From Norm Needleman, via Brooke Parker, Legislative Aide.
(March 19, 2020) — I wanted to share with you an update on how state leaders are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, and resources available to you and your family.
Connecticut Business Owner Conference Call
On Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., the Department of Economic and Community Development will hold a conference call open to all businesses, chambers of commerce, stakeholders and in-state partners where Governor Ned Lamont and DECD Commissioner David Lehman will share details on how the state is responding to the economic issues of the COVID-19 outbreak.
To access this call, please dial 1-888-456-0356 and enter passcode 2802806# on Thursday afternoon.
Connecticut Small Business COVID-19 Impact Survey
Additionally, Advance CT, the DECD and Connecticut Business and Industry Association have developed a business survey for Connecticut business owners. This will inform leaders as to the immediate impacts of COVID-19 and guide best practices in responding to the outbreak in a way that lessens its impact. This survey has just 12 questions and can be completed in less than five minutes. You can access it at this link.
What Seniors Should Know
During this outbreak, many are concerned for the safety of themselves and their loved ones, especially as the Centers for Disease Control has issued warnings to individuals over the age of 60 stressing the dangers of COVID-19. The AARP is releasing information regularly to help older Americans stay safe at this time. Please visit www.aarp.org/coronavirus for information and resources for older people and caregivers that will help protect against the virus, prevent its spread and assist the public as the situation continues to develop. Among the resources available to the public are scheduled and recorded telephone town halls, advice on how to manage health during this time and important, necessary steps we all can take to keep ourselves and others safe.
Special Access Health CT Enrollment Period
Due to the exceptional circumstances surrounding the spread of COVID-19, Access Health CT has announced a NEW special enrollment period will be held for uninsured Connecticut residents to sign up for an Access Health CT health insurance plan.
Access Health CT (also known as the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange) was created by the Connecticut state legislature in 2011 as part of ‘Obamacare,’ known more formally as the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
This special enrollment period runs from Thursday, March 19 until Thursday, April 2, 2020. Coverage will begin on April 1.
You can enroll by TELEPHONE ONLY, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling 855-805-4325 (TTY: 1- 855-365-2428)
More information is available at: Learn.AccessHealthCT.com.
Business Tax Return Extensions
The Department of Revenue Services has granted extensions of Connecticut filing deadlines for certain annual tax returns to support businesses during this trying time. Filing deadlines for certain annual tax returns due on or after March 15 and before June 1 are extended by at least 30 days, with extensions pushed to June deadlines. The following returns received extensions:
- 2019 Form CT-1065/CT-1120 SI Connecticut Pass-Though Entity Tax Return: Filing date extended to April 15; payment deadline extended to June 15
- 2019 Form CT-990T Connecticut Unrelated Business Income Tax Return: Filing date and payment deadline extended to June 15
- 2019 Form CT-1120 and CT-1120CU Connecticut Corporation Business Return: Filing date and payment deadline extended to June 15.
Small Business Loan Access
The Governor announced yesterday that small businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19 are now officially eligible for disaster relief loans of up to $2 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
To sign up for disaster relief loans, go to www.sba.gov/disaster or call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955. For more information on how you can apply for SBA disaster loans, check out this live webinar tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18 from 11 am-11:30 am.
If you have additional questions at a state-level, please contact the Connecticut Department of Economic Community Development at 860-500-2333 to speak with a representative. Small businesses can stay connected with news and pertinent information regarding COVID-19 by visiting ct.gov/coronavirus.
Businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters are all eligible, according to the SBA website..
In addition to disaster relief loans for small businesses, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving recently announced it is launching a COVID-19 Response Fund with $1 million in seed money.
Per their language the fund will provide flexible resources to organizations throughout the region that serve residents who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the economic consequences of the outbreak.
The fund will assist community-based organizations that provide basic human needs to residents with the highest needs for:
- Food and grocery items
- Health Care Services
- Resources for Rent and Utility services
To learn more about the fund, and make a donation, click here.
Support Local Farms
Having trouble finding certain items at your local grocery store? Now there’s another option!
Connecticut farm stands and farmers’ markets are open for business. A number of farm stands and farmers’ markets have already integrated online to handle order-ahead options with home delivery or curbside pickup.
A list of farmers’ markets and farm stands can be found at: www.ctgrown.gov
Expansion of Closures To Combat COVID-19
Governor Ned Lamont announced that beginning at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, indoor retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys across Connecticut will close. This is an expansion of closures issued earlier this week that included banning gatherings of more than 50 people, requiring restaurants and bars to close for non-takeout and delivery service, and closures of large movie theaters, gyms and casinos. The agreement comes as part of a regional agreement made between Governor Lamont and the Governors of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Additional changes made this week include a temporary suspension of the state bottle-deposit law and a suggestion made by the state Department of Health to massage therapists, hair and nail salons and cosmetologists, among others, who work in close proximity to clients. These steps are made to prevent individuals from coming within close contact with one another in order to meet the necessary guidelines of social distancing.
Connecticut Children’s Informational Hotline
For parents and community members worried about COVID-19, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has opened a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week hotline phone number for people with questions.
The Connecticut Children’s COVID hotline will have workers providing expert advice and information about COVID-19 to the public. During these trying times, parents will undoubtedly be concerned about keeping their children and families safe.
By calling 1-833-226-2362, hotline professionals will answer general questions, the latest information on the outbreak and directions to families and providers about when a patient needs to receive medical attention. This hotline is in addition to the online Connecticut Children’s Coronavirus Information Center.
