April 2, 2020
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope all of you are doing well and coping during this unusual situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this outbreak, it is important for us to share information so we can all take care of ourselves and seek help and resources if needed.
At a media briefing earlier today, Gov. Inslee extended his stay-at-home order through May 4. To view today’s proclamation, click here. To watch today’s press briefing, click here. At a briefing the day before, Gov. Inslee called on manufacturers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies in the fight against the spread of the virus. You can watch TVW's coverage of yesterday's briefing here.
 This map shows confirmed cases by COVID-19 in Washington state by county.
Congress approves COVID-19 stimulus package
Last week, Congress approved a $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package that President Trump signed into law. This relief package includes a coronavirus relief fund. Based on its population, Washington will receive just over $3 billion. The relief package also includes a “citizen stimulus” in which most adults will qualify for a $1,200 check from the federal government ($2,400 for married couples), plus families will receive $500 for children under 17. The money is expected to be sent out sometime in April. This link provides details on the relief package and how it will help Washington and other states.
Here are other helpful links related to the federal stimulus package:
Small businesses grants and loans
The Small Business Administration has updated its website to include some new resources for small businesses affected by COVID-19 including:
One of the new temporary programs beginning this week is the Paycheck Protection Program, which is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.
Under this program:
- Eligible recipients may qualify for a loan up to $10 million determined by 8 weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount.
- Loan payments will be deferred for six months.
- If you maintain your workforce, SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first 8 weeks of payroll and certain other expenses following loan origination.
Who can apply
This program is for any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by coronavirus/COVID-19.
Businesses in certain industries may have more than 500 employees if they meet the SBA’s size standards for those industries. Small businesses in the hospitality and food industry with more than one location could also be eligible at the store and location level if the store employs less than 500 workers. This means each store location could be eligible.
How to apply
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program. Lenders may begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3, 2020.
Loan details and forgiveness
The loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75 percent of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.
Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease. This loan has a maturity of two years and an interest rate of .5%. If you wish to begin preparing your application, you can download a sample form to see the information that will be requested from you.
 On March 31, President Trump and the Coronavirus Task Force describe efforts to delay the peak of COVID-19, diminish its overall impact on health care facilities, and decrease the overall number of deaths.
Helpful websites and phone numbers
There are many helpful and informative websites with useful and up-to-date information on the COVID-19 virus and government resources to help those in need of assistance.
The Department of Health recently created a COVID-19 daily bulletin. To sign up for the daily bulletin, go here.
Here are helpful phone numbers to reach various state agencies if you need assistance related to the COVID-19 outbreak:
- Department of Health: 1-800-525-0127
- Department of Revenue: 360-705-6705 (tax extensions and waiver requests)
- Department of Labor and Industries: 360-902-5800
Other COVID-19 information
Here are links to other information related to our state's response to the COVID-19 outbreak that I have received in recent days that you might find useful.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your state senator. This is a difficult time for 12th District businesses, schools, and families. Let’s each do what we can to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Please contact my office if you need additional information or if we can help connect you with more information and resources.
Sincerely,
Brad Hawkins
State Senator
Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
E-mail:
brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov
Website: senatorbradhawkins.org
107 Newhouse Building
- P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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