Coronavirus Update: Recovery Bridge Loans and More

Dear neighbors,

Here are some important updates for Connecticut residents, families, and businesses pertaining to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

First and foremost, there are now three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our area: two in Lisbon and one in Voluntown. My thoughts and prayers are with these individuals and their families, and I wish them a full and speedy recovery. It is possible we may see additional cases in our area as the virus spreads, but as I type this, there are people working tirelessly to treat those who are sick and to contain the outbreak as much as possible. Our healthcare professionals are the heroes of this global pandemic, and I would like to offer them a heartfelt thank you for putting their health on the line for the welfare of others.

This disease is serious, and we must continue to treat it accordingly. With that said, things could have been much worse if not for the cooperation of Connecticut residents who have listened to the experts, followed the guidance of our state and local leaders, and practiced social distancing throughout this crisis. I thank each of you for doing your part to help fight this, and I admire the resilience of our communities. Because of the strength of our people, our best days lie ahead.

Please see below for more important updates.

Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program

The state’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has created a $25 million short-term loan program for Connecticut businesses that are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. These interest-free loans of up to $75,000 are available to businesses that employ no more than 100 people, and they must be repaid within a year. A six month extension may be granted upon request.

For more information on the program, eligibility requirements, the application process, and a Q&A document, click here.

To complete an application, click here.

Virtual Town Hall Meeting with Governor Lamont – Today

Supporting Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19

Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysieweicz, U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, CT Department of Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby, and DECD Deputy Commissioner Glendowlyn Thames will hold a virtual town hall meeting on the COVID-19 pandemic today, Thursday, March 26^th, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The officials will provide updates on federal and state efforts to assist employers and employees.

To join the call, click here or call (646) 558-8656.

Webinar ID: 364 340 964

You may also watch it on Facebook live on WBDC’s Facebook page, as well as Governor Lamont’s and Lt. Governor Byseiweic’s pages. There will be similar virtual town halls in the coming days for those who cannot participate in this one.

FAQ Document from the Connecticut Department of Labor

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the CT Department of Labor (DOL) has seen a record number of applications for unemployment assistance. While the state works to respond to requests, the DOL encourages applicants to check out its live FAQ document, which is frequently updated with information and resources for unemployment benefits.

To view the FAQ document, click here.

School Closure Extension and Room & Board Refunds

Governor Lamont has ordered Connecticut public schools to remain closed until at least April 20^th.

For all the executive orders issued by the governor and state agencies, click here.

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, including the University of Connecticut, announced that the universities will credit student accounts for unused room and board by next week. Thereafter, any credit balance will be refunded to students. CSCU stated that its institutions will not refund tuition and fees because they are converting to an online instruction model for the remainder of the term in order to complete the coursework students have begun this semester.

Additional Resources

As a reminder, these are the best resource pages from our federal, state, and local governments that are updated regularly:

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): Click Here

• State of Connecticut Web Portal: Click Here

• FAQ Document from Governor’s Office: Click Here

As always, never hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns about our state and local response to the novel coronavirus, or any state government issue. I am more than happy to speak with you directly, provide more information if possible, and to be a resource for you and your families.

Email: Brian.Lanoue@cga.ct.gov

Best,

State Rep. Brian Lanoue

45^th General Assembly District

Griswold, Lisbon, Plainfield, Sterling, Voluntown