**Update March 22, 2020**
As we have witnessed, information and situations are changing rapidly. Since my 3:00 pm call on Friday with the Governor’s office new information has been put into place. We will keep you posted on updates as soon as we receive them.
- We have received many inquiries and concerns as to whether specific businesses will be included in the definition of essential services. Here is the link which outlines Essential Services Recommendations from CISA. Please note that at this time, this is not something the Governor is anticipating. We do recognize this situation is changing by the minute.
- The Governor isn’t actively soliciting requests, but we want to hear from you. We will compile the list and work with Chambers across the state to ensure you are heard prior to any decision being made. Send your comments to kathy@gilbertchamber.com no later than Wednesday at 5pm.
- The Governor’s office will issue two executive orders/rule changes. One ensuring that people whose employment has been affected by COVID-19 have access to unemployment and another changing our tax filing date to June to match Federal changes.
- Schools are now closed until April 10th.
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March 20, 2020
This week has been a whirlwind of activity, conference calls, and sharing of all the latest information and resources with our members. I want to assure you that we have not slowed down and will continue to work on your behalf.
I have had calls with Congressman Biggs, the US Chamber, Chambers across the state and the Governors office and I have expressed the concerns we have heard from you. Here are some highlights from the calls:
- Expediency in processing SBA and commercial banking loans is a top priority
- Clear instructions and direction for businesses to understand new PTO, FMLA, and payroll tax credits (I will forward the US Chamber’s document that simplifies these items for you soon)
- I will share the recording of the US Chamber’s call from this morning.
- We will work with other Chambers to stress the importance of extending deadlines for property taxes in addition to the TPT tax extension already approved.
- From the federal level the student loan debt and tax deadlines have been extended (if you are getting a refund send your tax return in now.)
- There are talks at the State level regarding an economic stimulus plan in addition to the SBA loan that was approved state-wide. Will keep you informed
- Final budget discussions will continue at the State level next week for $50M one-time spending options in addition to the “skinny” budget which carries forward last year’s budget without one-time monies.
- The Governor has the Schools Bill on his desk that will provide flexibility in payments to schools if closed for the rest of the year and includes options for varying teaching methods during this time.
- We anticipate guidance from the Governor’s office on any extension of state taxes.
- The Governor’s Health Emergency Center (heoch@azdhs.gov) is connecting those who want to volunteer services or products with essential services.
- The ACA is working on its own portal to assist businesses with requests for economic assistance – more to come.
- We created a job page in collaboration with the EVCCA to help you match displaced workers with jobs available. Check it out - https://www.facebook.com/groups/545493332753063/
We will continue to provide you updates! Have a safe and healthy weekend!
Kathy
Please visit www.gilbertaz.com/covid-19 for resources and updates. This page is updated regularly.