We are tracking federal legislation and state efforts to ease the burden of the COVID-19 outbreak on businesses, workers and their families.
Federal Legislation to Aid in COVID Relief Being Considered
Federal legislation under consideration aims to provide some relief to employers and employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On Saturday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Family First Coronavirus Response Act, aiming to give paid leave to workers who do not have it and extend paid leave for those who only get a few days. Then on Monday, they voted to amend the legislation.
If the Senate approves the bill and President Trump signs it, employers with 500 or fewer employees will be required to provide paid sick leave to employees who are quarantined, showing symptoms or have been exposed to the virus.
The bill provides a tax credit to cover the costs and support to people who are self-employed.
Read the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Read the latest on the legislation in The Washington Post.
View U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Resources.
We are watching this legislation closely and working through the U.S. Chamber on these efforts. We will keep you updated as this legislation moves through the process.
State Disaster Relief Loans
Our Denver Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is tracking efforts from the state government that would make disaster relief loans available to small businesses. Currently, only counties that are contiguous to New Mexico, which has received its SBA Disaster Loan declaration, are eligible to seek assistance. These include Archuleta, Costilla, La Plata, Las Animas, Montezuma, Dolores, Mesa, Montezuma, Montrose and San Miguel. We will be sure to send out updates as the SBA designates more Colorado communities.
Please check www.denversbdc.org/disaster-relief for the most up-to-date resources and information. The website is a collaboration among the 15 SBDC centers throughout the state.
Helping Your Community
All three sectors are pulling together to help our communities during this time. Learn how you can volunteer or donate.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber.