Councilman David Yates issues the following statement on the tragic loss of Breonna Taylor, his support for peaceful protests and his denouncement of violence of any kind:
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Breonna Taylor as our entire city joins them in grieving their tragic loss. Last night's peaceful protests carrying the positive messages of change, transparency, accountability, oversight and equality were sadly overshadowed by the nonsensical destruction and shootings of seven more Louisvillians. Violence and destruction only begets violence and destruction. We on the Metro Council are taking legislative action to limit no-knock warrants and implement a strong civilian oversight board with subpoena power to better protect our citizens and officers. Our city cannot stomach any further loss of life. Please join Breonna Taylor's family in supporting peaceful protest, open dialogue and continuing to speak her name as we all seek justice, truth & equality."
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As restaurants are beginning to re-open, you might notice a new addition to the collection of eateries located in Colonial Gardens.
Check out Biscuit Belly for all of your breakfast and brunch cravings. They are excited to open Friday, June 5th to serve up some of their delicious eggs, hashes, and of course biscuits!
For more information, check out Biscuit Belly on Facebook.
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 JCPS is asking parents, students and teachers to weigh in on how the district’s first Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) program went for them.
In a short period of time, JCPS created a platform with innovative instructional practices and provided resources to our community to ensure learning could continue even when we couldn’t be together. As a district, we always want to listen to our employees, parents and students about any new measures or initiatives and see how JCPS might improve, especially if we are forced into a similar, unfortunate school-at-home situation in the future.
The survey is available until Friday, June 12.
Paper copies can be picked up beginning Monday at food sites. To complete an online survey, click on the appropriate link:
 Mayor Greg Fischer today outlined steps he is taking to significantly boost the city’s COVID-19 testing and tracing capabilities, as the city and state move ahead on a gradual reopening of the economy.
Those steps include expanding COVID-19 testing, initiating a broad contact-tracing system, and increasing Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) staff, including two executive consultants to oversee testing and tracing.
Local and national health experts agree that containing the spread of COVID-19 as the economy slowly reopens is dependent on a “Box It In” strategy:
- Test more widely for the virus.
- Isolate infected people and provide support services to help them recover and stay safe.
- Find everyone who’s been in close contact with someone infected with the virus.
- Quarantine those people for 14 days, providing appropriate support services during their period of quarantine.
  T-Mobile’s offer of free mobile service for first responders for 10 years is now available, CEO Mike Sievert announced today. The program, officially called “Connecting Heroes,” provides free access to the company’s network over the next decade for members of state and local public and nonprofit law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies.
The offer of free service, which includes unlimited talk, text, and 4G / 5G data, was part of a set of promises the company made to help convince regulators to approve its merger with Sprint. And now, with that merger successfully completed, the newly expanded T-Mobile is making good on that promise. Sievert claimed T-Mobile will follow through on its other pledges as well.
Of course, there are a few caveats to the offer. The deal is only available of members of eligible first responder groups — and agencies will have to contact T-Mobile to get approved first. The Connecting Heroes plans are also more limited than T-Mobile’s regular Magenta plan: while some things are the same, like the 5GB of high-speed data in Mexico and Canada and the SD video limitations, there are a few perks that aren’t included.
Tethering on the Connecting Heroes plan is limited to 1GB of LTE tethering (compared to 3GB on the Magenta plan), and there’s no mention of the free data and texting abroad (although the fine print does note that Connecting Heroes plan members can purchase additional international features) or the free Netflix or in-flight Wi-Fi offers that come with the Magenta plan.
The Connecting Heroes plan is just part of T-Mobile’s promised goodwill initiatives. Also included is its $15-per-month Connect wireless plan with unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data for half of the company’s $30 “Essentials” plan, and Project 10Million, which promised free internet for 10 million households to provide children around the country better access to the internet to close “the homework gap.”
for the full article click the link below: https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/21/21266302/tmobile-connecting-heroes-free-service-first-responders-ten-years-5g-sprint-deal
The link above provides the proper steps for local restaurants to apply for outdoor permits amid COVID-19
For local restaurants in the community to apply for outdoor permits, please click on the link above!
As Kentucky restaurants begin to reopen on May 22, 2020, and because of limited allowable indoor seating capacity, Louisville Metro wants to help restaurant owners find solutions to increase their outdoor seating capacity. This link provides information for outdoor seating (sidewalk/right of way), Alcohol Beverage Control, and Dining on Private Property
Many of the resources and information to help aid small business and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic are provided in the link above.
 You can Now Dial 2-1-1 if you are in need of food delivery services. This is available for everybody, but especially for those most at risk (above age 60). The South Louisville Community Ministries will utilize this call service to gather and collect data for future use.
 Voters will have to request mail-in ballots in a portal on the State Board of Elections website by June 16 here:
https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/abrweb/
After voting, ballots will be sent to the county clerk. Mail-in ballots will have to be postmarked by June 23 and be received within three days of Election Day. In-person voting, with the possibility of drive-through voting, will be allowed, in new ways, for those who need to vote in person. Post cards will be sent out to Kentucky voters explaining the changes.
For more information check out the article written by the Courier Journal by clicking here!
 As a show of appreciation, Councilman David Yates, local artist, Dusty Leigh and local J. Gumbo's owners Joe Montgomery and Jessica Shanks delivered 75 J.Gumbo meals to frontline EMS workers.
“It is important that we keep all of the people who are helping fight COVID-19 in mind,” says Yates. “These workers are the first to respond to a call for help in Louisville Metro and we cannot thank them enough for their dedication.”
He and other volunteers in this group have been providing meals to nurses/doctors in numerous hospitals along with law enforcement and there are plans to feed an additional 300+ frontline workers next week.
“We could use any additional help if you have the time,” said Yates. “Many of these groups are shorthanded during this COVID-19 crisis and if you can’t give your time, a donation would help.”
To learn how you can help your local Community Ministries in this time of need, go to: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLScRViBxrmhvEewnG…/viewform…
 
 Councilman David Yates and his wife Lindsey joined Councilwoman Cindi Fowler volunteering to deliver frozen meals to citizens in need throughout 40272 & 40258. David and Cindi strongly urge the healthy & able of our community to step up and volunteer to help those most in need and highest at risk of contracting COVID-19.
See how you can get involved:
 Councilman David Yates volunteered with the Louisville Covid19 Match Program to help deliver groceries to those at highest risk if they contract COVID-19. The match program needs more volunteers in the zip codes 40216, 40258 & 40272. If you are healthy and at low risk consider volunteering to help our neighbors! Visit: https://lc19match.com/#/low-risk to get started today!
 Kroger will be testing at Southern High School - 8620 Preston Highway beginning Tuesday, May 26th from 8:30am – 5:30pm.
The appointment lines and online system are already open. Sign up here or call 1-888-852-2567, select option 3. Please visit our testing website for more information: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/louisville-covid-19-response-testing.
Louisville Metro Government will begin accepting applications today for the Louisville Metro Council COVID-19 Relief Fund (CRF) – established to supplement relief organizations experiencing an incremental surge in demand for services from persons impacted by the COVID-19 health pandemic.
FY20 External Agency Fund (non-profit) recipients or Metro administered programs with existing food and/or housing assistance programs are eligible to apply.
Metro Council voted to approve this $2.7 million relief package on March 19, 2020.
Starting, April 24, applications will be accepted from eligible organizations and reviewed on a weekly basis by a panel composed of representatives from the public and private sector. The funding may only be used by organizations that provide the following public services to Jefferson County residents: rent and/or mortgage assistance and/or food access.
Any approval will require that applicants demonstrate an increased demand for services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and depletion of other COVID-19 related funding. The goal is to provide funding within a week of panel approval.
The 5-person review panel will consist of one representative each from the Mayor’s office and Metro United Way, and three representatives from Metro Council. The city’s Office of Resilience and Community Services will serve as the fiscal agent for administering the CRF.
Applications can be submitted to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LMCCOVID.
For more information about the Metro Council COVID-19 Relief Fund applications and guidelines, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/external-agency-fund.
Process questions should be directed to Ethan Lambert, Grants Coordinator with the Office of Resilience and Community Services, at Ethan.Lambert@louisvilleky.gov.
COVID-19 TESTING:
Councilman Yates is pushing hard to have more COVID-19 free drive-thru testing locations throughout our city and especially in the South End of town.
However, if you think you or a family member need to be tested, do not wait!
1. Register to take the test in the parking lot at the Bashford Manor Walmart, https://doineedacovid19test.com/Louisville.htm
or Shawnee Park, https://www.thelittleclinic.com/drivethru-testing
2. Create an account and complete the survey asking about race, sex, symptoms, etc.
3. Schedule your appointment time.
Be sure to print your test voucher and bring it to your appointment. If you need help, contact my office, 574-1125.
https://govstatus.egov.com/kycovid19
For a Kroger appointment CLICK HERE!
 For a Bashford Manor Walmart appointment click here: https://doineedacovid19test.com/Louisville.htm
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Paving of the New Dixie Highway is complete. This marks a significant milestone for the safer and more efficient Dixie Highway corridor. The surface of New Dixie Highway is a major upgrade from the severely deteriorated pavement that previously covered the stretch.
Drivers will notice a smoother roadway on their next trip of the corridor. A higher quality surface was achieved through daytime paving work. The final surfacing is being completed on schedule with little impact from COVID-19. Foundational work done to level, wedge and mill the roadway will ensure the New Dixie Highway surfacing holds up for years to come on the highly traveled corridor. Some striping work, which requires a dry surface to be completed, remains.
The Project Team is thankful to construction crews for their hard work to complete this important piece of the New Dixie Highway. Their dedication is greatly appreciated as we near the finish line for the project.
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In addition to finishing paving, the project team has also completed its first mowing of the transformative medians. The new medians between Greenwood Road and Crums Lane encourage safer traffic patterns by limiting where drivers can make left turns.
Mowing will continue at least once every two weeks throughout the growing season using mulching mowers and weed eaters. By using fine turf equipment and techniques, crews will minimize the amount of grass scattered on along the highway.
All landscaping elements of the project, including shrubs, sod, and newly planted trees along sidewalks and near bus shelters, are also complete. To ensure successful plantings, the New Dixie Highway project included investing in an innovative underground system to provide support for trees to grow productively without interfering to utility lines.
We hope Dixie Highway travelers are enjoying how these new elements beautify the roadway. Our project team appreciates the patience of Dixie Highway area residents and travelers throughout this major construction project.
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The only remaining pieces of the New Dixie Highway project are related to technology. Installation of fiber optics and other tech elements will continue this spring and summer.
This includes pylons with digital screens at each RAPID bus stop. Real-time information on TARC riders’ commutes will be available on the high-tech pylons.
TARC buses will travel even more rapidly to RAPID line stops when linked with an Intelligent Transportation System that preempts traffic signals for quick and efficient movement. That technology will be operational later this year.
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 Public Works intends to contract Guardian Retention Systems, who currently has a contract with KYTC, to build and install a barrier wall to mitigate the reoccurring landslides on St. Anthony's Church Road. The barrier will be constructed of trapezoidal concrete bags that are 2-4' in height. This will serve as the most cost-effective and timely solution. Construction of the barrier is expect to cost $152,000 and last one-week (weather permitting). Councilman Yates secured funding from this project this week in the Budget Committee and final approval will occur next Thursday at the Louisville Metro Council Meeting. Construction can be scheduled once the funds have officially appropriated.
The concrete bags are intended to absorb the lateral earth pressures caused by landslides and shift the pressures downward due to the unique trapezoidal shape of the concrete bags.
Once the concrete cures the bags can be removed to provide an aesthetically more appealing exposed surface. Councilman Yates is working directly with Public Works to find the most appealing solution.
 
 You can see which companies are hiring right now in the Louisville area and how you can apply at our new online Job Board, created in partnership with Greater Louisville Inc. in response to COVID-19.
Job listings are based on information submitted from employers and are updated daily. Click the link below to see avaliable job opportunities!
SummerWorks is a free program that matches young people in Louisville to quality summer job opportunities! SummerWorks jobs include hospitality, advanced manufacturing, and business.
To be eligible, youth must be 16-21 years of age as of June 1, 2020 and a resident of Louisville.
To learn more about the program and to apply, please visit https://www.summerworks.org/sign-up
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 We offer free virtual career services and guidance for youth ages 16-24.
We are here to help during this challenging time.
Although the KYCC locations in downtown Louisville (4th St. and Nia Center) are currently closed to the public, we are still providing many services online:
- Career guidance and support
- GED prep (18+)
- Paid internship opportunities (Internship Academy)
- Basic job readiness workshops and skills training programs that award nationally-recognized career credentials
- Earn incentives for completing program goals
https://www.wearekycc.org/
 The Mayor announced the COVID-19 Reskilling Initiative, which offered free online tech training courses through the Future of Work initiative. Over the past three weeks, more than 4,000 people responded by going to www.futurelou.com to get connected to free, online, self-paced resources.
In the second phase launched today, the Reskilling Initiative will provide instructor-led trainings aligned with career paths that are in-demand in the data economy.
These short-form offerings will provide Louisville residents with the opportunity to explore data-focused career tracks, including data analytics, digital marketing, software engineering, and user experience design in sessions ranging from two to three hours.
There are 500 slots available for this phase of the Reskilling Initiative. To take advantage of this opportunity, sign up for the Future of Work Initiative at http://futurelou.com/
COVID-19 Testing to Physicians Patients
UofL Health is offering COVID-19 testing to Physicians Patients at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital by appointment only. U of L Physicians patients should contact their primary health care provider to schedule an appointment. U of L Health said they plan to expand its testing capacity in the coming weeks.
Check out the full article for more information and to answer any questions you have! https://www.wdrb.com/news/coronavirus/u-of-l-health-expanding-covid-19-testing-in-south-louisville-for-u-of-l/article_949cb84a-8d98-11ea-ba3c-4b8f0a68467f.html
Expanded Telehealth
UofL Health – Telehealth is available to established and qualifying new patients by calling our primary care access line: 502-588-4343. A scheduling specialist will help determine whether a telehealth or in-person visit best serves the need of the patient.
The telehealth appointment is similar to an in-person appointment with a provider. During the visit, the patient will talk about his/her current health concerns and learn what to do.
- The visit can take place from a location that is most convenient and comfortable for
the patient.
- Providers will use a video-based application to speak with the patient by phone, tablet
or computer.
- The telemedicine platform is secure and HIPPA compliant.
- The patient’s photo and voice will not be recorded or stored.
- The patient’s privacy and rights will be respected and ensured.
Through UofL Health – Telehealth, our providers can provide an initial assessment of symptoms related to COVID-19, plus treat common conditions like colds and flu, sore throats,
rashes, allergies, bladder infections and more. Providers may prescribe medication, if appropriate, recommend over-the-counter medication or provide home care options. If needed, the provider may refer patients to an appropriate UofL Physicians – Primary Care location, specialist or to an emergency department.
LIBA has developed an online resource and is sharing recommendations to help the community keep their local businesses in mind as we stay safe.
- Visit www.KeepLouisvilleWeird.com for a listing of local, independent businesses. Special space on each listing is dedicated to information useful during COVID-19 precautions. Keep checking back as our members update their information regularly. The directory is also searchable by businesses that offer delivery, curbside pickup, online ordering, etc.
- Give the Gift of Business - Buy a gift card (on the phone or online) that would cover your usual spend over the coming weeks. Then spend the gift cards later, or give them as gifts to others.
- Buy Now, Pick Up Later - If you had planned on purchasing an item, give the business a call. Pay for it now and have them set it aside for later pickup.
- Keep Up Your Memberships - If you have a membership to a gym, class, studio, etc. keep it going. Many small businesses count on that constant support to keep their doors open so they can be there when you come back.
- Curbside Pickup/Delivery - For restaurants and for retail! Many of our local independents are offering this service.
LIBA is also offering resources to support local businesses themselves. We are offering webinars on working from home, tutorials on Facebook lives that retailers can use for commerce, etc.
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The Kentucky Science Center is very excited to share our digital content with the public.
Despite our building being closed, the staff at KSC has been working hard to continue providing our members and the public with at home content. Roughly eight weeks ago we began a new online series titled “Do Science at Home.”
The videos are released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11am on our Facebook and YouTube. A direct link to our YouTube channel and Facebook page will be included below. In addition to these videos, KSC is also creating a bi-weekly newsletter with updates related to reopening, School’s Out Summer Camp, and at home content/resources. This will allow you to directly receive updates from KSC and share them as you see fit.
After some much-needed maintenance, the Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue will reopen on Tuesday, June 2. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Metro Solid Waste office is pleased to announce a one-day only compost bin and rain barrel truckload sale on Saturday, June 13! The online store offers several types of compost bins, kits, accessories, and rain barrels.
Shop online and pick up your items at 1030 Phillips Lane, across from the Kentucky Exposition Center on Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Staff will wear personal protective equipment and will stay at least 6 feet away from citizens. Staff may be able to safely place your order inside your vehicle or, if not, they can leave it for you to put in.)
Watch a 10-minute presentation by Public Education Supervisor, Karen Maynard, about backyard composting given during the Louisville Sustainability Council's Green Convene.
To shop the online store, visit louisvillecompostersale.com.
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For details on the extension of your 2019 filing please click the following links below.
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.
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At the advice of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, VITA has temporarily suspended operations. With the number of clients they see each day, the potential to transmit the coronavirus to taxpayers or volunteers is high, and the main priority is the health of our community.
As of now, VITA will tentatively plan to open back on Monday, April 6th, along with JCPS. If the current situation changes, this date may move up or be delayed further. The appointment system will not be accessible during this period. During this time, we encourage taxpayers to use the free, online filing options that are accessible on this website. They will also be working to increase their capacity to assist taxpayers in completing their own returns through additional resources and exploring alternative service delivery models to assist taxpayers. There may be remote volunteer opportunities to assist in these efforts, and we will keep you updated.
At this time, the IRS has not issued an official extension of the filing deadline, but it is possible that they may do so. We will be sure to update you regarding any changes to the tax code that may affect you during this time.
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In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, as part of the Community Action Agency network in Kentucky, is now taking applications for an added spring open enrollment period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020, or until designated funds are depleted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Spring LIHEAP program, which is designed to help low-income households offset home energy costs, has increased income eligibility requirements to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Income eligible residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills.
The benefit amount awarded is based on an individual’s income and primary fuel type. Benefits are paid directly to the primary fuel vendor in the form of a voucher.
Jefferson County residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Modified service delivery for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) All six LIHEAP offices remain closed for walk-in clients in an effort to help stem the spread of COVID-19. Residents can still apply for LIHEAP by utilizing secure drop boxes in front of the six LIHEAP offices.
LIHEAP required documentation, along with the downloadable LIHEAP Family Profile form and the Remote Processing form, should be dropped off at the LIHEAP site you select, the day of your appointment, at least one hour before your scheduled appointment time.
Applicants will then be contacted by LIHEAP staff within 72 hours (3 business days) of the appointment time.
Required documentation to drop off includes:
- Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
- Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.
- Most current heating bill, statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
- The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.
Copies of the required documentation is advisable but if original information is dropped off, the LIHEAP staff will make arrangements to return to the recipient.
LIHEAP locations include (which remain closed for walk-in clients):
- South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 40215
- Cane Run Neighborhood Place, 3410 Lees Lane, 40216
To view each program in more detail, click on the headings!
There are additional loan programs available for businesses to utilize! To view them click here!
The loan program will provide zero-interest loans, with no payments for 12 months, to our smallest businesses (10 full-time employees or fewer) impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses can receive up to $25,000 to cover immediate expenses. Applications will open on Monday, April 6, at www.lhomeky.org. More detail to come.
The CARES Act passed the U.S. Senate on March 25, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives on March 27, 2020 and was signed into law on March 27, 2020 as part of the congressional response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The portion dubbed the Keeping American Workers Paid & Employed Act focuses specifically on relief for businesses.
Individuals typically not covered by unemployment insurance, including self-employed, independent contractors, freelance workers, substitute teachers, childcare workers employed by religious affiliated organizations and non-profits can now file for unemployment. Those who left their job for “good cause” because of reasonable risk of exposure (self-quarantine) or due to caring for a family member affected by the virus are also eligible.
In order to efficiently process unemployment claims, Kentuckians filing for unemployment benefits should follow a schedule designating what day they can file their claim. The schedule, which is based the first initial in their last name, as can be found HERE. Individuals filing for unemployment benefits should also visit www.kcc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
Under the presidential emergency declaration, this action allows all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. On Friday, March 20, the filing deadline was moved from April 15 to July 15. Learn more here: www.irs.gov/coronavirus
Louisville Metro Revenue Commission (LMRC) and the Kentucky Department of Revenue have extended tax filing and payment deadlines from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. For information about the state decision to defer filing and payments of state income tax, visit the Kentucky Department of Revenue website.
LMRC has extended the 2019 annual occupational license tax filing and payment deadline for all taxpayers, including those who filed quarterly estimated deposits in 2019 and those who pay once a year. LMRC also has shifted the April 15, 2020 quarterly deposit deadline to May 15, 2020 for entities required to file a quarterly estimated payment. All other LMRC deadlines will remain in place. For more information, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/government/revenue-commission.
LMRC will no longer take walk-in appointments. Anyone with questions can contact LMRC staff at (502) 574-4860 or via email.
Bank on Louisville has gathered information about how local banks and credit unions are supporting customers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. You will need to contact your bank or credit union to participate in relief programs as they are not automatic.
To support restaurants and accommodate those who are picking up carry-out orders and gift cards, the parking authority is allowing free parking at meters adjacent to restaurants for up to 15 minutes. Cars must use their flashers.
To view the complete list of resources for small business please click the link below:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-resources-covid-19
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