An Update on COVID-19
March 25, 2020
Dear Friend:
A week ago, the Senate adjourned early. Like many of you, I have been hunkered down at home and maintaining social distancing since then. Although self-quarantine means sacrificing the normalcy of our daily lives, it is incredibly important to help contain the spread of the Coronavirus. I hope this email provides you with helpful resources during these challenging times.
UPDATE: An hour ago, Governor Hogan announced that our schools will be closed for an additional four weeks (until April 24th). Senior citizens can get daily check-in calls by enrolling at 866/50-CHECK. Essential personnel can access free child care referrals through 877/261-0060. See below for more vital information.
Providing Resources for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Governor Hogan issued an Executive Order which closed all “non-essential” businesses. Although this is a necessary measure to protect public health, it will mean major economic disruption. Our State Departments of Commerce and Labor have rolled out new COVID-19 emergency relief programs to assist small businesses and nonprofits. These programs include:
- TheMD Small Business (and Nonprofit!!!) COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund— allocates $50 million in grants;
- TheMD Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund— provides $75 million in subsidized loans for businesses;
- The MD COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund— a $5 million incentive program to help our manufacturers produce protective equipment (like face masks) urgently needed by health care workers; and
- TheCOVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund— awards up to $50,000 per applicant to help businesses minimize layoffs.
Supporting Individual Marylanders
This public health crisis has affected all of us. Most hourly workers have lost their income due to the forced closure of their workplaces. If you’re seeking help, you can:
- Claim Unemployment Insurance with no waiting period;
- Sign up for health insurance through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange during the extended enrollment period (through April 15);
- Apply for Montgomery County’s Rental Assistance Program;
- Request food stamps through theSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);
- Pick up free meals for students at locations around the County; and
- Call or email for help if you or a loved one are experiencing domestic abuse.
Enduring This Together
Many of us are feeling powerless in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential that we stay home and practice social distancing. Keep yourself busy by reading a book or taking an online tour of a museum! If you’re looking to help others, consider:
- Giving to Manna, ourlocal food pantry;
- Donating blood through the Red Cross;
- Volunteering virtually to help those in need;
- Supporting our nonprofits; or
- Enjoying a concert at home and perhaps tipping the artist online by joining my Folk ‘N Great Music house concert series group page.
We’ve added more resources and links on a new COVID-19 page onmy website. If you’re educating kids or grandkids at home, perhaps you’ll want to do something to acknowledge that today is #MarylandDay! For photos, posts, and more updates, you can follow me onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram. And, you can always send questions or comments to meviaemail.
I’ll hope to see you back in our community before too long. In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy!!!!
Cheryl
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
Rockville & Gaithersburg
Cheryl.Kagan@Senate.state.md.us
301-858-3134
PS: A favorite distraction of mine is playing Scrabble online. Here are some other ways you can stay in touch with friends and family while practicing social distancing!
(301) 858-3134
Cheryl.Kagan@senate.state.md.us