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April 24, 2020 E-News Alert
Governor Baker Signs Law Imposing Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures During the COVID-19 Emergency
At the beginning of this week, Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation to protect homeowners and tenants from eviction and foreclosure. The new law, Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2020, includes protections for some small businesses, provided that the business meets certain criteria, including having fewer than 150 full-time equivalent employees.
MA K-12 Schools to Remain Closed Through Academic Year, Emergency Child Care Programs Extended
The order closing all public and private schools in the Commonwealth has been extended through the end of the school year. The Governor’s order also extended the closure of all non-emergency child care programs until June 29, 2020.
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) established a process to approve Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs to serve families of first responders, medical personnel and essential workers. Emergency Child Care programs approved by EEC will continue operating. Currently there are 523 emergency child care programs statewide serving families of essential workers.
New Federal Interim Stimulus Package
On Friday April 24th, President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program Increase Act of 2020. The new law includes more than $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which initially launched out of the CARES Act and quickly exhausted its first round of $349 billion in funding last week. The law also includes additional funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Both programs are administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), with more guidance available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources.
Highlights:
- $320 billion to replenish the PPP
- $30 billion of the loan funds specified for medium sized banks and credit unions with $10 billion to $50 billion in assets
- $30 billion specified for smaller banks and credit unions
- $60 billion in loans and grants for the EIDL program
Operation ABLE is offering two strategies for staff development computer training
During this challenging time, ABLE is open and helping our community stay healthy and connected as they continue to support one another and adjust to life and work during COVID-19. As we all strive to establish a new sense of order and organization in our lives, their computer training is a great place to start if you are looking for resources to guide and sustain your efforts.
Free training for eligible businesses and a low cost fee-for-service option. For additional information, click here.
AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES NEW EFFORTS TO PROTECT SMALL BUSINESSES
In response to growing concerns from small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Maura Healey announced new efforts this week to provide support and help secure the financial relief they need. The AG’s Office launched an online assistance page for small businesses, including information on available grants and loans, guidance on insurance coverage, rent abatements, options to cut expenses, mortgage relief, and access to free legal assistance.
Small businesses are also encouraged to fill out an online form to share their experience navigating options during this crisis.
In an effort to help small businesses in Massachusetts with their financial situations, AG Healey also announced two new initiatives to provide financial relief and legal assistance to small businesses impacted by closures and losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The AG’s Office also joined a coalition of law firms, nonprofits, and government agencies to launch the COVID Relief Coalition to provide vulnerable businesses and mission-driven organizations with pro bono legal support. The coalition offers quick, no-cost assistance and guidance from the local legal community to small businesses that complete an intake form.
Visit the AG’s COVID-19 resource page for information about how the AG’s Office can provide support during this crisis.
Thank you.
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