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Hello Friends, Family, and Neighbors-
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The General Assembly has extended the recess of the legislative session. I am still checking emails daily and am involved in the COVID-19 response in the San Luis Valley and Southern Colorado. Do not hesitate to reach out to me if I can be of help to you or your organization.
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As of Monday, April 6th, Colorado has 5,172 cases in 54 counties with 994 hospitalized and 150 deaths. 26,875 people have been tested for COVID-19.
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Graphic sourced from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment with numbers as of April 5th.
- Governor Polis announced last week that they are requesting everyone wear a mask when out in public doing essential activities. For resources on how to make your own mask, please visit the Colorado Mask Project website. Be creative and make it fun!
- Here is an extensive list of essential businesses during the stay-at-home order.
- Last week, Governor Polis presented preliminary data that shows our social distancing efforts are making a difference. Keep up the great work and let's continue to flatten the curve!
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The San Luis Valley has 17 positive cases right now.
- Alamosa- 4
- Costilla- 3
- Mineral- 2
- Rio Grande- 5
- Saguache- 3
Have you felt ill at any point since March 1st? SLV Emergency wants you to enter your symptoms anonymously in order to better track COVID-19 activity in the San Luis Valley. You can find the voluntary survey form here.
Pueblo County has 42 positive cases.
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Stimulus Checks
As part of the historic $2 trillion stimulus package, the government will be sending direct payments to help individuals and families get through these challenging times. Here is what that entails:
A $1,200 direct payment to individuals earning $75,000 or less based on your 2019 or 2018 tax return. Married couples earning up to $150,000 will receive $2,400. An additional $500 will be provided for each child.
The IRS is predicting that they will begin to deposit these direct payments into bank accounts on file around mid-April. If you are not required to file taxes (if you do not meet the income threshold), Turbo Tax has partnered with the IRS to create a free "Stimulus Registration" so that the IRS will have your up-to-date address and bank information on file. You can find out if you qualify for a stimulus check and find the free Stimulus Registration tool here.
Paycheck Protection Program Forgivable Loan
Another measure in the stimulus package is the Paycheck Protection Program that authorizes $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. This benefit is available to Small Businesses, Sole Proprietorships, Independent Contractors, Self-Employed, Tribal Business Concerns, 501(c)3s and 501(c)19s.
The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as:
-The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8 week period after the loan in made; and
-Employee and compensation levels are maintained
You can find and download the form here.
Fill out the form and gather necessary documents. You can ask your accountant or bank that pays your business's payroll to see if they are authorized to process your loan.
Thank you to Upper Rio Grande Economic Development for putting this information together.
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Protect Yourself From Scams
Unfortunately, national emergencies, pandemics, and other disasters, open up the gates for opportunistic scammers to take advantage of a scared, vulnerable population. Here are some tips to ensure that you and your family are not taken advantage of.
1) Do not give your bank account information or any other personal information over the phone. No one from the government will call you regarding the financial assistance as part of the stimulus package. The IRS has outlined what to look out for as it pertains to these types of schemes and scams.
2) Beware of fraudulent "cures" or "treatments" for the virus. Do not accept or purchase a test or treatment from someone other than a doctor, pharmacist, or local health department. Not only can this be a waste of money, but it can put your health at risk!
3) Be cautious of cyber criminals. Use strong passwords, do not click on links from unknown senders, make online purchases from legitimate companies, and verify charities before you donate.
You can register here to join AG Weiser and AARP ElderWatch for more information on avoiding Coronavirus scams.
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2020 Census
Please do not forget to fill out your 2020 Census!
Participation in the census ensures that our state and communities receive a fair cut of the over $1 trillion in Federal funding available. It will help determine whether Colorado will receive an 8th Congressional District, resulting in more representation at the National level.
As a reminder, there is NO citizenship question on the 2020 Census.
You can fill out the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.
Make sure you and your family are counted!
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Domestic Violence Resources
Those in domestic violence situations are in positions of heightened vulnerability right now. DV programs and safe houses are still operating during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. You can also visit the Violence Free Colorado website to find emergency numbers for the programs operating in your county.
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Stay At Home Resources and Activities
Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Cams: Take a virtual trip to the aquarium.
Free Access to Scribd: Scribd's library has millions of ebooks, audiobooks, magazine articles, and more. They are giving 30 days access to their library for free.
The Louvre: Take a virtual tour of The Louvre in Paris, France. Exhibitions include Egyptian Antiquities, The Advent of the Artist, Remains of the Louvre's Moat, and Galerie d'Apollon.
Yoga, HIIT, ClassPass: Many gyms and fitness studios are providing free access to online classes.
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