Employment and Economic Response to COVID-19
Daily Digest: Thursday, April 16
This digest is a compilation of information and resources related to employment, commerce and economic development issues surrounding COVID-19. There are numerous online resources for those seeking health-related information, including daily COVID-19 updates from the Oregon Health Authority at https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19.
Governor Kate Brown issues order to preserve civic engagement, essential local services during COVID-19 crisis: Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order 20-16 this week, directing state and local governments to take necessary measures to facilitate public participation in decision-making, helping ensure the continued operation of local government and the delivery of essential services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read the full news release.
The Small Business Administration updated its website Thursday morning to notify business owners that the agency is unable to accept new applications for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program loans, based on available funding. Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more.
The Internal Revenue Service has launched an online tool called Get My Payment that people can use to check the status of Economic Impact Payments. You’ll need to enter your Social Security number, date of birth and mailing address in order to track your payment.
The Oregon Employment Department takes a deeper look at initial unemployment insurance claims, with the leisure and hospitality sector accounting for the largest claims. Read today’s blogpost.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched the Save Small Business Fund to provide up to $5,000 grants to small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Grant applications will be available on April 20, 2020.
Travel Oregon has posted recording of a recent session about COVID-19 response for tour operators, guides and outfitters. Employers in the tour industry can contact [email protected] for more information on how to stay informed and engaged.
The Oregon Employment Department said it received 53,800 initial claims for unemployment benefits for the week of April 5 to April 11. That is in addition to a revised total of 243,000 initial claims filed during the prior three weeks. Read the news release.
The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis looks at the short and long term impact of COVID-19 to Oregon’s business community. This analysis looks at the immediate impact of public policy support, including the Paycheck Protection Program and the CARES Act.
