EASTER ANC UPDATE: ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR FAMILIES, SMALL BUSINESSES, AND WORKERS

I hope you are having a safe and blessed Easter! I know that we are living through a time of unprecedented crisis, but we are pulling together as “One County” in ways that we have never done before. We will bend the curve and defeat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Thank you for persevering and please carefully review all of the important assistance in this message. We must ensure that our families and businesses in the County receive our fair share of available assistance to survive this crisis and eventually recover. Please share this information with your neighbors. May God continue to bless you and your family and please say a special prayer for our health care workers, public safety officers, and front line essential employees. Prince George’s is Rising above this crisis!

-Mel Franklin

FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS IMPACT PAYMENTS (THE “CARES ACT”)

The federal government’s one-time ($1200 per adult and $500 per dependent child aged 16 and under) COVID-19 economic impact payments are beginning to be distributed to individuals in Maryland who meet income certain thresholds as early as this week (for those who have direct deposit on record with the IRS, funds will be processed faster). Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file an abbreviated tax return to receive an Economic Impact Payment. Payments will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts.

More information is available from the IRS by clicking here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments.

Problems that need to be fixed with the federal stimulus payments: Under the federal stimulus law, households with dependent children that were 17 years-old and older on the most recent tax filing will not receive the $500 per child payment. Additionally, many households care for disabled adults or seniors and claim them as dependents, but neither the household or the dependent adults will receive a stimulus payment for those dependent adults. Our federal partners should retroactively fix this issue in the next stimulus legislation. Contact them here: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members.

ASSISTANCE FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY SMALL AND MINORITY BUSINESS OWNERS

If you are a Prince George’s County small business affected by the Coronavirus crisis, please apply for as much of this assistance as possible. These funds are for you and they are first-come, first-served! Funds will likely go very fast!

Federal Stimulus Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Forgivable Loans:

The federal stimulus law (CARES Act) creates a new “Paycheck Protection Program” to help small businesses survive and keep their workers employed, but the available funding is going fast. If you are a Prince George’s County small business affected by the Coronavirus crisis, you absolutely should apply for this program, which includes forgivable loans. For more info and to apply, go here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp.

Prince George’s County COVID-19 Business Relief Fund:

The Prince George’s County COVID19 Business Relief Fund is a $15M fund established to provide financial assistance to businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The Relief Fund can be used to support cash operating expenses including payroll, suppliers, rent, fixed debt payments and other business critical cash operating costs. $2.5 million of the funds are in the form of grants, while the rest ($12.5 million) are traditional loans with deferred repayment. Beginning April 13, apply here fast: https://www.pgcedc.com/covid-business-fund-2020.

SBA Emergency Economic Injury Grants:

The emergency economic injury grant is an emergency advance of up to $10,000 available to small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. The grant is available within three days of applying for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and does not need to be repaid. Click here for more info: https://www.sba.gov/page/disaster-loan-applications.

Prince George’s County COVID-19-related Procurement Opportunities:

Emergency Procurement Forecast Related to COVID-19 (as of April 3, 2020): If your company has the capacity to provide any of the commodity or services at the link below, please email the point of contact listed. In your email, please include your company’s capabilities statement, a list of local references (preferably other municipalities/government entities) that can confirm your ability to deliver the requested commodity or services, and please indicate if you are a registered and certified vendor with the County. Please go here: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29611/FY-2020-COVID-Forecast-v2.

SBA Small Business Debt Relief Program:

The Small Business Administration will pay the principal, interest, and fees on qualifying SBA loans. Click here for more info: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/sba-debt-relief

The Greater Washington Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund for Nonprofits:

The Community Foundation, in collaboration with regional partners, has established the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support emergency preparedness and response efforts that will help mitigate the impact on disproportionately affected communities in the region. Through this fund, the Community Foundation is focused on addressing lost wages, providing relief for small businesses and gig economy workers, expanding access to medical services, and meeting the unique needs of people experiencing homelessness, among other needs. For more info, please go here: https://www.thecommunityfoundation.org/covid-19-rfp.

Maryland Small Business Relief Programs:

In our ANC newsletter two weeks ago, I mentioned this state aid below, but these programs are no longer accepting new applications. Click here for more details: https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-fund-programs

Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund: Loans up to $50,000 are available for businesses with less than 50 employees.

Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund: Grants up to $10,000 are available for businesses with less than 50 employees.

Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund: Grants up to $100,000 are available for manufacturers to increase capacity to produce personal protective equipment.

For a complete guide to federal small business assistance in the CARES ACT, go here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-E5706c_7fq-O5JMXwEUKL1ku1vJsdhU.

For a one-stop-shop page for Prince George’s County COVID-19 small business assistance, go here: https://www.pgcedc.com/covid19.

ENHANCED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY COVID-19

The Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance is experiencing an extremely high volume of users due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which may result in long wait times. No matter when you file, Marylanders become eligible for benefits beginning the day after they are separated from employment. Included in the CARES Act, which was signed into law last week, is an additional $600 per week for individuals claiming unemployment insurance.  The legislation also expanded unemployment insurance eligibility to self-employed, gig, furloughed, and contract workers. **Every Prince George’s County resident experiencing an interruption in employment due to COVID-19 should apply for this relief!**

To file a claim:
-If your last name starts with A – F, file your claim on Monday.
-If your last name starts with G – N, file your claim on Tuesday.
-If your last name starts with O – Z, file your claim on Wednesday.
-Claim filing is open to all last names by phone on Thursday and Friday and online Thursday through Sunday.

The Claim Center telephone lines are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call 410-949-0022. The online claim portal is available 24/7. Click here for more information and to apply online: https://secure-2.dllr.state.md.us/NetClaims/Welcome.aspx.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY HOURLY EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND

Employ Prince George’s, in partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation, has launched the Prince George’s County Covid-19 Hourly Employee Relief Fund for Prince George’s County residents who have been laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These residents are eligible for a $200 EPG Visa Cash Card. Priority will be given to Prince George’s County residents who were earning $19 or less per hour prior to their layoff. Please apply here: https://employpgedge.com/.

Donate to this relief fund here: https://www.employpg.org/how-you-can-help/

IMPORTANT FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES

Meal Distribution Information for PGCPS families:

Maryland public schools are closed through April 24. Free meal pick-up will occur twice a week going forward. Students can get meals for two days on Mondays and three days on Wednesdays. There will be no meal service on Monday, April 13 due to spring break. Service will resume Tuesday, April 14 with one meal; three meals will be available on Wednesday, April 15. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are available at 43 sites. Parents may now pick up meals for students who are unable to come to the site by showing a student ID or report card. Meals are available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Parents and guardians are not required to accompany students nor are students required to show ID. For a full list of sites, go here: https://www.pgcps.org/coronavirus/meal-sites/.

Prince George’s County Food Pantry Locations:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several food pantries have been setup throughout the County and in neighboring jurisdictions. Enter your zip code or address into the map at the link below to search for the food pantry nearest you. Click the pantry of your choice to get additional information about that location including directions and hours of operation: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/3424/Food-Pantry-Locations.

Pr. George’s Food Equity Council Food Assistance Information Regarding SNAP Benefits and Other Food Options for Residents:

The Prince George’s County Food Equity Council has put together a comprehensive list of food and nutrition resources for Prince George’s County residents in need, including important info about accessing SNAP benefits and much, much more. Please go here for more info: http://www.pgcfec.org/multimedia/latest-news/item/66-food-assistance-resources-for-residents-impacted-by-covid-19.html and take advantage of this important assistance.

Prince George’s County Senior Meal Delivery: The Dept. of Family Services offers a senior meal delivery program. For more info, go here: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1723/Nutrition-Services or call 301-265-8450.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING – BEGINNING APRIL 14

From PGCPS: While distance (online) learning will not be structured as a typical school day, we do expect to maintain key aspects of the classroom experience: collaboration with peers, daily lessons and experimentation with individualized and innovative techniques. Our distance learning model will be inclusive of a blend of approaches to learning activities; independent, self-paced work; virtual office hours to check for understanding and submission of assignments. This is to maintain an academic connection and flexibility for students, teachers and families. For more, please go here: https://www.pgcps.org/Coronavirus/content/messages/March-30,-2020—Connecting-PGCPS-Through-Our-Distance-Learning-Program/.

OTHER IMPORTANT AID AND INFORMATION:

Prince George’s Coronavirus Hotline and Website: If you have any questions or concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please call the Prince George’s County Health Department Coronavirus hotline at (301) 883-6627 during 8:00am – 8:00pm to receive updated information about the coronavirus disease. *Please contact 911 for medical emergencies only.* Do not contact 911 for non-emergency Coronavirus related issues. Follow the County Coronavirus Website for the latest updates on this crisis: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/3397/Coronavirus.

Governor Hogan Prohibits Evictions and Foreclosures During the COVID-19 State of Emergency: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan recently issued an order prohibiting foreclosures and evictions (residential or commercial) during the coronavirus pandemic. The order does not relieve borrowers or renters from their obligation to pay back their mortgages or pay rent, but it does prevent people from losing their homes or being evicted. Copy of Gov. Hogan’s Executive Order: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Evictions-Repossessions-Foreclosure-AMENDED-4.3.20.pdf.

County Executive Alsobrooks Issues Order Requiring Face Coverings in Stores and TheBus: County Executive Alsobrooks has issued an Executive Order requiring all patrons shopping in County grocery stores, pharmacies and large chain retail establishments to wear masks or face coverings to enter, effective April 15. The order also requires individuals who ride “TheBus”, our County’s bus transit system, to wear masks or face coverings on board. The order will also require that grocery stores, pharmacies and large retailers promote social distancing inside and outside of the stores while customers wait. For more info, go here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDPGC/bulletins/2860a24.

Governor Hogan Prohibits Residential Shut-Offs and Late Fees for Public Utilities. For a copy of the order, go here: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Executive-Order-Prohibit-Termination-of-Residential.pdf.

FedExField COVID-19 Testing Site: As you are probably aware, Prince George’s County has opened a screening and testing site at FedExField, mainly for Prince George’s County residents who do not have a primary care doctor, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You are required to have an appointment to be tested at the FedExField site. If you suspect you have COVID-19 and are unable to reach your primary care doctor (or you don’t have one), call the Prince George’s County Coronavirus hotline at 301-883-6672. For more, go here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pNUih-ZUOq3zg1sAwDuwwP2u5syOILAL/view?usp=sharing.

Prince George’s County Releases COVID-19 Cases By Zip Code: We’ve released a dashboard that shows you the COVID-19 cases by zip code and, even more importantly, cases per 100,000 by zip code. Please go here for this info: https://princegeorges.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/9491556559cb4bba8ead3aa72ac3edcf.

Maryland Releases Data on COVID-19 and Race Showing Racial Disparities in Cases and Deaths: From the Baltimore Sun “Maryland this week for the first time reported data on COVID-19 cases by race, and it showed that black people account for almost half of the state’s cases, and 53% of coronavirus deaths, though they make up less than a third of its total population.” Full story here: https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-abc-this-week-20200412-vmbocay5j5dnjaunm2pv6kq3ie-story.html. Maryland COVID-19 Data can be found here: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/. April 12, 2020 breakdown of COVID-19 deaths and cases in Maryland by race: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tJe9ju2CKgVv1X_AmcNwKXkDnPGzPllo.

Child Care for Essential Employees: During this State of Emergency, child care programs have been established by the State to serve only designated essential personnel. For more info, go here: https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/early-childhood-grants-programming-and-initiatives-maryland-during-covid-19-state-emergency.

Student Federal Loan Assistance: Students with federal student loans may be eligible to temporarily stop making payments on their student loans. Click here for more info: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus.

Veterans Assistance: The VA is working to ensure veterans can access the health care services they need. For more info, go here: https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/. Veterans in crisis should call 1-800-273-8255.

Looking to Donate COVID-19 Related Supplies? As we continue to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, Prince Georgians have shown that we come together to support each other in times of crisis. In response to a number of calls we have received from Prince Georgians asking how they can help, we have set up this donation page to support residents in need, as well as our first responders, law enforcement officers, and medical personnel. Please go here: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/FormCenter/Health-13/COVID19-Donations-138.

-Mel Franklin, Council Member At-Large