Good evening,
One week down Vermonters! Here are today’s updates:
DRM Client Alert for Federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Expanded FMLA Protections
DRM is Downs Rachlin Martin, one of the largest law firms in the state – here is a look at the guidance in their recent client update they are providing on the federal legislation which recently passed and which focuses specifically on sick leave, expanded family and medical leave, and associated tax credits for employers.
This is a highlight of what has passed. It is not yet being implemented. Please do not call DRM with questions! I promise to get more details out as soon as they are available.
BDCC Resources and Information for Businesses & Employers
BDCC is planning for the recovery of the Windham Region’s economic development
BDCC is the private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth throughout Southeastern Vermont, including Windham County and the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, Weston, and Winhall.
Our goal is to assist start-up companies, growing companies, and global businesses alike, in order to support continued success stories in our region.
BDCC is affiliated with the State of Vermont as the certified Regional Development Corporation (RDC) serving the greater Windham County area. BDCC is one of 12 RDCs throughout Vermont.
Vermont Legislative Function
The Vermont Senate is going back next week to vote on several items.
Governor Phil Scott Announces Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Small Business Affected by COVID-19
Governor Phil Scott today announced Vermont small business owners suffering economic injury due the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans, following a statewide disaster declaration.
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) offer up to $2 million in assistance per business, providing economic support to overcome temporary loss of revenue. EIDLs may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for private non-profit organizations, which are also eligible for EIDLs.
Dover and Wardsboro student meal pick up
From the Deerfield Valley News:
“Lunch and breakfast will be made available to students during the dismissal, which has the potential to be prolonged. Dover students will be able to access bagged lunches beginning Tuesday, per Martyn.
“Families have been notified that they simply must contact the school by 9 am on the day they would like a meal and those meals will be ready to pick up between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm daily,” he said. “Families who may not be able to get to the school at that time of day may either arrange a different pickup time or request help with getting the meals delivered to their home.”
Wardsboro students can access grab-and-go meals at three locations: Newbrook Elementary School; Jamaica Village School; and Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School. Meals will be available between 11 am and 1 pm. Lunch will be provided, as will breakfast for the following day. Wardsboro Elementary School principal Tammy Bates said she was also working with families who may need their meals delivered?
CDC Explainer on Corona Virus
Saturday Hours Announced For Unemployment Claims Center
Montpelier – The Department of Labor has announced updated hours at its Unemployment Insurance Claims Center, which will be open on Saturdays starting on Saturday, March 21.
Updated hours are in addition to the newly added electronic form option for establishing benefit claims.
CLAIM CENTER HOURS: Monday – Friday: 8:15am – 6:00pm
SATURDAY: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
CONTACT OPTIONS: 1-877-214-3330(Monday – Saturday)
Online Form (24-hours, online at Labor.Vermont.gov)
1-888-807-7072(Monday – Friday, only)
Vermonters with questions can call 211 for more assistance.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions, or if you need assistance navigating government services at (802) 384-0233 or lsibilia@leg.state.vt.us
Kind regards,
Rep. Laura Sibilia
Dover, Readsboro, Searsburg, Somerset, Stamford, Wardsboro, Whitingham
Vermont State Representative Laura Sibilia 