April 20th Updates

We're checking in with a few updates, as we continue with the COVID-19 quarantine. 

Federal Update from Liz Fraser (CAHS)

Payroll Protection Plan or PPP as of April 16, has run out of money. We are not sure what this means for those who have applied but have not yet been approved, or for those who have been approved but have not received funding. 

Meanwhile, Congress is working to put another $250 billion dollars into this program. However, there has been a hold up. Democrats are trying to make sure that small and micro businesses can access and benefit from the PPP by insuring a portion of the money is designated for the small businesses that were not able to access the first round of funding.

BUT there are many others who want the same rules and program as before, without these modifications.

While it is difficult, we must make sure that they pass a fair bill. It will not do us any good to have it pass quickly if you all can’t access the funding. 

Please know our CT delegation is really trying to do the right thing!

WE NEED YOUR HELP - You can send a letter to your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative. The letter template can be downloaded HERE. Please personalize the letter, then copy and paste it into the “Contact me” form on the websites of Senators Murphy and Blumenthal and your Member of Congress’s website. You can look up your Representatives HERE. 

UPCOMING CALLS:

• Tuesday 4-21-20 12 noon

CWEALF is hosting a Zoom event with Congresswoman DeLauro on women's economic security & COVID-19 on Tuesday, 4/21 at noon.

Registration here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U03RrGB-T92OokMjgIfXoQ. They plan on specifically discussing PFML, paid sick leave, and UI provisions in the new federal laws, as well as what is still needed in the 4th relief package.

If you have questions you can write them in the registration form or let Liz know and she will get them to CWEALF

• Wednesday 4-22-20 9:30am Zoom Call -Woman’s Business Development Center WBDC link

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUtduCprT8rgSbM09jin78OzLhArHruXA

They can help you with your business planning including: what loans are available, how to apply, where are other resources. Bring your questions.

HEDCO loan questions are welcome! What is HEDCO? These are up to $10,000 lines of credit that can be forgiven. This can help in the short term waiting for PPP funds. Check out the link

CT Cares for Kids

• If you are taking care of essential workers kids, you can receive extra compensation for employees. 
• Module for reporting information is live!Try out the portal  and see what you will need for weekly reports.
• If you have not done so already, and have first responder children attending your program, call 211 to update your status as open.
• CT Cares for Kids link

Unemployment - DOL expects to have their online system to accept applications from self-employed people (family childcare) on Thursday, April 30th. DOL asks that self-employed people not apply until then. Self- employed people can claim full or partial unemployment and still receive the $600 per week federal supplement.  Self-employed people will be able to claim retroactively to the date that they lost income.

Supplies - OEC has received a shipment of cleaning supplies that are being distributed regionally for child care programs that are open and serving children can pick up by appointment.  Providers who have notified OEC that they are open should have gotten a message about this.  If you are open but haven't heard from OEC about supplies, contact  211.

Alliance COVID Page

The Alliance has created a COVID-19 resource page, with links to information from the Office of Early Childhood, State of Connecticut, Middlesex Coalition for Children, DCF, Small Business Administration, etc. It can be found on the upper navigation bar of the Alliance's website, www.earlychildhoodalliance.com. Click "COVID-19."

New DOL Video Available

To make sure you are receiving the most reliable information regarding unemployment claims, please watch this video from the Connecticut Department of Labor. The video can be found HERE on YouTube or by clicking the graphic below (it will also take you to YouTube).

Additional Resources

Thank you to Izzi Greenberg from Middlesex Coalition for Children for putting together a resource page on the Coalition's website. It can be found HERE. Or, if you'd prefer, visit middlesexchildren.org and click on the "updates" tab.