Below is a press release from the office of State Representative Dave Robertson:
TEWKSBURY, MA — With a deluge of news on both federal and state responses to COVID-19, one can easily feel overwhelmed. In these current times it is my duty, as your State Representative, to help assemble and distill the available information. I have out together what I feel is the most relevant information that will aid you in staying safe, healthy, and financially secure. If you have further questions on any other topics or concerns about anything I have compiled here, know that my office is still fully functional and I am ready to serve you however I can.
Governor Baker extended non-essential business closure and shelter-in-place orders until May 4th. Essential workers lists can be found at mass.gov but it roughly includes all of those in the food supply chain, medical field, energy and utility services, and critical manufacturing of medical related products. Other services such as construction or hotel staff supporting the response are also authorized. Consult your HR representative or the Governor’s list to see if you should be working remotely or appearing in person.
Schools will also be closed until May 4th – All schools, regardless of public or private affiliation, including non-emergency related childcare, are to remain closed with districts moving to electronic learning. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is working to implement learning alongside districts including those for students on IEPs/504 plans. WGBH and other collaborators have made a number of educational activities available online for free, which may be found at www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/ed-resources.html.
The federal government expanded unemployment benefits to include new categories and extended the collection period, as well as provided direct stimulus. With the passage of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act previously self-employed or “1099” employees were not authorized for unemployment insurance as they were exempt from paying in. The federal government is currently advising states on the rules passed by this act, and will begin receiving applications and distributing funds once the money is received and guidelines are established. An application by a 1099/self employed person will be accepted, but not acted on. It is best to wait temporarily until these funds are made available. Additional monies made available have given the Commonwealth the ability to provide 13 extra weeks of assistance to those in need. Individual filers making up to $75,000 and joint filers up to $150,000 will receive $1,200 each with a $500 stipend per child. Those making above will receive reduced amounts based on their income. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE STATE NOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL CALL YOU FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION TO DISPERSE THESE CHECKS.
The Commonwealth has changed the way unemployment is granted to make it easier. Governor Baker and the state have waived the one week waiting period, meaning if you are laid off due to COVID-19 issues you are immediately allowed to apply for your benefits. You do not have to search for other jobs during this state of emergency, you only need be ready to return to work once the enactment is lifted. Anyone who has been involved in lay-offs or business shutdowns taken in response to the virus, because of quarantine orders or directives or illness that prevents them from leaving their homes, or because they must care for a sick or quarantined family member are approved under the expanded guidelines, and may receive up to 39 weeks of assistance. You will receive 50% of your average weekly salary up to $823 dollars a week. If you have lost more than 30% of your hours you may be eligible for partial unemployment assistance.
Small Business Relief — The CARES act supplemented the initial $20 million in loans provided by the Commonwealth via a number of loans. Information on the type and where to apply varies. If you are interested please contact my office so we may direct you to the right loan and the respective federal agencies responsible. Loans include:
- Paycheck Protection Program – This loan provides cash-flow assistance through federally backed loans to employers who maintain their payroll, which if maintained forgives the loan. This cannot be used in conjunction with the federal payroll tax, and applies retroactively from February 15, 2020. This applies to small businesses, independent contractors, the self-employed and non profits.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Emergency Economic Injury Grants – Available to small businesses and non profits it provides a $10,000 advance immediately that need not be paid back under any circumstance, and an additional loan. It can be used for wage, mortgages, rent, and other costs impacted by the outbreak. This applies to small businesses, independent contractors, the self-employed and non profits.
- Small Business Debt Relief Program – If you previously had a Small Business Administration loan and are struggling this program will grant reprise. Please not that it will not apply to the Paycheck Protection Program or other COVID related loans.
PPE, Manufacturing, and Donations — The silver lining of our crisis is the absolute amount of volunteerism our community has shown in helping our front line workers and first responders. The Commonwealth is currently looking for a long list of products and medical and manufacturing assistance from qualified individuals. If you believe you can assist in the fields of plastic assembly and production, machining and manufacturing, mask and fiber processing, or have relevant medical or medical support knowledge please reach out immediately. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals will receive an expedited background check in order to instate licensing requirements. If you are licensed in another state Massachusetts will issue you a practicing license within 24 hours.
Many state deadlines and licensing requirements have been extended, including the state tax deadline and RMV renewals.
- The state tax deadline is now Wednesday, July 15th in conjunction with your federal filing deadline.
- Under pending legislation municipalities may chose to extend their fourth quarter tax bills until June 1st, and waive late-payment penalties. This is not in practice yet and should be done only after consultation with municipal authorities.
- Only 8 RMV’s are currently open and are NOT accepting walk ins. Appointments may be made at mass.gov/rmv under the “Make a Reservation Option.” Wilmington will only be accepting issues related to CDL licenses, for Class D licenses the nearest open location is Lawrence.
- RMV Licenses and permits, including CDL’s and medical certs, expiring between March 1st and April 30th will have a 60-day automatic extension.
- Firearms license policy will be handled by municipalities, please call and speak to the administrative officer to find out the appropriate policy in renewals, and consider mailing appropriate documents and forms to the respective department.
- Professionally licensed individuals will have until 90 days after the conclusion of the state of emergency to re-validate if their license expires.
- March and April Inspection Stickers have a 60 day extension
- Businesses will have until 90 days after the conclusion of the state of emergency to re-validate if a business license expires.
- Inspections and permitting processes regarding construction have new flexible rules to comply with state regulations without being held to normal deadlines. Please inquire for nuanced responses.
Yours in service,
Representative Robertson
617-722-2210
david.robertson@mahouse.gov
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