for these passengers. Currently, enhanced entry health screening is conducted for those arriving from, or with recent presence in, China (excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, the Schengen region of Europe, the United Kingdom (excluding overseas territories outside of Europe), Ireland, and Brazil.
 
We now have a better understanding of COVID-19 transmission that indicates symptom-based screening has limited effectiveness because people with COVID-19 may have no symptoms or fever at the time of screening, or only mild symptoms. Transmission of the virus may occur from passengers who have no symptoms or who have not yet developed symptoms of infection. Therefore, CDC is shifting its strategy and prioritizing other public health measures to reduce the risk of travel-related disease transmission.
 
USG resources will instead be dedicated to more effective mitigation efforts that focus on the individual passenger, including: pre-departure, in-flight, and post-arrival health education for passengers; robust illness response at airports; voluntary collection of contact information from passengers using electronic means as proposed by some airlines to avoid long lines, crowding and delays associated with manual data collection; potential testing to reduce the risk of travel-related transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 and movement of the virus from one location to another; country-specific risk assessments to assist passengers in making informed decisions about travel-related risk; enhancing training and education of partners in the transportation sector and at United States ports of entry to ensure recognition of illness and immediate notification to CDC; and post-arrival passenger recommendations for self-monitoring and precautions to protect others, with enhanced precautions, including staying home to the extent possible for 14 days for people arriving from high-risk destinations.
By refocusing our mitigation efforts on individual passenger risk throughout the air travel journey, the USG can most effectively protect the health of the American public.
 
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Daily Roundup September 9, 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today continued to take action in the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
  • In a Consumer Update entitled FDA's Food and Cosmetics Information Center Answers Your Questions, information is provided on how to get answers to questions about nutrition and the safety and labeling of food, dietary supplements and cosmetics. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the FCIC staff has received a high volume of questions about food and dietary supplement safety. In the first half of 2020, the team received more than 15,000 inquiries via its online form and phone line.
  • Testing updates:
    • As of today, 244 tests are authorized by FDA under EUAs; these include 196 molecular tests, 44 antibody tests, and 4 antigen tests.
 
Virtual Town Hall Series-Immediately in Effect Guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Diagnostic Tests-September 16, 2020
 
Date:   September 16, 2020
Time:  12:15 PM - 1:15 PM ET
 
Summary:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will host a virtual Town Hall for clinical laboratories and commercial manufacturers that are developing or have developed diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2. The purpose of this Town Hall is to help answer technical questions about the development and validation of tests for SARS-CoV-2.
The FDA will also hold virtual Town Halls for clinical laboratories and commercial manufacturers to help answer questions on:
  • September 23, 2020 from 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm Eastern Time
  • September 30, 2020 from 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm Eastern Time
Background:
The FDA plays a critical role in protecting the United States from threats such as emerging infectious diseases, including the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The FDA is committed to providing timely guidance to support response efforts to this pandemic.
The immediately in effect guidance "Policy for Coronavirus Disease-2019 Tests During the Public Health Emergency (Revised)" includes policies specific to this public health emergency. This guidance was issued on February 29, 2020 and subsequently updated on March 16, 2020, May 4, 2020, and May 11, 2020.
 
Stakeholder Call Details:
Registration is not necessary.
Time: 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
To ensure you are connected, please dial in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.
 
U.S. Callers Dial:
  • 888-455-1392
  • Conference Number: RWXW1646987
  • Passcode: 9493939
International Callers Dial:
  • 1-773-799-3847
  • Conference Number: RWXW1646987
  • Passcode: 9493939
To view the slide presentation during the webinar:  CLICK HERE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
 
HUD Provides Flexibilities for Emergency Solutions Grants Program Cares Act Funds

 

Department working with states and local units of governments to aid vulnerable populations amid outbreak

 

WASHINGTON - United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today provided the additional requirements and flexibilities for the $3.96 billion provided to states and units of local government for the Emergency Solutions Grants Program under the CARES Act (ESG-CV). The Notice details the requirements for the additional ESG-CV funds provided to communities to help prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic.


“President Trump and the Department have been working hard since the onset of this pandemic to ensure that localities are properly equipped with the funding and resources necessary to keep the American people safe,” said Secretary Carson. “These flexibilities allow local governments to tailor CARES Act funds to the unique needs of their community. Through President Trump’s leadership we are making significant headway in combatting this invisible enemy and returning the country to economic prosperity.”
Key flexibilities and requirements found in the notice:
·       New eligible activities for ESG-CV funds and annual ESG allocations used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, including new types of temporary emergency shelters and landlord incentives.
·       Discretion beyond what is permitted in the ESG regulations for ESG-CV funds and annual ESG allocations used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, including paying for hotel costs for individuals currently being assisted by ESG or CoC programs as necessary to quarantine or isolate.
·       Extending the obligation deadline for recipients, and establishing revised expenditure deadlines for ESG-CV funds.
For more information on HUD's COVID-19 response, including requirements for ESG-CV funds, please visit the website.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Statement on Labor Day by U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia
 
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement to commemorate Labor Day:
“Today we celebrate and thank the workers of America, whose hard work, determination, and ingenuity have built and sustain our amazing country.   
“This has been a year of extraordinary challenges for American workers, and a year of extraordinary achievements, as workers in our hospitals, farms, plants, and factories have supported one another and the nation.  
“Last Friday’s jobs report reflected some of the fruits of those efforts, with 1.4 million jobs added to the economy and the unemployment rate dropping to 8.4 percent. The Department of Labor remains focused on helping millions more Americans return to work safely, and to providing continued support to those who remain unemployed.”  
 
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA 
In the week ending September 5, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 884,000, unchanged from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 3,000 from 881,000 to 884,000. The 4- week moving average was 970,750, a decrease of 21,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 750 from 991,750 to 992,500. 
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 9.2 percent for the week ending August 29, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending August 29 was 13,385,000, an increase of 93,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up 38,000 from 13,254,000 to 13,292,000. The 4-week moving average was 13,982,000, a decrease of 523,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 9,500 from 14,496,250 to 14,505,750. 

Read the release
 
U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Full-time employment up 2.8 million, part-time employment up 991,000, in August 2020

SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

The number of people who usually work full time rose by 2.8 million in August, and the number who usually work part time increased by 991,000.


After large declines in March and April, employment has risen in each month since April, with the number of full-time workers increasing by 8.0 million and the number of part-time workers rising by 5.9 million. The number of people who usually work part time increased by 11.8 percent from May to June; this was the largest over-the-month increase since data were first collected in 1968.
These data are from the Current Population Survey and are seasonally adjusted. For more information, see "The Employment Situation — August 2020" and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on August data. Also see more charts on employment and the labor force.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
WTAS: USDA Extends Free Meals for Kids Through December 31, 2020
 
(Washington, D.C., Tuesday, September 8, 2020) – Last week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will extend several flexibilities through as late as December 31, 2020. The flexibilities allow summer meal program operators to continue serving free meals to all children into the fall months. This unprecedented move will help ensure – no matter what the situation is on-the-ground – children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA has been and continues to be committed to using the Congressionally appropriated funding that has been made available.
 
Background
 
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is extending a suite of nationwide waivers for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) through the end of 2020, or until available funding runs out. This includes:
·       Allowing SFSP and SSO meals to be served in all areas and at no cost;
·       Permitting meals to be served outside of the typically-required group settings and meal times;
·       Waiving meal pattern requirements as necessary; and
·       Allowing parents and guardians to pick-up meals for their children.
 
Collectively, these flexibilities ensure meal options for children continue to be available so children can access meals under all circumstances. USDA is taking this unprecedented action to respond to the needs of its stakeholders, who have shared concerns about continuing to reach those in need without enlisting the help of traditional summer sites located throughout communities across the US. While there have been some well-meaning people asking USDA to fund this through the entire 2020-2021 school year, we are obligated to not spend more than is appropriated by Congress.
 
Importantly, the summer meal program waiver extensions announced today are based on current data estimations. Over the past six months, partners across the country have stood up nearly 80,000 sites, handing out meals at a higher reimbursement rate than the traditional school year program. USDA has continuously recalculated remaining appropriated funds to determine how far we may be able to provide waivers into the future, as Congress did not authorize enough funding for the entire 2020-2021 school year. Reporting activities are delayed due to States responding to the pandemic; however based upon the April data we currently have available, FNS projects that it could offer this extension, contingent on funding, for the remaining months of 2020. USDA will continue to actively monitor this rapidly evolving situation and continue to keep Congress informed of our current abilities and limitations.
Since the start of the public health emergency, FNS has been maximizing existing program services and flexibilities to ensure those in need have access to food through our 15 federal nutrition assistance programs. To date, USDA has provided more than 3,000 flexibilities across these programs. USDA has also leveraged new and innovative approaches to feeding kids, including a public-private partnership that provided nearly 40 million meals directly to the doorsteps of low-income rural children. For more information on FNS’ response to COVID-19, visit fns.usda.gov/coronavirus.
 
The State of Texas
From the Office of the Governor, Greg Abbott
Governor Abbott Extends Statewide Disaster Declaration For COVID-19. Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation extending his Disaster Declaration for all Texas counties in response to COVID-19. Originally issued on March 13th, the Disaster Declaration provides the state a variety of resources to effectively serve Texans as the Lone Star State continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Read the full release.
From the Office of the Comptroller
 Comptroller’s Office:
 
Comptroller Glenn Hegar Distributes $765 Million in Monthly Sales Tax Revenue to Local Governments
 
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced today he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $765.3 million in local sales tax allocations for September, 4.5 percent less than in September 2019. These allocations are based on sales made in July by businesses that report tax monthly. 
Rising COVID-19 infection rates in July likely suppressed economic activity. 

 
Monthly Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports
Sales tax allocation comparison summary reports present data on monthly local sales and use tax payments to local jurisdictions. These payments represent funds identified for local jurisdictions since the previous month’s distribution. When used with other local indicators, these reports may help indicate present and future economic trends.
Health Care
Department of State Health Services
Department of State Health Services
COVID-19 Case Count. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in responding to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) that is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness worldwide. State case counts can be found by accessing the DSHS COVID-19 Dashboard.
Health and Human Services Commission
HHSC Issues COVID-19 and Death Reporting Guidance for Long-Term Care Providers
 
September 10, 2020
HHSC Long-term Care Regulation issued PL 20-37, Reporting Guidance for Long-term Care Providers (PDF). The letter outlines provider reporting responsibilities related to COVID-19 positive cases and COVID-19 and deaths (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related). This letter and attachment also consolidate reporting requirements in a more user-friendly manner.
Education
PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
Strong Start 2020-2021 Information
FAQ and Guidance
2020-2021 COVID-19 Case Reporting FAQ (PDF) September 10 2020
 
GENERAL SUPPORT
Mental Health
Strong Start 2020-2021
Tools, Templates and Resources
Project Restore Website September 10 2020 
 
INSTRUTIONAL CONTINUITY PLANNING
Strong Start Resources
Texas Home Learning
THL 3.0: Instructional Materials
THL 3.0: Science Materials Overview (K-5); Thursday, September 10 2020, 1-2pm: Register Here
THL 3.0: English Language Arts and Reading Materials Overview (9-12); Friday, September 11 2020, 1-2pm: Register Here
 
THL 3.0 Instructional Materials Implementation Webinar Series
THL 3.0: Live Implementation Workshop Series with Carnegie Learning Texas Math Solution (6-12) September-November 2020: Register Here
 
Asynchronous and Synchronous Instruction
 
WAIVERS, FINANCE & GRANTS
Federal Funding
CARES Act Funding and Expense Reimbursement FAQ (PDF)
CARES Act Equitable Services FAQ (PDF)
 
Attendance and Enrollment
SY 20-21 Attendance and Enrollment FAQ (PDF)
 
Strong Start 2020-2021 Information
FAQ and Guidance
 
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Optional Beginning of Year Assessments
FAQ and Guidance
Optional Beginning of Year Assessments FAQ (PDF)
 
TEXAS EDUCATORS
Educator Certification and Preparation
FAQ and Guidance
Intern and Emergency Certification Waiver FAQ (PDF)
Labor and Unemployment

Date: September 9, 2020

Last Week of Funding was Week Ending Sep. 5

AUSTIN – On September 9, 2020 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), that the Lost Wages Assistance program (LWA), which provided an additional $300 a week to qualified unemployment claimants ends with the benefit week ending September 5, 2020. Because the funds provided by FEMA were limited,  TWC cannot extend payments beyond that date.

FEMA previously approved TWC funding requests for the benefit weeks of:

  • August 1, 2020
  • August 8, 2020
  • August 15, 2020
  • August 22, 2020
  • August 29, 2020
  • September 5, 2020

TWC will continue to pay eligible claimants for the approved six weeks, for as long as the existing FEMA funds deposited to TWC remain available. Claimants will continue to receive normal weekly benefit amounts for any benefit weeks for which they are eligible.

The Lost Wages Assistance Program was a temporary provision established after the expiration of the $600 Federal Pandemic Assistance Program, a part of the CARES Act. Other provisions of the federal act do not expire until December 26, 2020. This includes Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides an extra 13 weeks of benefits to persons who exhaust traditional benefits, and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides up to 46 weeks of benefits to persons who are self-employed or who would not otherwise qualify for state benefits.  

For more information on eligibility requirements, available benefits and questions about the unemployment process, visit TWC’s COVID-19 FAQ page.

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org. To receive notifications about TWC programs and services subscribe to our email updates.
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