Blackburn Releases COVID-19 Resource Guide for Tennesseans
NASHVILLE, TENN. – Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has released the following COVID-19 resource guide for Tennesseans. Our Tennessee Workforce Have you recently been laid off, or has a reduction in compensation made it difficult to make ends meet? ØVisit the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development website to file for Unemployment Insurance and other forms of assistance:https://www.tn.gov/workforce/unemployment/apply-for-benefits.html. Are you worried about making payroll? ØThe Paycheck Protection Program provides eight weeks of cash-flow assistance through 100% federally guaranteed loans to small employers who keep paying their employees during this emergency. Do you have questions about new federal paid leave requirements related to the Coronavirus? ØThe U.S. Labor Department’s Fact Sheet for Employees:https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave. ØQuestions and Answers: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions.
Tennessee Employers and Small Businesses Need help to make payroll or to keep the lights on? ØThe U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. ØThe IRS is extending payroll tax credits to eligible small and midsize businesses: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-irs-and-labor-announce-plan-to-implement-coronavirus-related-paid-leave-for-workers-and-tax-credits-for-small-and-midsize-businesses-to-swiftly-recover-the-cost-of-providing-coronavirus. Questions about unemployment benefits? ØVisit the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development website: https://www.tn.gov/workforce/unemployment/apply-for-benefits.html. Questions about new federal paid leave requirements related to COVID-19? ØThe U.S. Labor Department’s Fact Sheet for Employers: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave. ØQuestions and Answers: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions. ØField Assistance Bulletin on the Labor Department’s 30-day non-enforcement policy: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/field-assistance-bulletins/2020-1. ØRequired Poster for Employers to Fulfill Notice Requirement: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/posters/FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non-Federal.pdf. Additional information for businesses is available through the Small Business Administration. ØVisit their website: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources. Our Health Care Workers Are you a volunteer health care worker? ØThe CARES Act includes Senator Blackburn’s Good Samaritan clause to protect you from frivolous lawsuits as you volunteer during this public health emergency. Federal Taxes and Rebate Checks Questions about how COVID-19 affects your federal incomes taxes? ØThe IRS has delayed Tax Day until July 15. Visit the IRS resource page for more information: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus. Questions about the immediate cash relief Tennesseans will receive? ØThe IRS will send recovery rebate checks to eligible Americans: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus. Competitive Federal Grants How will this pandemic affect federal grant applications and awards? ØCheck the awarding agency website for announcements and reach out to the agency regarding extensions and other inquires. ØVisit our grants website to request support for your competitive federal grant application: https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/grant-requests.
Education What resources are available to help Tennessee students, graduates and schools? ØVisit the Department of Education’s COVID-19 resource page: https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus.
Living or Traveling Abroad Are you abroad and need assistance from the U.S. State Department? ØEnroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/. ØContact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or call 1-888-407-4747 (U.S. & Canada) or 1- 202-501-4444 (from overseas) https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html. Are you considering traveling internationally? ØThe U.S. State Department has issued its highest level advisory, urging all U.S. citizens to avoid international travel: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/travel-advisory-alert-global-level-4-health-advisory-issue.html. Are you considering traveling in the United States? ØThe CDC has issued guidance to consider before domestic travel: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
The Volunteer Spirit Looking to help your fellow Tennesseans during the COVID-19 pandemic? ØTennessee Emergency Management Agency is seeking personal protective equipment (PPE) donations from the private sector: https://www.tn.gov/tema/news/2020/3/23/private-sector-ppe-donations.html. ØIf you would like to donate, sell, or produce medical supplies and other goods for the federal government visit www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help. ØTennesseans looking for volunteer opportunities and ideas can also visit https://www.tn.gov/volunteer-tennessee/disaster-services/covid-19.html. | |
Still have questions? Our offices are ready to help you. Give us a call at (202) 224-3344. A sharable version of this resource guide is available here. |