Denver Metro Chamber to Offer Unemployment Insurance Webinar Thursday
Unemployment claims are on the rise and many Coloradans are at risk of being unemployed for some period of time as a result of COVID-19. Join us to learn what policy changes have been made to support our workforce on the federal and state levels, what resources are available to business and employees, and the process for making unemployment claims.
Speakers
Cher Haavind, Deputy Director, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Jeff Fitzgerald, Unemployment Insurance Director, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Thursday, April 9
2 – 3 p.m.
View a recording of Monday’s webinar on the Paycheck Protection Program.
View recordings of other past COVID-19-related webinars and view upcoming programs on our COVID-19 Business Resource Center website.
Download the Denver Metro Chamber’s resource list for employees who may be facing unemployment and other challenges.
Governor Extends Stay-at-Home Order
Gov. Jared Polis announced Monday that he is extending the stay-at-home order for the state by two weeks to April 26. The order allows residents to leave their homes to shop for essential needs, such as groceries and medications, exercise and go to work if their job qualifies for an exemption, although they are encouraged to practice social distancing under all circumstances. Read the order. The state also has a site dedicated to questions and answers about staying at home during the crisis. Visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/stay-home-except-essential-needs.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock also extended the stay-at-home order for the City and County of Denver through April 30. Read the announcement.
Governor Extends Executive Order Temporarily Suspending Certain Regulatory Statutes
Gov. Polis issued an extended executive order Monday that suspends certain regulatory statutes through April 30. The order allows certain businesses to continue to sell alcohol by takeout and delivery and suspends statutes such as driver’s license renewal, online marijuana sales, firearm permits and background checks, and provisions related to veterinarians distributing prescriptions. Read the Executive Order.
Division of Insurance Issues Guidance to Insurance Carriers
The Colorado Division of Insurance released guidance for small and large-group insurance carriers to direct them to allow for a grace period for premium payments, provide flexibility in employee eligibility requirements, work with employers and employees to facilitate the continuation of coverage, and allow employees who lose coverage to be eligible for a 60-day special enrollment period. Read the bulletin.
Denver Mayor Opens Homeless Shelter at National Western Complex
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced that the National Western Complex would become a shelter for 600 men experiencing homelessness. The city also signed a contract for 151 additional individual rooms, nearly doubling the number available, and is making arrangements to create a women’s shelter.
Gov. Polis has ordered 250 National Guard members to assist at homeless shelters. Twenty-three state legislators, city council members and an RTD director sent a letter to the governor, requesting that he take further action to support people experiencing homelessness statewide.
See the Mayor’s press conference on the city’s actions to support the homeless population.
U.S. Chamber Releases Guide to Coronavirus Paid Leave
The U.S. Chamber has released a Guide to Coronavirus Paid Leave in response to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which created new temporary paid sick leave and paid Family and Medical Leave Act programs that are 100% reimbursable by the federal government. Download the guide.
Chamber Food & Beverage Members Open for Business
Many of our Chamber members in the food and beverage industry remain open for business in a variety of ways. Reach out to them for your next meal or buy a gift card for a friend. See a list of members. If you know a member restaurant that is not on this list, please email us at communications@denverchamber.org.
B:CIVIC Offers Regular Calls on Community Leadership During COVID-19 Crisis
B:CIVIC members and community leaders are taking a stance and stepping to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, supporting communities in need and more. They’re holding regular calls to discuss best practices and tools for a variety of organizations. Register for the next call Tuesday with D.J. Close, DaVita village giving manager, and David Thurow, Prosono principal, and listen to recordings of past calls on the B:CIVIC website.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber.
