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Hello Friends, Family, and Neighbors-
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The General Assembly has extended the recess of the legislative session. It is likely we will return to the Capitol on May 18th. 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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Graphic sourced from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
- Colorado transitioned to the Safer-at-Home plan on April 27th.
- Governor Polis outlined the state's approach to testing in his update on Wednesday. Currently, the state is running 3,000 tests a day, with plans to increase that to 5,000 by early May and 8,000 by the end of May.
- Use the Colorado Symptom Tracker to report your symptoms if you are feeling unwell.
Southern Colorado Updates
The San Luis Valley has 27 positive cases.
Alamosa County- 12
Conejos County- 0
Costilla County- 3
Mineral County- 2
Rio Grande County- 7
Saguache County- 3
11 people have been hospitalized, 21 have completed isolation, and 2 have died.
Huerfano County has 2 confirmed cases.
Pueblo County has 136 confirmed and probable cases and 10 deaths. 862 tests have been administered.
Drive-up testing site details:
- Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (Until May 28)
- Location: Colorado State Fair Grounds, 1001 Beulah Avenue, enter through Gate 4 off Mesa Avenue and Gaylord Avenue
- Cost: All testing will be free. Insurance will not be required.
Testing is available to anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
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I had the privilege to help pass out 500 masks with the "Masketeers" in Pueblo. I am so proud of how Southern Colorado has come together during these unprecedented times. We are all in this together!
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Safer-at Home Guidelines
The "Safer-at-Home" Plan went into effect on Monday, April 27th. Here are some important things to know:
April 27th- Retailers could begin curbside service and real estate showings could resume.
May 1st- Retail and personal services can open if they are implementing best practices. The best practices for each industry can be found on the ‘Safer-at-Home’ website. There are best practices outlined to ensure the safety of workers and customers. Here are the industries you will find on the website:
May 4th- Non-critical offices can reopen if implementing best practices and lower density.
As the state is able to analyze data, they will look at when the timeline would be to open gyms, bars, and restaurants for eat-in service.
It is still recommended that we stay at home as much as we can, especially if you are elderly or immunocompromised. Continue to practice good hygiene with frequent hand washing and remember to always wear a mask when you leave your home.
If you are a business looking to reopen, I would highly recommend you visit the website and take a look at what best practices are required for you to open.
Per the executive order, no vulnerable individuals can be compelled by their employer to return to work if it requires in-person work near others. Employers must accommodate vulnerable individuals with remote work options, if the work can be done remotely. Any violations of social distancing or other health and safety orders should be reported to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Organization or your county health officials.
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Paycheck Protection Program
Another $300 billion is now available. If you are a small business interested in applying for this loan program, please do it as soon as possible. Visit your local lender to see if you qualify and to apply.
So far, 41,642 loans totaling $7.4 billion have been dispersed to businesses and nonprofits in Colorado. These loans are targeted to help with payroll expenses- to be forgiven, 75% of the loan must be used on payroll.
There were some issues in the first round of the program with publicly traded businesses receiving loans. Around $10 billion in funds has been returned already. In the second round, loans over $2 million will have to go through an audit process. Hopefully with some of the new mechanisms in the second round, small businesses that truly need these funds will be the ones who receive them.
If you applied during the first round of PPP funding and did not receive it, check with your lending institution to see if you need to do another application or if they can use your first application for this round. It really is at the discretion of the lending institution.
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Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers
Farmers and ranchers can apply for PPP funding. Farm Bureau Bank is working to help Farm Bureau members to apply for funds. Members do not need to be an existing bank customer, something many other institutions are requiring before initiating loan applications.
The CARES Act contains $9.5 billion in assistance for agriculture producers who have been impacted by COVID-19 along with a $14 billion replenishment to the Commodity Credit Corporation. There will be a temporary, three-month extension on repayment of commodity marketing assistance loans to help support farms and ranches.
Colorado Farm and Food Systems Respond and Rebuild Fund is giving flexible resources to producers and entities working to support the needs of small and mid-sized producers with a gross cash farm income between $1,000 and $1 million. Funding requests must be directly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255.
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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.
Re-elect Valdez for State Representative HD 62
Visit my website to donate or volunteer with my campaign
www.ValdezforCO.com |
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