Capitol Update: Youth Sports, Shuttered Venue Operator Grant, and More
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I wanted to take the opportunity to share some information with you regarding the reopening of some youth sports in Connecticut, a federal relief program for entertainment venues, a new call-back feature at the Department of Labor’s website, and resources for small businesses navigating the provisions of the newest federal stimulus package.
Updated Sports Guidance and Partial Reopening
As of Tuesday, January 19th, ‘low’ to ‘moderate-risk’ organized sports can resume practices in the state of Connecticut. The state has also announced that, assuming COVID-19 metrics remain stable, the affected sports can also resume competitions starting February 1st.
Athletes, parents, and coaches are advised to review the Updated Sports Guidance Summary posted to the state’s webpage.
Full List of ‘Low/Moderate-Risk’ Sports
SBA Shuttered Venue Operator Grant Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration is in the process of setting up a grant program targeted at small live venue operators or promoters (up to 50 employees) whose businesses have suffered as a result of the pandemic.
Eligible businesses that receive this grant will not be eligible for the second draw of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Eligible entities include:
- Live venue operators or promoters
- Theatrical producers
- Live performing arts organization operators
- Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
- Motion picture theater operators
- Talent representatives, and
- Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements
This program is not yet accepting applications, but you can find more details by clicking below:
Program Details and Eligibility
New Unemployment Call Center and Mixed Earner Benefits
The CT Department of Labor has added a new feature – a scheduling application on its website, so customers can schedule a call back right from the website and know they have an appointment with a claims specialist.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants are unable to use this feature, and are directed to a designated unit at the Contact Center upon calling the phone numbers listed above.
To access this feature, click the link below, scroll down to “Important Updates” and click the “Schedule a Callback” feature in the Consumer Contact Center window.
CT Unemployment Benefits Center
Created under provisions of the latest federal relief package, the new Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program allots an extra $100 per week for residents who have both self-employment earnings as well as W2 earnings.
Claimants must apply for the program. CTDOL expects to open the application process in late February/early March. Eligibility will be retroactive to December 27, 2020.
State unemployment, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, extended benefits, and other filers are eligible. The law excludes Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants from MEUC.
You can find more information on the Consumer Contact Center and MEUC here.
Women’s Bipartisan Legislative Caucus Town Hall on Resources Available to Small Businesses During COVID-19
Watch the Town Hall
Last Friday, the Women’s Bipartisan Legislative Caucus hosted a virtual Town Hall featuring representatives of the Connecticut Women’s Business Development Council. The topic of the presentation was to assist business owners in navigating this latest round of stimulus applications. They also talked about the WBDC’s matching grants and other assistance programs. You can click the blue button above to view a recording of the event.
While much of the forum was for women-owned-businesses, the information is beneficial to all business owners and the WBDC can even schedule one-on-one sessions with any businesses having challenges navigating the process.
You can set up a virtual coaching session by calling 203-751-9550 x111, or by sending an email to info@ctwbdc.org
COVID Relief and Your Small Business
As your elected state representative, know that you can always contact me with any questions regarding our state.
Email: Tammy.Nuccio@housegop.ct.gov