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Hello Friends, Family, and Neighbors-
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Happy Earth Day!
The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, when millions of Americans protested for the protection of the environment and planet. By the end of that year, the Environmental Protection Agency was created and other environmental protection legislation was passed, including the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act. Over the years, Earth Day has mobilized over 1 billion people in 190 countries. On the 50th Anniversary of the first Earth Day, let us recommit to the ideals that gave rise to this movement- the protection of our planet, and of the resources and species that inhabit it. Thanks to all the farmers and ranchers who care for their soils, and let's all remember to buy local, Colorado Proud products! Celebrate virtually on the Earth Day website today.
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Graphic sourced from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
- Governor Polis has announced details on the "Safer at Home" plan to begin to reopen the state. The state will transition from the stay-at-home order to the safer at home plan on April 27th.
- On April 27th, restrictions will be eased on personal services (salons, tattoo shops, dental offices), elective medical procedures and retail via curbside or delivery will be allowed. Retailers can open to a limited number of in-store customers on May 1st, as long as social distancing measures are put in place.
- On May 4th, large workplaces can open at 50% workforce capacity.
- Restaurants and bars will stay closed until at least mid-May when data can be evaluated on how the spread of the virus has progressed.
- The Governor is encouraging people to still stay at home. Continue to wear a mask if you must go out and limit gatherings to less than 10 people. The elderly and those with compromised immune systems should remain at home and avoid leaving unless absolutely necessary.
- It is essential that we still implement social distancing measures and limit our interactions as much as possible to continue to halt the spread of the virus.
Southern Colorado
The San Luis Valley has 24 positive cases:
Alamosa County-9
Conejos County-0
Costilla County-3
Mineral County-2
Rio Grande County-7
Saguache County-3
9 are currently hospitalized, 19 have completed isolation, and 2 have died.
The SLV COVID-19 Testing Task Force has been working to increase testing in the SLV. Prior to this week, testing was limited to those who met CDC guidelines for Priority 1- those with symptoms who were hospitalized or healthcare facility workers with symptoms. However, moving forward SLV residents with symptoms who fall outside the scope of Priority 1 are now eligible for local testing.
Pueblo County has 92 confirmed cases and 7 people have died.
A FEMA sponsored testing site will be open in Pueblo starting today, April 22nd, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and has the capacity to do 250 tests per day.
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Small Business Resources
Paycheck Protection Program: It seems likely that the Paycheck Protection Program will be back up and running after the Senate approved more funding yesterday.
City of Alamosa Dept. of Economic Development: The City of Alamosa has launched a $100,000 loan program, with 0% interest, for small businesses. You have to be a business with less than 25 employees, hold a current Business License, have a physical location within the city limits of Alamosa, and show a current or projected income decline due to COVID-19. For more information and to request an application, contact Kathy Woods at [email protected] or 719-587-2546.
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Employee Resources
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: Gig workers, self-employed, contractors, and those who have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits can now apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment launched this application on Monday. You will need your 2019 or 2018 tax return to apply and your work history for the past 18 months. For more information and to submit a claim, visit the CDLE website.
Colorado Restaurant Association COVID-19 Angel Relief Fund Grant: If you are a restaurant or hospitality worker who has either 1) been diagnosed with COVID-19 2) have been quarantined under a doctor's care or 3) are unable to receive government assistance and have been out of work for a month or longer you may be eligible to apply for this grant.
Another Round Another Rally: Another Round Another Rally is offering $500 relief grants to hospitality workers who have lost their jobs or have had their hours cut in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow the link to find out more information.
OnwardCO: Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has launched the OnwardCO to connect people with a variety of resources including life essentials, training, and job searching.
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Stay At Home Resources and Activities
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Anyone who would like to receive my newsletter can email me at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Our office phone number at the Capitol building is 303-866-2916
As always, feel free to reach out to me with any comments or concerns.
www.ValdezforCO.com
Re-elect Donald Valdez for State Representative HD 62! Visit my website to volunteer or support my reelection campaign. |
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