Coronavirus Update for Citizens and Small Businesses
As we continue to face this crisis together, we want to share the following information provided on March 27, 2020 by U.S. Representative Doris Matsui.
My staff and I continue to be in close contact with federal, state, and local officials as we continue to respond to this global pandemic.
On March 19, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order applying to anything other than essential trips out of the house for things such as groceries, prescriptions, or to pick up food from a restaurant. This order was made with the best interest of everyone’s health, so I urge you to keep to this order as much as possible and avoid in-person exposure to other people as much as possible.
Even so, this is not a time to disengage from our communities and our networks. Now more than ever we need each other to stay strong, keep our spirits lifted, and make sure our neighbors are informed with the right information. Below, I’ve outlined what we are doing legislatively to help relieve the immense pressure on American families as well as point you toward resources with up-to-date local information.
CARES ACT AID PACKAGE:
Today, the House passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a robust third COVID-19 aid package that will help bolster our health care response, strengthen our economy, and establish stronger protections for workers. Some key provisions of the stimulus package include:
- Direct Payments to Working Americans: A cash rebate of up to $1,200 (individual) or $2,400 (married) will be made available to all U.S. residents making up to $75,000 (individual) and $150,000 (married), who are not a dependent of another taxpayer and have a work eligible social security number. An additional $500 will be made available per qualifying child under age 17. The advance payment of rebates is reduced by $5 for every $100 of income to the extent a taxpayer’s income exceeds $150,000 for a joint filer, $112,500 for a head of household filer, and $75,000 for anyone else (including single filers). Rebates will be delivered automatically—by the IRS—to most Americans who file individual federal income tax returns. Non-filers are still eligible for rebates, but may need to take additional steps to receive their rebates. Rebates do not need to be repaid.
- For Small Businesses: This bill includes a $377 billion infusion for small businesses including $350 billion dedicated to loan forgiveness grants to help small businesses and non-profits maintain existing workforce and help pay for other expenses. The funding also provides relief from rent, mortgage and utility costs by making these expenses eligible for SBA loan forgiveness.
- Unemployment Insurance (UI): Every unemployed worker receiving benefits will get an extra $600 per week for four months. We’ve also provided federal incentives for states to get money in people’s pockets sooner.
- For Fighting the Coronavirus: This bill makes $100 billion available to hospitals and health care providers on the front lines of fighting Covid-19 to invest in personal and protective equipment, testing supplies, increased workforce training and new construction to house patients and emergency operations. There’s an additional $150 billion for state and local governments in this agreement, to give them the resources they desperately need to pay for expenses of the emergency
- For Students: This bill directs more than $30 billion to emergency education funding and eliminates income tax on student loan repayment assistance by an employer.
My office will continue to provide more information and details on the aid package in the coming days. Our work is not done – I will continue to advocate for Sacramento’s workers and families during this crisis.
SACRAMENTO RESOURCES:
Mental Health
Fear and anxiety may be taking a toll on your mental well-being during this crisis. Please take advantage of the resources that are provided below:
Sacramento County Mental Health Crisis 24/7 Hotline : 916-875-1055
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-272-TALK (8255)
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Coping with a disaster or traumatic event: https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/selfcare.asp
- Helping children cope with emergencies: https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html
Covered California
Healthcare coverage is critical now more than ever and if you have lost or will lose your health insurance coverage due to COVID-19, Covered California has opened their enrollment through June 30th. Please use the link here to find out more information on how to apply. https://www.coveredca.com/individuals-and-families/getting-covered/special-enrollment/
2020 Census
Many services that we are relying on now are funded in part through Census data. Census information federal funds are allocated and sent back to the Sacramento region. These funds go towards affordable housing, communal parks and roads, accessible healthcare, vital food programs, emergency response personnel, public schools and daycare centers, and so much more.
Complete the Census online, or by phone 844-330-2020. For more information about the 2020 Census effort in the region, visit www.norcalcensus.org.
Small Business
Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, administered by the SBA is available for businesses who have suffered substantial economic injury and are either a small business (less than 500 employees), small agricultural cooperative, or nonprofit (churches are not eligible).
The SBA can provide up to $2 million per business to help meet the financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. The loan amount is based on economic injury and financial needs.
The interest rate on these loans is 3.75% for small business and 2.75% for non-profits. The repayment term is determined by the businesses ability to repay the loan, up to a 30 year term.
You can apply online here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Although this period of staying at home can be hard, please continue to follow the directions of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of Public Health, and local County Health officials by continuing to wash your hands often, use social distancing best practices (like avoiding handshakes and any gatherings of people), and stay home as much as possible. For the latest health care guidance and updates on the status of COVID-19 in California, I encourage you to visit our website which can point you in the direction of all the relevant entities for our district.
It is important not to panic and know that we can all do our part to protect each other and stay informed. Sacramento’s strength is in our togetherness and our ability to look after our fellow community members. It is this spirit that will keep us going through this crisis and well beyond into the future. Thank you!
