EDD Temporarily Suspends Certifications for the Weeks Ending March 14 – May 9

Suspending Certification Will Remove Strain on UI System Allowing More Users to have access to the system to file claims and to get online support

SACRAMENTO, CA — California Labor Secretary Julie A. Su sent a memorandum to Employment Development Department Director Sharon Hilliard directing the department to temporarily suspend unemployment certifications.

Su’s memo addresses the reasoning behind the directive:

Over the last two days, the benefits system has slowed significantly due to the strain of so many claims, keeping Californians from accessing UI Online to file new claims and to certify for payments. This has threatened the ability of people to apply for benefits and our ability to pay benefits[.]

In order to preserve UI Online and its ability to function to provide UI benefits and additional federal pandemic-related benefits to Californians, we need to take additional temporary emergency action.

Su also provided clarity on how this is allowable in the Unemployment Insurance Code:

In light of the persistent inability of many claimants to access UI Online to submit benefit certifications because of the historically high volume of claims causing unprecedented pressure on the UI Online platform, I am directing EDD not to disqualify a claimant for continued UI benefits on the ground that the claimant has not submitted a continued claim under Unemployment Insurance Code (UIC) section 1326.5 (also known as “certification” or “re-certification”) for the weeks ending March 14, 2020 through May 9, 2020. . . . This temporary emergency action is needed to ensure that claimants continue to be paid timely, even as the total number of new incoming claims continues to rapidly increase.

This temporary emergency flexibility is consistent with state law. UIC section 1326.5 provides that EDD can excuse a claimant’s failure to strictly comply with the statute’s requirements for “good cause.”

In response, the EDD posted a notice temporarily suspending the requirement to certify eligibility usually required for claimants every two weeks before a payment can be made. Claimants, however, remain required to notify the EDD immediately if they return to work during this time period.  They can do so through the EDD’s AskEDD system and selecting “Unemployment Insurance”, “Payments”, and then “EDD Paid Me and I Returned to Work, Need to Report Wages”. These changes apply to all those with an active claim that need to submit their certification for weeks ending March 14, 2020 through May 9. 

The EDD will continue to issue regular UI payment amounts to eligible claimants. The suspension of the certification requirement will help reduce the unprecedented server load on the UI Online system that created some intermittent access to some users. 

It will also allow the State to finish expanding system capacity needed to support UI enhancements moving forward, including the launch of the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program next week. 

“These are extraordinary times calling for extraordinary measures and it is our job to do everything we can to get these critical benefits into the hands of Californians,” said Su.

Cal OES Update:

• April 19, 2020 – pdf

Governor Updates:

• Today at Noon: Governor Gavin Newsom will provide an update on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The update will be streamed at the @CAgovernor Twitter page and California Governor Facebook page.

News Highlights:

• California schools ask for pension relief, more funding to cope with coronavirus costs
• L.A. school district confronts $200 million in coronavirus costs and a grim budget future
• Federal judge refuses to release large number of California prisoners
• CA study finds thousands more with antibodies than known
• California’s attorney general defends virus shutdowns
• Protesters demand California stay-at-home rules end
• State-funded L.A. ‘surge hospital’ opens at St. Vincent Medical Center
• Less than half of L.A. County residents still have jobs amid coronavirus crisis
• Woodland nursing home identified as site of 35-patient coronavirus outbreak
• San Diego Comic-Con International Canceled
• Safeway confirms approx. 51 employees test positive at Tracy distribution center
• Congress, Trump administration near deal on coronavirus aid to small businesses
• The one-day death toll in N.Y. state fell below 500 for the first time since April 2
• Anti-lockdown protests grow across US
• President Donald Trump’s administration clashed with state governors Sunday over lifting coronavirus lockdowns

News Articles:

California:

• L.A. school district confronts $200 million in coronavirus costs and a grim budget future — The Los Angeles Unified School District is confronting an estimated $200 million in emergency coronavirus costs — after swiftly moving to provide computers for all students and food for their families — but it’s not clear from where crucial additional funding might ultimately come, Supt. Austin Beutner told The Times.  The mounting expenses will not immediately push the district’s $7.87-billion general fund into insolvency, but the unbudgeted spending probably violates state law requiring school systems to maintain a three-year balanced budget. LA Times — 4/20/20

• Protesters demand California stay-at-home rules end. There is a path forward — Over the last three days, protesters have converged in Huntington Beach, San Diego, San Clemente and Encinitas, calling for the end to California’s stay-at-home orders, which have helped slow the spread of the coronavirus. They cite the devastating toll the shutdown has had on the economy. Some claim that coronavirus fears have been overblown and that social distancing is not needed, which goes against what public health officials and experts have said. LA Times — 4/20/20

• Californians complying, but for how long? — How long will Californians continue to comply with social distancing and economic restrictions voluntarily? And if they chafe at the limits on their personal freedoms and begin to ignore them, will Newsom and other authorities use police, courts or even soldiers to enforce the orders? Newsom once hinted, carelessly, that he was prepared to declare martial law and have the National Guard enforce virus-dampening restrictions if needed. He quickly backed off and having now declared that he sees “light at the end of the tunnel” and a day when restrictions can be eased, clearly hopes that voluntary compliance will prevail. CalMatters — 4/19/20

• PD Editorial: Newspapers’ vital role in the time of the coronavirus — Three more community newspapers are folding, leaving a void in three California communities at a time when local news and information are more essential than ever. With the latest closures, at least nine California weeklies have been silenced in the past month, each an ancillary victim of the coronavirus. Press Democrat — 4/19/20

• Editorial: Massive COVID-19 testing needed before ‘opening up’ states — President Trump’s assertion Thursday that states can begin “opening up again” by May 1 or earlier is an invitation to disaster. It’s clear that when it comes to understanding the science of the COVID-19 pandemic or his administration’s inadequate response, the president doesn’t have a clue. Mercury News — 4/19/10

• ‘It’s very exciting:’ Gov. Newsom and former Pres. Clinton discuss coronavirus testing, search for a vaccine — The two men discussed efforts to find a vaccine or therapeutic treatment for coronavirus, as well as disparities in outcomes for black residents and the role of income inequality in deaths from COVID-19, which Newsom referred to as America’s “original sin.” The day-long series of conversations with the former president also included one-on-one chats and panel conversations between Clinton and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, members of Congress and health care experts. Mercury News — 4/18/20

• California schools ask for pension relief, more funding to cope with coronavirus costs — “The ramp up for distance learning is not cheap,” said Kevin Gordon, whose lobbying firm represents California school districts. “It’s really expensive.” The state is protecting funding for schools’ regular staffing costs and providing an additional $100 million in emergency money, according to the letter. Federal coronavirus aid will provide an $1.6 billion in short-term emergency money for California schools, the letter says. But the money won’t be enough to ensure access to online learning, provide meals to children and adults and to provide “overtime, stipends and differential pay to maintain a minimum level of staffing,” the letter states. Sac Bee — 4/18/20

• Federal judge refuses to release large number of California prisoners — A federal judge refused Friday to order California prison officials to release large numbers of inmates or impose social-distancing requirements as protections against the coronavirus, saying the state has acted “reasonably” so far by freeing several thousand prisoners ahead of schedule and taking steps to expand housing and improve sanitation. SF Chronicle — 4/17/20

• California chief justice: Courts lack information on jail conditions — “The biggest piece of data we need is our in-custody defendants, what is happening in real time in the jails … what is the contagion in the jails,” Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said Thursday in a national teleconference organized by the nonprofit Council on Criminal Justice. SF Chronicle — 4/17/20

• Garcetti: L.A. is ‘under attack’ and will need to furlough thousands of city workers — The mayor’s remarks represented a jarring break from previous State of the City speeches, when he offered overwhelmingly uplifting messages. In this year’s address, Garcetti offered a series of grim signposts about the city’s immediate future: joblessness, a collapse in hotel reservations and a 95% drop in passenger air travel — all products of the coronavirus outbreak. The city has already borrowed $70 million from special funds while responding to the health crisis. To balance the city budget, civilian city workers will need to take off 26 unpaid days — the equivalent of a 10% reduction in pay, the mayor said. LA Times — 4/19/20

• What comes next for California cities? Deficits, bailouts and long recoveries — Across California cities, the clamor for a federal bailout is growing. Whatever reserve they may have built up during the recovery is being wiped out and replaced by red ink. City hall leaders now face an unsavory menu of service cuts, furloughs and staff reductions. Public employee pension and health care obligations will only add to the pain.  Here’s a look at California’s 10 largest cities and how they’re responding to the coronavirus fallout. CalMatters — 4/17/20

• Editorial: Newsom should deliver results, not chase headlines — Throughout his career, Gov. Gavin Newsom has relied on audacious statements and actions. When he’s at his best, they work. His decision to order the state to shelter-at-home has curbed the spread of COVID-19 and saved lives in the process. California’s lower rate of COVID-19 cases relative to the national average is a clear benefit of this action. But too often, his “bold” gestures unravel under scrutiny and he comes off as chasing national headlines before he actually accomplishes his objectives.OC Register — 4/17/20

• How widespread is coronavirus? CA study finds thousands more with antibodies than known — Research from Stanford University shows that it’s possible that between 50 and 85 times more people in Santa Clara County may have been infected by the coronavirus by early April, researchers said. The study used blood tests to see how many people had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the scientific name of the coronavirus, in their system. The prevalence of the antibodies could indicate how many people had COVID-19 in the past, researchers said. Sac Bee — 4/17/20

• This reclusive Marin County town is testing everybody for coronavirus —In the 1970s, this remote seaside village gained a measure of notoriety when the quirky characters who lived here successfully halted new development and became the subject of the book, “The Town that Fought to Save Itself.” Now, nearly 50 years later, the Marin County town is fighting to save itself once again — this time from the threat of coronavirus. Starting Monday, a privately-funded guerrilla-style operation will be underway to test the entire town of 1,680 people for the deadly virus. It’s an extraordinarily rare privilege at a time when most of the country is desperate to get a handle on the extent of infection, but hamstrung by a lack of available tests. Mercury News — 4/18/20

• California’s attorney general defends virus shutdowns  — The state has been sued over all three during its shutdown as government officials pick winners and losers in deciding which businesses and activities can operate and which can’t. But in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday, Attorney General Xavier Becerra said officials have broad authority to do what they think is necessary to slow the spread during the virus pandemic, even if that trumps normal fundamental freedoms. AP — 4/17/20

• Cut farmworker pay during the crisis? Don’t do it, California growers say — The Trump administration reportedly is considering a farmworker pay cut. But it would cause hardships for people already living on the edge of poverty. Growers say they’d rather see the feds fund food banks and others so they can buy their food.  CalMatters — 4/17/20

• State-funded L.A. ‘surge hospital’ opens at St. Vincent Medical Center — The hospital, which opened Monday, had eight patients as of Friday morning, said Dr. Christina Ghaly, director for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. The hospital is one of a handful of facilities set aside for use during the pandemic. The Los Angeles-owned Convention Center is now being turned over for use as a field medical facility. LA Times— 4/17/20

• Less than half of L.A. County residents still have jobs amid coronavirus crisis — Because of the colossal impact that the coronavirus outbreak has had on the U.S. economy, less than half of Los Angeles County residents — 45% compared with 61% in mid-March — still hold a job, a decline of 16 percentage points, or an estimated 1.3 million jobs, according to findings from a national survey released Friday. The survey also suggests that 25.5 million jobs have been potentially lost across the U.S. since mid-March, and that people of color, especially black Americans, are more likely to have lost their jobs since mid-March. LA Times — 4/18/20

• San Diego Comic-Con International Canceled — For the first time in 50 years, San Diego Comic-Con International has been canceled due to the impact and restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic, organizers announced Friday. Comic-Con was supposed to take place from July 23 to July 26 at the San Diego Convention Center in downtown San Diego – the same venue currently being used as a temporary shelter for homelesslocals during the coronavirus pandemic. NBC — 4/18/20

• ‘This is the wild Wild West.’ Gavin Newsom says more transparency could imperil mask deal — On Saturday, Newsom promised that his administration would release the “hundreds and hundreds of pages” of the agreement soon so that the public can scrutinize them. In the meantime, he said those seeking more detail about the $1 billion contract are consumed with process while he is more interested in outcome. The first shipment of masks is due to arrive before the end of April, a spokesman for the governor’s Office of Emergency Services has said. — Sac Bee — 4/18/20

• Newsom: Cities blocking hotels for homeless will be ‘judged’ by history — Governor accuses some municipalities of succumbing to NIMBY politics, announces partnership with Motel 6 that may open 5,000 additional rooms across the state for homeless residents.  CalMatters — 4/18/20

• CA officially in recession, budget cuts loom — The good news: California has an $18 billion rainy day fund, the biggest in its history. The bad news: It’s likely gone, with cuts looming on the horizon. Viswanathan made clear that the $15.3 billion California is getting from the federal government’s stimulus package won’t be enough to patch the state’s financial hole — nor, for that matter, would the $1 trillion Newsom requested from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for all state and local governments. CalMatters –4/17/20

• Woodland nursing home identified as site of 35-patient coronavirus outbreak — A retirement and assisted-living campus in Woodland has been identified as the site of a coronavirus outbreak where about two dozen residents and a dozen staff members recently tested positive. Yolo County officials announced in a Monday news release that 23 residents and 12 staffers at an undisclosed nursing facility within the county had tested positive for COVID-19. One of those residents has died. Sac Bee –4/17/20

• Taylor Swift concerts scheduled to open SoFi Stadium in July are canceled — Taylor Swift, whose concerts July 25 and 26 would have opened the $5-billion stadium in Inglewood, postponed all her live appearances for the remainder of the year Friday because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Los Angeles Times –4/17/20

• Coronavirus antibody tests are almost impossible to get. Meet three L.A. residents who got them — The antibody tests, also known as serology tests, have become increasingly publicized. Last week, Los Angeles County launched a study to test residents, including those without symptoms, to get a sense of how many people had the virus. While the tests have captured growing attention, they’re not yet widely available to the public. Only a handful have been allowed by the federal government for diagnostic use; others are approved for research use only. No test offers ironclad accuracy. Los Angeles Times –4/17/20

• Placer County amends stay-home order. What it means for golf courses, parks and more — It appears the county is becoming one of the first in the state to roll back some restrictions within its stay-at-home order, offering a small glimpse of the eventual return to normalcy amid a worldwide pandemic. Placer County Public Health on Thursday evening amended sections of its order governing outdoor activities and businesses, in effect allowing a number of parks, golf courses and sports courts to reopen under certain conditions. Sacramento Bee –4/17/20

• Safeway Confirms Approx. 51 Employees Test Positive At Tracy Distribution Center — This is the first time the company has given a numerical figure on the number of confirmed cases at the facility. In a statement to CBS13, the company said 3 percent of the facility’s approximately 1,700 employees received a positive diagnosis. On Wednesday, the company confirmed that one employee at the distribution center died from COVID-19. CBS Sacramento –4/17/20

National:

• Congress, Trump Administration Near Deal on Coronavirus Aid to Small Businesses –– Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Sunday that he was hopeful that the two sides could reach a deal on Monday, when the Senate is set to convene in the afternoon. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D., Md.) has advised members that the House could vote on an agreement as early as Wednesday. The emerging agreement would send about $310 billion more to the Paycheck Protection Program, which last week exhausted the $350 billion Congress originally allocated for it. The deal is also set to include $75 billion in assistance for hospitals and $25 billion to expand testing for the virus across the country. WSJ — 4/20/20

• The one-day death toll in N.Y. state fell below 500 for the first time since April 2 — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Monday that another 478 people had died in New York, the lowest single-day toll in more than two weeks. After having said in recent days that the virus appeared to have reached or past a peak in New York, Mr. Cuomo said that authorities were now trying to ascertain how gradual the decrease in infection might be in the days and weeks to come. NY Times — 4/20/20

• Homebound Congress grasps for relevance as Trump eats up airtime — Congress is missing. With every level of government consumed by the coronavirus pandemic, the 535 members of the House and Senate have been relegated to the sidelines, scrounging for relevance while the fights of consequence unfold without them. Even as they’ve busied themselves back home, lawmakers are desperate for a way to cast votes or hold hearings from afar. Politico — 4/17/20

• Reasons you may not have gotten your stimulus money yet — About 80 million people were sent their stimulus payments this week — but if you weren’t one of them, it doesn’t mean you won’t get the money. The Internal Revenue Service started by sending money to the people it could reach the fastest. This was anyone who had direct deposit information already on file with the agency because they were due a refund on either their 2018 or 2019 federal tax returns. KCRA 3 –4/17/20

• Anti-lockdown protests grow across US — Protests against lockdown measures are growing across the US, even as the number of infections and deaths continue to rise. The demonstrations have occurred in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia and Kentucky. Protesters say the severe economic restrictions are hurting citizens, but health officials warn lifting them could spread infection. BBC News –4/17/20

• Fauci: Diseases like coronavirus ‘don’t just disappear’ — Fauci was asked during an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham if COVID-19 could “disappear” like SARS did in 2004. “Anything could, Laura, but I must say that the degree of efficiency of transmissibility of this is really unprecedented in anything that I’ve seen. It’s an extraordinarily efficient virus in transmitting from one person to another,” Fauci said. “These kinds of viruses don’t just disappear.” The Hill –4/16/20

• Can you catch coronavirus from a dead body? It’s a possibility, researchers say — People who passed away from the new coronavirus may still be contagious after death, researchers say, but how long bodies can possibly be infectious remains a mystery. The possibility raises health safety concerns for forensic scientists and other workers who handle the dead as the global death toll continues to rise, overwhelming hospitals, nursing homes and funeral homes with piles of bodies. Sacramento Bee –4/17/20

• Empty Roads Amid Coronavirus Pandemic Brings Severe Spike In Speeders, Highway Officials Say — Emptier streets and highways have resulted in a “significant surge” in reports of drivers reaching speeds of 100 mph or more in major cities and less populated ones, the safety association said. The uptick in speeding follows a decline in overall traffic during the pandemic. March marked the first time ever that congestion disappeared across American roadways. CBS Sacramento –4/17/20

• Feds charge doctor who cited Trump to push hydroxychloroquine ‘miracle cure’ — It was described as the “magic bullet” to protect against the deadly coronavirus — a “remarkable clinical phenomenon” that could cure the disease within hours. In the words of San Diego physician Jennings Staley, the drug hydroxychloroquine, approved to treat conditions ranging from malaria to lupus, was “almost too good to be true.” The doctor would soon be charged with a federal crime. CNN –4/17/20

• ‘Delusional’: US governors excoriate Trump’s Covid-19 lockdown exit plan — President Donald Trump’s administration clashed with state governors Sunday over lifting coronavirus lockdowns, in a standoff embittered by his support for protests against the restrictions. Vice President Mike Pence said that every US state has the ability to do enough testing to allow preliminary re-opening of the economy and a partial restart of normal life in America. But some state governors said testing capacity was far behind levels needed to avoid sparking new outbreaks of the virus. France 24 –4/19/20

• Beware of These Fake Text Messages and Robocalls Going Around About the Coronavirus — If you get a text message saying you’ve come into contact with someone who’s tested positive for COVID-19, don’t click the link. It’s a scam, officials say. Warnings about such texts have been circulating from Kansas to Maine. And it’s just one of numerous coronavirus-related scams that local, state and federal officials report are attempting to prey on vulnerable Americans. Action News Now –4/19/20

• Covid-19 has killed multiple bishops and pastors within the nation’s largest black Pentecostal denomination — The Church of God in Christ, the country’s biggest African American Pentecostal denomination, has taken a deep and painful leadership hit with reports of at least a dozen to up to 30 bishops and prominent clergy dying of covid-19. Washington Post–4/19/20

• DeWine calls on protesters to observe social distancing — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said Sunday that he did not object to protests against closures in the state as long as demonstrators did not violate social distancing measures. DeWine also said that while Ohio has “had a great partnership with the president and the vice president” on the coronavirus response, “I could probably double, maybe even triple testing in Ohio virtually overnight” if the FDA took action. Maryland’s Larry Hogan (R) told CNN’s “State of the Union” that states are struggling with a testing kit shortage. The Hill –4/19/20

• Congress, Trump administration close to deal on new aid package — Congress and the Trump administration are quickly nearing a more than $400 billion deal on emergency funding for small businesses hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with passage expected in the coming days. A deal could be announced as early as Sunday or Monday, according to congressional aides. Politico –4/19/20

Global:

• Zoom’s Security Woes Were No Secret to Business Partners Like Dropbox — One year ago, two Australian hackers found themselves on an eight-hour flight to Singapore to attend a live hacking competition sponsored by Dropbox. At 30,000 feet, with nothing but a slow internet connection, they decided to get a head start by hacking Zoom, a videoconferencing service that they knew was used by many Dropbox employees. NY Times — 4/20/20

• ‘Cartels are scrambling’: Coronavirus snarls global drug trade — The coronavirus is dealing a gut punch to the illegal drug trade, authorities say, paralyzing economies, closing borders and severing supply chains in China that traffickers rely on for the chemicals to make such profitable drugs as methamphetamine and the powerful opioid fentanyl. One of the main suppliers that shut down is in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the global outbreak. LA Times — 4/20/20

• Singapore Seemed to Have Coronavirus Under Control, Until Cases Doubled — The spread suggests that it is unrealistic for the United States, Europe and the rest of the world to return to the way they were anytime soon, even if viral curves appear to flatten. NY Times — 4/20/20

• EU should back ‘recovery bonds’ in response to coronavirus, says European Parliament — The EU should go further in its response to the coronavirus crisis by setting up a “European Health Response Mechanism” and recovery bonds guaranteed by the EU budget, MEPs urged in a resolution adopted Friday. Politico –4/17/20

• A governor in Kenya is putting Hennessy bottles in coronavirus care packages — Recipients of Nairobi politician Mike Sonko’s COVID-19 care packages can expect to receive the typical food staples except for one item — alcohol. The governor justified the inclusion of alcohol as “throat sanitizer.” The World Health Organization has explicitly stated that alcohol does not protect against coronavirus, and advises people to minimize its consumption. KCRA 3 –4/17/20

• Saudi grand mufti: Ramadan, Eid prayers to be done at home — Saudi Arabia’s grand mufti, the highest religious authority in the kingdom, has said prayers during Ramadan and the subsequent Eid al-Fitr festival should be performed at home if the coronavirus outbreak continues. The holy fasting month of Ramadan begins next week. Al Jazeera –4/17/20

• Paris mayor promises public hand gel dispensers, other measures when lockdown ends — Paris’ bus stops and metro entrances will be equipped with hand gel dispensers and commuters will likely be obliged to wear face masks to use public transport once coronavirus confinement measures are lifted, according to the city’s mayor. France is due to start exiting its strict lockdown from May 11, with schools set to reopen then, but the government has yet to spell out when businesses like cafes and cinemas can restart and to what extent people will be allowed to move around. France 24 –4/19/20

• In Europe, Covid-19 puts idea of universal income back into welfare debate — Hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, Spain is the first European country to lay the foundation for universal income. The health crisis has also reopened the debate about a living wage or unconditional living allowance in France and elsewhere. France 24 –4/19/20

• Foreign powers test US defenses amid coronavirus pandemic — U.S. adversaries are probing America’s defenses as the world is preoccupied with the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. In the past two weeks, Russia, China, Iran and North Korea have all moved to test Washington in the sea, in the air and on land as U.S. forces have become more restricted in movement amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19. The Hill –4/19/20

• ‘Missing in action’: UK’s Johnson under fire for early handling of Covid-19 — The British government insisted Sunday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was “on top of things” as he recovers from the coronavirus facing criticism of his early handling of the crisis. The Conservative leader spent three days in intensive care after contracting the virus, and has been off work since March 27, but was released from hospital last Sunday after a week-long stay. A Sunday Times newspaper report said Johnson had missed five of the government’s emergency response meetings in January and February. France 24 –4/19/20

For more resources and information on COVID-19:

• CA COVID-19 Response Website: link
• California Department of Public Health: link
• Centers for Disease Control: link
• California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services: link
• Employment Development Department (EDD) link
• Labor Workforce and Development Agency: link
• Tips for prevention: English | Spanish

While the Spring Salute has been delayed due to ongoing shelter-in-place orders from the COVID-19 pandemic, the heroic work done by our siblings in the labor movement goes on.  And, while we are unable to meet in person, we are able to use this platform to recognize the good work done by one of our Labor Backbone winners, Jorge Romero, Business Agent with Cement Masons #400!

Jorge’s story, in his own words

Jorge and his beautiful wife, Marcela

Cement Masons, working hard!

Cement Masons, doing what they do best!

The COVID-19 crisis is devastating workers in every industry.  This crisis is also exposing the gaping holes in our social safety net and laying bare just how rigged this economy is against workers and our families and how tilted it is to the wealthy and powerful. It’s time for decision-makers to hear from us about what we demand to weather this crisis and the changes we need to create an economy that prioritizes working people going forward.

We need to ACT NOW so that working people won’t be left behind without an income, without a home and without basic protections. We cannot abandon working families in this time of overwhelming need.

The labor movement has made it clear that we need a new deal that makes a real difference in improving workers’ lives during this pandemic and beyond.  As the crisis grows, California’s unions are demanding workers are protected.

Add your name and demand we implement a Workers’ Bill of Rights during the COVID-19 Crisis:

1)    Putting Safety First – Protecting All Workers on the Front Lines of this Crisis

2)     Government relief directly to workers

3)     Holding corporations accountable

4)     Standing up for Gig Workers and Other Vulnerable Workers

5)     Expand Paid Sick Leave for All Workers

6)    Protect Immigrant Workers – Stop ICE Raids

7)    Preserving Jobs, Wages and Health Care in COVID-19 Recovery

8)     Moratorium on Evictions, Foreclosures and Rent Gouging

9)    Protect and Expand the Right to Form and Join Union

ADD YOUR NAME IN SUPPORT TODAY!

In the face of our current COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more imperative to complete the 2020 census. Completing the census is crucial because it provides the necessary data to better plan for emergency responses. Census information collected for example is used to determine where new hospitals should be built and what additional services are needed. This crisis and our current emergency response to it highlights that our social infrastructure wasn’t prepared for it. We must ensure this does not happen again. Emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic are precisely why the government needs accurate Census data.

Self-response is quick, easy, and can be done online, by phone, or by mail. Residents can self-respond to the Census online at https://my2020census.gov/ or over the phone in English by dialing 844-330-2020 or in Spanish at 844-468-2020.  TAKE 2020 THE CENSUS TODAY!

Also try using the Johns Hopkins Covid-19 Dashboard,

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

From the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce:

–          State of California’s COVID-19 page: covid19.ca.gov

o   California Department of Public Health

o   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

–          EDD:

o   Employer Resources: The Work Sharing Program explained

o   Employee Resources:

• What to Expect When Filing
• Apply online for faster results! How To Apply Online (.pdf on how to use UIOnline to get started)

–          The Workforce Development Board of Solano County announces a new Layoff Aversion Fund for small businesses in Solano County

–          SBA: The SBA has an array of tools and options available for businesses to consider. Start with Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources, then check out Coronavirus Relief Options. These include:

o   The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): This program is receiving a huge amount of interest and applications. Keep in mind you need to use an SBA-approved lender to facilitate this loan. Small banks like PLUS Cornerstone member First Bank can be a great option if you are interested.

o   Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the EIDL Emergency Advance: A business that is interested in tapping into the $10,000 Emergency Advance does so by completing the EIDL application. Toward the end of the application the document asks if you would like to receive the advance. According to the website, “The Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance funds will be made available within days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.“ Applicants are being contacted about one week after submitting an application. Keep this in mind when trying to anticipate when the funds might be received.

–          From the United Way Bay Area:

o   2-1-1 is a free information and referral service that connects people to health and human services in their community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This plays a critical role in providing information and support in times of disaster, such as shelter, food, medical and recovery information, and provides public officials with feedback from callers about changing conditions.

• Texting 211211: United Ways of California hosts the statewide211211 texting platform populated in real-time with federal, state and zipcode level resources and information for those with non-urgent needs. Messages are in English and Spanish.
• Calling 2-1-1: This FCC authorized phone number can be used by constituents with urgent, non-emergency needs to speak to a trained operator to navigate local services and supports. 211 call centers offer translation for 150+ languages