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In This Update:
Application Period Opens for Second Round of COVID-19 Small Business Grants
Small businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may qualify for funding through the COVID-19 Relief PA Statewide Small Business Assistance program. The application period for the second round of funding is open now through August 28. The program provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and is open to businesses that generate at least 51 percent of their revenues in Pennsylvania. Businesses must also have had 25 or fewer full-time employees prior to February 15 and have annual revenue of $1 million or less prior to the pandemic. Grants must be used for losses or expenses related to COVID-19, such as payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities or expenses related to new measures to protect the health of employees and customers. Businesses that applied during the first round of funding do not need to apply again. FAQ Available on School Closures and Unemployment Compensation
Plans by some school districts to adopt hybrid in-school/online learning schedules have prompted questions about Unemployment Compensation eligibility for parents who need to stay home with their children. Although eligibility varies based on the facts of each individual claim, the Department of Labor has created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to provide broad information on this issue for parents and school employees. 2020 Census Door-to-Door Visits Underway
The U.S. Census Bureau began making follow-up visits this week to households that did not respond to the 2020 Census questionnaire by mail, phone or online. The door-to-door visits will help ensure a complete and accurate count, which is critical since the results will determine how billions of dollars are allocated to communities. Census takers must have a valid government ID badge with their photo, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date on the badge. They are also required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. The public may contact their regional census center to speak with a Census Bureau representative to confirm a census taker’s identity. Households can still respond online at www.2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by completing and mailing back the paper questionnaire they received earlier this year. Fall School Sports Seasons Delayed Two Weeks
On August 7, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) announced that fall school sports seasons would be delayed two weeks in order to gather more input from Governor Wolf and the General Assembly on how to move forward in a way that is safe for everyone involved. The PIAA had previously developed guidelines for seasons to continue safely before Governor Wolf’s surprise announcement last week that his Administration is recommending the suspension of all school sports until 2021. The PIAA recently sent a letter to Governor Wolf outlining the need for students to return to sports this fall with proper health and safety provisions in place. I have heard from many local parents, coaches and students on this issue, and I will continue to advocate for school sports to resume safely this fall. Returning Fraudulent, Erroneous Unemployment Compensation Benefits to PA Treasury
A few months ago, the Pennsylvania Treasury uncovered thousands of cases of fraud pertaining to the state’s Unemployment Compensation program. If you receive a fraudulent or erroneous payment, it is critical to return the debit card or paper check to the Treasury so they can investigate the case. If you receive a U.S. Bank ReliaCard in error, it is important to email a picture of the back of the card to officeofinvestigations@patreasury.gov or return the card to the address below. Pennsylvania Treasury Department Paper checks issued in error should be returned to the same address after writing “VOID” across the front of the check. A photo of the front and back of the check should also be sent to the same email address above for investigation. If the payment was made electronically through direct deposit, recipients should contact their financial institution to request a “Refuse Credit of Deposit” and provide the financial institution with the issue date of the payment. If they are unable to request a refuse credit of deposit, they should write a check or money order to the PA UC Fund at the address below with a brief statement as to why they are sending the check or money order as well as their name, address, last four digits of their Social Security Number, phone number and email address. Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Additional Guidance Available for Reopening Schools
Following a Senate workshop discussion last month that highlighted the need for additional guidance on safely re-opening school buildings, the Department of Education recently announced new recommendations for instructional models for the 2020-21 school year. Decisions on the operation of schools during the pandemic remain in the hands of local school boards. |
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