The new Governor’s Executive Order spelling out how the new Phase 2 rules relate to prior guidance is now available: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/executive_orders/eo_20-27.pdf In particular, For new language on travel guidance and modified return to work language, see page 16.
PPP reform has passed the US Senate. From Amy Amhrein in Sen. Merkley’s office:
Legislation modifying the Paycheck Protection Program passed the Senate yesterday afternoon. This is the PPP legislation the House passed last week and it now goes to the President for his signature. Senator Merkley supports this legislation and the flexibility it will give to PPP recipients. Key changes include:
- The percentage of the PPP loan that needs to be spent on payroll drops from 75% to 60% (allowing businesses and nonprofits to spend more funds on rent/mortgage and utilities if needed).
- PPP funds can be spent over 24 weeks, or until December 31, 2020, whichever is earlier. PPP is currently limited to eight weeks.
- Changes safe harbor period for rehires from June 30, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
- For PPP recipients that do not have their loan forgiven, the length of the loan changes from two years to five years.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/senate-approves-bill-extending-paycheck-protection-program-11591226261
https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/03/politics/paycheck-protection-program-senate/index.html
Employment and Economic Response to COVID-19
Daily Digest: Thursday, June 4
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 approves 26 counties for Phase 2 of Reopening: Governor Kate Brown approved 26 counties to move into Phase 2 of reopening on June 5, 6 and 8 under her framework for building a safe and strong Oregon. Learn more.
Governor Kate Brown announces Phase 2 of building a safe and strong Oregon: Governor Kate Brown recently announced details about Phase 2 of reopening under her framework for building a safe and strong Oregon. There are 31 counties that can apply to enter Phase 2 on Friday, June 5. Read more.
The Small Business Development Center and Small Legal Business Clinic will hold a webinar from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 8 about the legal considerations for reopening your business space during the Covid-19 crisis. The presentation will include information from the CDC, OSHA, and Oregon State guidance and requirements for Phase I and Phase II. Register here.
Economic Disparities, an Ongoing Discussion: The Office of Economic Analysis writes about historical disparities in employment and how economic recession and recovery impacts different racial and ethnic groups across Oregon. The office will continue to analyze and write about the implications and differences geographically, for various industries and occupations and for different socio-economic and racial groups across the state. Read the blog post.
