Congress and White House Reach Deal for Additional Small Business Relief
Congress and the Trump administration have come to an agreement on a $484 billion deal that includes $321 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, $60 billion for economic disaster assistance, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for coronavirus testing. The Senate passed the bill Tuesday, and the House is set to vote Thursday. Learn about what this may mean to small businesses in the Denver Business Journal.
Governor Announces Next Phase of Pandemic Response
Gov. Jared Polis will let the state’s stay-at-home order expire on April 26, ushering in the next phase called “Safer at Home.” The Safer-at-Home phase will require people to continue to stay at home except when absolutely necessary and hold no gatherings with more than 10 people. It will also allow retail to open for curbside delivery and phased-in public opening with strict precautions. Large workplaces can open at 50% capacity, beginning May 4. Elective medical services, one-on-one real estate showings and personal services, such as salons, can also resume. Local governments can modify these standards based on their local conditions. Read the Governor’s press release and view his presentation for more details.
Chamber Webinar Thursday to Help with Planning for Workplace Reentry
The Denver Metro Chamber will help members plan for their workplace reentry at a webinar Thursday. Speakers include Betsy Markey, executive director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, who will speak to the state’s reentry plan. Suzanne Rivera, partner at McKinsey & Company, and Paul Washington, market director of JLL, will also be panelists. The webinar is Thursday at 2 p.m. Register now.
Denver Examining Data to See Whether to Relax Stay-at-Home Restrictions
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said the city would determine whether health care data supports a phased relaxation of the stay-at-home order. The city’s order is set to expire April 30. He also said that the city’s public health order covering restrictions on large gatherings and events, which is set to expire on May 11, will be extended. All city-operated golf courses will reopen to the public April 22 with restrictions in place to ensure physical distancing. Read the press release.
Governor Issues Orders Requiring Masks for Essential Workers and Extending Income Tax Deadlines
Gov. Jared Polis issued an executive order requiring workers in critical businesses and critical government functions to wear a non-medical mask while at work and while serving the public. He also extended income tax filing deadlines to July 15. Read the orderregarding masks and the order regarding income tax deadlines.
Learn about Resources for Jobseekers and Employers
The State of Colorado has launched an online resource to help Coloradans who have lost their jobs connect to essential life services, such as food and shelter, retraining opportunities and jobs. Visit onwardco.org.
If you are looking for a job opportunity or have open positions that your business is hoping to fill, please visit the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Job Board. If you are an employer that needs assistance posting jobs on the Job Board, please contact careers@denverchamber.org.
Sole Proprietors Now Able to File for Unemployment
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) has opened up its online platform to enable independent contractors, gig workers and self-employed business owners to begin filing for unemployment. On Monday, the first day the platform was available, about 15,000 people applied. Visit the CDLE platform.
Colorado Cultural Organizations Collaborate to Launch Arts Through It All Campaign
Arts organizations are encouraging people to forgo ticket refunds, donate today and support Colorado artists through a new public awareness campaign called Arts Through It All. The advocacy campaign is designed to educate and inspire arts and culture enthusiasts and the general public on how best to support the creative sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arts Through It All is a collaboration among a coalition of arts and cultural organizations, including Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, Colorado Creative Industries, Scientific & Cultural Facilities District, and several local and regional arts agencies, including Denver Arts & Venues, City of Boulder Office of Arts and Culture, and the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region.
Learn more at artsthroughitall.org.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber.