Local Assemblyman: State passes emergency COVID-19 budget allocation
– Today, Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) released the following statement following the Assembly unanimously passing an emergency budget allocation (SB 89 & SB 117) to fight the COVID-19 outbreak:
“Our priority over the last 72 hours has shifted from ensuring our kids continue to receive food during school closures to ensuring that Central Coast residents take seriously the warnings of our public health professionals. We must work together to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on our neighbors, our vulnerable populations, and our healthcare system.
“To the end, today the State Assembly passed a $500 million emergency budget allocation (with potential to increase $1 billion) to give the Administration emergency funding to fight this deadly outbreak and provide more healthcare capacity. Funds will go towards increasing our state’s supply of respirators, bringing new hospitals online, and helping our most vulnerable population weather this storm. We will get through this as a community, but we must take precautions and prepare ourselves.”
Employees who are laid off or have hours cut as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak can apply for unemployment insurance. Parents who have to take time off from work to provide childcare in the event of a school closure can apply for unemployment insurance. Workers who have to take time off to quarantine or take care of a family member affected by COVID-19 can apply for state disability insurance and/or paid family leave
Small businesses affected by COVID-19 can visit this website to learn about some of the services being offered. The U.S. Small Business Administration plans on offering low-interest disaster loans – more information here.
Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham offers guidance for COVID-19
In a letter to local constituents, who include Paso Robles, Atascadero, and Templeton residents, Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham on Monday offering guidance for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic:
There are now confirmed cases of COVID-19 in both SLO and Santa Barbara Counties. Social distancing measures are in effect. Please follow the advice and guidelines of our local public health experts.
Benefits Available to Workers
If you are unable to work because your child’s school is closed, or if your hours have been reduced because of the virus, or if you must take off from work to care for a family member affected by the Coronavirus, you may be eligible for disability and/or unemployment insurance through the state.
Learn more here: https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
Help with Bills
A number of companies have halted shut-offs if you are unable to pay your bill during the outbreak, including Verizon, T-Mobile, PG&E and others. Contact customer service representatives to learn more.
School Lunch Programs
While schools throughout the district have closed, districts are still running their school breakfast and lunch programs. To find out where and when your child’s school district is distributing meals, click here.
Small Business Help
Our small businesses are struggling. The U.S. Small Business Administration has plans to offer small businesses low-interest disaster loans. There are also other policies being worked on at the state and federal level to help soften the blow for our small businesses. More information to come.
New Guidance on Public Gatherings & Social Distancing
The Federal Centers for Disease Control has recommended that all events of more than 50 people be canceled or postponed for the next eight weeks.
Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom held a press conference and announced that he will issue some new guidance in response to the growing COVID19 pandemic here in California:
- The Governor has requested all bars, wineries and breweries close to the public
- The Governor has requested all senior citizens over 65 and those with already-existing health problems home isolate
- The Governor has requested that restaurants cut their occupancy in half to allow for social distancing within the restaurant
- The Governor is prohibiting visitation in hospitals and senior centers unless there is an end-of-life situation
The Central Coast is as prepared as any other community in the state for a COVID-19 outbreak. Together, we will get through this public health crisis. Please follow the advice of our public health professionals and practice social distancing. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call my office at (805) 549-3381.
Sincerely,
Jordan Cunningham
California State Assemblyman
