District 7 E-Newsletter

Councilwoman Paula McCraney 601 W. Jefferson Street (502) 574-1107
Paula Pic

Councilwoman 

Paula McCraney
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1107


Email Councilwoman McCraney

 

Links

Visit the District 7 Website


Phone Numbers
of Interest

 Air Pollution: 574-6000

Animal Services: 363-6609
or 361-1318

Anonymous Tipline:
574-LMPD (5673)

Brightside: 574-2613

Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700

Legal Aid: 584-1254

Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000

Metro Parks: 574-7275

Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111

Metro Safe: 572-3460
or 574-7111

MSD: 587-0603

PARC: 569-6222

Poison Control: 589-8222

Public Works: 574-5810

Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571

TARC: 585-1234

Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447


Lift Spirits

In this Issue...


Message from McCraney

I often tell people (and myself) that the difference between a good day and a bad day is attitude.  Every morning as I rise, I tell myself that I have another day to make wise choices.  The two most important choices that I can make in a day is whether to be in a good mood or a bad mood.  I always choose the good one.

Now, just because I choose to have a good day, doesn't mean that the people I encounter throughout the day have chosen to have a good day. In fact, it seems sometimes that so many wake up and deliberately choose to have a bad day and make sure others do too.

Sometimes people disappoint us. They say rude things about others, or they say something to intentionally rub you wrong. When this happens to me, I can choose to be sad and angry or I can learn from the experience instead. I generally choose to learn. While some would argue that it's not easy choosing the bright side of every situation, I would argue that it is. It's all about choices. 

During this pandemic, I talk to myself often. I tell myself that if I don't look at this as a one-time historic adventure, it could get the best of me.  Adventure? Well, perhaps that's a bit dramatic, but I choose to get through this by telling myself that I will one day look back on this time and explain it to my grandchildren (which, surely I will have some day). 

I will let them know how the virus spread rampantly and wreaked havoc on millions. I will tell them that social distancing was the order of the day.  I will also inform them of how I managed to entertain myself during a self-imposed, then mandated, quarantine. 

Yes, my time at home has been quite interesting. I have maintained contact with my constituents through email and phone, attended committee and Council meetings via teleconference, and tuned into the Mayor's COVID-19 online conference calls and the Governor's daily news briefings.  These are the things I do to maintain a normal routine. I don't 'want to get out of the swing of being a good representative.  Keeping informed and keeping in touch are fundamental functions of my job.

But, what have I been doing for fun?  

I started out thinking that I would catch up on my reading. I finished one book, The 14th Colony, by Steve Berry. t's a must read, if you like spy thrillers about war, twisted politics, and historical accounts that make you stop and think is the story real or fiction. I was challenged by this book, and intrigued by the author's ability to make me think. I loved the characters, who seem very plausibly people I know or have heard of before. I've had this book for a year now. I started reading it the minute I purchased it, but put it down one day and didn't pick it back up.  I was determined to read it! It took me three days, and those were three good days of taking my mind off of our current situation.  

After that book, I was in search of a lighter read. I heard about this book that sounded like a fun read, and I ordered it. I'm awaiting its arrival.  The name of the book is,"Don't Overthink It."  Here's the promise from the reviews, "Get ready to feel happier, less panicked, and more at peace before you finish the book."  Sounds like something I should be reading right about now in the midst of this COVID-19 error.  I'll let you know!

The other thing I've been doing is watching a lot of movies with my husband. I may list one day a few of them for you that we've watched, but right now, I want to tell you about a movie I watched just last night.  This movie is unbelievable!  When I say unbelievable, I don't mean that it's not believable. I mean that I couldn't believe what I was witnessing the main character do. I spent most of the time with my mouth open in sheer and utter shock over her behavior. I don't know what type of movies you like, but, if you want to be as mortified by a movie as I was with this one, and you enjoy a good thriller (I'll call it that), check out the 2019 movie, "Room for Rent."  It's about a lonely widow who rents out a room in her house and becomes obsessed with her guest. 

Go ahead, give it a try. I warn you though, it's about 80 minutes of slightly uncomfortable cinema. Towards the end of the movie, I was telling myself that it was a pretty good thriller, but then the abrupt ending made me rethink that.  I hated the ending. I could have thought of a million and one ways to end it differently.  You be the judge, and please let me know what you think.



news

Tax Time - Deadline Change!

taxes

Federal, State & Local Tax Deadlines (for 2019) Have Been Extended to July 15th, 2020

For details on the extension of your 2019 filing please click the following links below.

IRS

Kentucky Department of Revenue

Metro Louisville Revenue Commission

In accordance with guidance from Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, the LMRC will no longer take walk-in appointments. Anyone with questions can contact LMRC staff at (502) 574-4860 or taxhelp@metrorevenue.org.


Tax-Aide Sites Services Suspended

AARP

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Sites Services Suspended Until Further Notice

As coronavirus (COVID-19) developments change hour by hour, AARP Foundation is doing its part to flatten the curve of transmission. A top priority for us is ensuring we are protecting those most at risk, including our volunteers and taxpayers. Therefore, we are suspending AARP Foundation Tax-Aide services beginning March 16, 2020 until further notice.

We will continue to assess whether we can open again in some or all sites for the remainder of the tax season and if the tax season is extended. Please visit our website http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org/Sites/sites.html or call 502-394-3443 for updated info.

CARES Act tax provisions:

https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/mar/cares-act-economic-relief-coronavirus-tax-provisions.html


May Primary Elections Delayed to June 23

voting

Kentucky is delaying its May primary elections by more than a month, the latest in a series of crowd restrictions announced to try and limit the spread of coronavirus. Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order on Monday delaying the May 19 primaries until June 23.

“We don’t want people out there trying to create gatherings where the coronavirus can spread. And just think about the poll worker at your location,” Beshear said. Georgia and Louisiana have also delayed their primary elections. Ohio is moving to delay its primary, which takes place on Tuesday. Kentucky’s Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams recommended that Beshear, a Democrat, delay the election by the maximum 35 days.

https://wfpl.org/kentucky-delays-may-primary-election-by-more-than-a-month/


United States Census 2020

census

Help spread the word; be counted!

 

 

The U.S. Census will help determine Louisville's future for the next 10 year- representation in government, the allocation of federal resources affecting communities and families, education funding, and much more. 

Mayor Greg Fischer and the Louisville Municipal Complete Count Committee are working to help ensure a complete and proper count of all Louisville residents, and are seeking the community's help in getting out the word. Learn more.

The Census is here – 

Timeline

  • March 12-20 – An invitation to respond online to the 2020 Census.
  • March 16-24 – A reminder letter.
  • March 26-April 3 – A reminder postcard. (if you haven’t responded yet)
  • April 8-16 – A reminder letter and a paper questionnaire.
  • April 20-27 – A final reminder postcard before the Census follows up in person.

Where are people counted?

  • Count people at their usual residence, which is the place where they live and sleep most of the time.
  • People in certain types of group facilities on Census Day are counted at the group facility.
  • People who do not have a usual residence, or who cannot determine a usual residence, are counted where they are on Census Day.

Census Job Opportunities 

As a reminder, another challenge we are facing is fulfilling jobs at the Census National Processing Center and Field Operations.  Attached are our flyers that explain the job opportunities. Please keep sharing this information through your social media, websites, newsletters etc. More information is below: 

  1. To apply at NPC go to USAJobs.gov   Search keyword: PNC Location: Jeffersonville
  2. Field Operations apply at Census.gov/jobs Hiring process may take 30-60 days. 

If you wish to see other information in a different language click on the link below. 

https://www.census.gov/library/fact-sheets.html



Coronavirus header

COVID-19 Response Fund

fund one


Restaurant Worker Relief Fund

restaurant workers relief

The LEE Initiative and Makers Mark are providing free carry-out, heat-and-serve meals to restaurant workers with pay stubs to prove their employment. Workers can pick up the meals (limit 2 per person) at 610 W. Magnolia Ave. from 5 to 8:30 p.m. They are also stocking family necessities for babies and children, non-perishable canned foods, toilet tissue and Tylenol. Everything is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Donate to the fund at www.leeinitiative.org

Apron Inc. Emergency Fund for Restaurant Workers A $10,000 emergency fund specific for COVID-19 affected businesses and employees, and Apron will be distributing $400 grants to eligible applicants.

To be eligible for a grant, a person must:

  • Be diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. You will require a doctor’s letter.
  • Be employed in an independent restaurant for at least six months.
  • Be able to produce bills to be paid. They do not give money directly to grantees.

Apply at www.aproninc.org/application.



Neighbors Helping Neighbors

covid match


The Power of Social Distancing

COVID

COVID-19 Store Closings

closings

COVID-19 Small Business Resource Lists

Louisville Forward’s list:

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-resources-covid-19  https://louisvilleky.gov/government/neighborhood-place 

LIBA’s list (Louisville Independent Business Alliance):

https://www.keeplouisvilleweird.com/CovidResources 

SBDC’s list (Small Business Development Center- scroll down their page for restaurant and daycare info):

https://www.louisvillesmallbusiness.com/resources-related-to-covid19

Financial Resources

KIVA loans:

https://www.kiva.org/borrow 

LHome loans:

https://www.louisvillecdfi.org/

https://www.lhomeky.org/loans 

Community Ventures loans:

http://www.cvky.org/

https://business.ehomeagency.org/communityventures 

Navigate Enterprise Center loans:

http://navigatecenter.org/

http://navigatecenter.org/get-a-loan/loan-requirements/ 

Small Business Disaster Assistance - COVID-19

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/ApplyOnline

Low-interest loans for small businesses in a disaster area (Kentucky has been included).

Please be aware that sole proprietors MUST select the Economic Injury Loan Option in order to proceed with applying for the EIDL's for the COVID-19 disaster declaration. If they select the wrong option, they do not have to re-register but they will need to start the application again.

More of the Same Info For Small Business Owners

Small Business Resources COVID-19 (updated daily and will share info on additional funding when available)

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-resources-covid-19

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for nonprofits is 2.75%. Eligible businesses and nonprofits can receive up to $2 million for up to 30 years.

Find more information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans at www.SBA.gov/Disaster.

Micro Loans Programs Obtaining capital to start or expand a business can sometimes be the biggest barrier for our low- to moderate-income individuals. Loans up to $10,000 are available from:

More information is coming on emergency loan relief.

KIVA KIVA expanded its 0% loan options. Effective immediately, U.S. applicants for a Kiva loan will have access to the following:

  • Expanded eligibility: More businesses in the U.S. will be eligible for a Kiva loan than ever.
  • Larger loans: The maximum loan on the Kiva platform will increase from $10,000 to $15,000.
  • Grace period: New borrowers may access a grace period of up to six months for greater financial flexibility.

If you’re a small business owner who believes you can benefit from a Kiva loan, or you know one in your community, go to www.kiva.org/borrow to apply for a loan.

KentuckianaWorks As the Region's Workforce Development Board, KentuckianaWorks connects area employers with skilled, qualified workers and helps residents of Louisville Metro, Bullitt, Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble counties find jobs, education, and training. Although its physical facilities are closed, virtual career services and guidance are still being offered. For more information about services provided, visit www.kentuckianaworks.org/covid19.

Fifth Third Bank Hardship Relief Effort  Fifth Third Bank has announced that it will waive payments, late payments and fees for up to 90 days for consumer and business customers facing financial hardship related to COVID-19. The bank will be responding on a case-by-case manner based on need. Fifth Third Bank customers should call 866-601-6391 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in more than 30 countries. More information is available HERE.



Report Prohibited Activity

311

Mayor Fischer has urged Louisvillians to report non-essential businesses that refuse to shut down during the COVID-19 outbreak. The city has received numerous complaints about restaurants, bars, and salons that are still conducting business as usual.

Residents who see businesses or groups of residents defying the order to close or curtail their activities can report those violations in several ways:

State of Kentucky – 1-833-KY-SAFER / 1-833-597-2337 (tollfree)

City of Louisville – Metro311

  • Email: 311@louisvilleky.gov
  • Twitter: @LouMetro311
  • On the web: louisvilleky.gov/tell311
  • App: Louisville Metro 311 on Android or iOS
  • Phone: 311

Due to an increased volume of phone calls, city officials are asking residents to contact Metro311 via the web if possible. Your complaints will still be addressed, and your questions will be answered



Unemployment Insurance

KCC ui days

In an effort to serve the large influx of Kentuckians who are filing for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits as efficiently as possible during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (EWDC) is implementing new UI filing procedures and starting new local office phone lines for customers.

Effective immediately, Kentucky Career Centers (KCC) across the state have been closed to the public to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but KCC workers are still providing services by telephone and videoconference. 

Those in the Louisville area may call 502-595-4003 for KCC services including UI questions. Claimants can also call the UI Help Line at 502-564-2900, if they have questions.

On March 16, Gov. Andy Beshear directed EWDC to waive the state’s seven-day waiting period to receive UI benefits and the work-search requirement for UI benefits during the state of emergency. 

As a result, the following policy has been activated.

  1. Individual is laid off and files initial claim application to request UI benefits.
  2. After claimant files and requests payment, UI staff conducts eligibility review and processes benefit request concurrently.
  3. If approved, initial payment is authorized for 14 days of benefits.
  4. Claimant may request benefits every two weeks. This process may continue for a maximum of 26 total weeks or until the claimant obtains employment or returns to work.
  5. The weekly benefit amount is based on the worker’s past wages.

All of the new measures have been implemented to help people who have temporarily lost their jobs or are quarantined because of COVID-19.

Individuals filing for unemployment benefits should visit www.kcc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx



JCPS - Loving and Feeding Students

JCPS MapJCPS

Desire to see more food sites?  JCPS is adding more sites as needed.  They are now up to 58 feeding sites. Updated map can be found here: https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/sites/default/files/District%20Map%20Feeding%20Sites.pdf



news

Online Library Services

Library

Thanks to the generosity of a number of publishers and library service providers, LFPL is able to offer temporary access to more digital materials and online resources to help keep you informed, engaged, and entertained at this time.

  • Free streaming movies for kids, courtesy of Kanopy Kids
  • Access to more than 400 classic titles on eBook with no wait, courtesy of Overdrive — look for “Always Available eBook Classics”

PLUS, we always offer: Downloadable Audiobooks, eMagazines and Digital Comic Books, online learning with Lynda.com, Homework Help and Activities for Kids and Teens, and more at LFPL.org!



LMPD Crime Report - District 7

Crime

For the week of Sunday March 15th to Saturday March 21st

Theft from Automobile - There were a total of twenty thefts from autos, which was an increase from the previous week (11). In eight of the thefts force was used, seven were unlocked and five were by unknown means. Please remember to lock your vehicles and take your valuables out of your car. 

Auto Theft - There was one reported auto thefts for the week which was a decrease from the previous week (4). The one was by unknown means. 

Burglary - There were two reported burglaries this reporting period which was a decrease from the previous week (9). These were both residential burglaries. Entry was made by the following: One was unlocked and one was by unknown means. 

There were no reported robberies for the reporting period.



Quote of the Week

 

The best view comes

after

the hardest climb