The 31st District Digest (April 27 to May 1)
The 31st District Digest (April 27 to May 1)
This week marks our transition into May and thus a new month forward in California’s response to COVID-19. California has made considerable progress in flattening the curve, progress that will continue if we remain focused on our efforts to practice safe social distancing.
As always, my office continues our work to ensure that the needs of our District are met and represented in Sacramento. If you would like assistance in navigating these or any changes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. Our contact information is available at the conclusion of these updates.
Here’s what happened this week:
California’s Path Forward
California’s Pandemic Resilience Roadmap (link)
On Tuesday, Governor Newsom, with California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Sonia Angell, provided an update on the state’s path forward through California’s Roadmap to Pandemic Resilience. Coupled with the previously released six indicators for a modified stay-at-home order, the road map laid out the following stages or phases for gradual reopening:
- Stage 1: Safety and Preparedness – Making essential workforce environment as safe as possible.
- Stage 2: Lower Risk Workplaces – Creating opportunities for lower risk sectors to adapt and re-open. Modified school programs and child care re-open.
- Stage 3: Higher Risk Workplaces – Creating opportunities for higher risk sectors to adapt and re-open.
- Stage 4: End of Stay-At-Home Order – Return to expanded workforce in highest risk workplaces. Requires Therapeutics.
Currently, the state is at Stage 1 and must continue progress in the following areas in order to move forward:
- Continue to build out testing, contact tracing, PPE, and hospital surge capacity.
- Continue to make essential workplaces as safe as possible.
- Physical and workflow adaption
- Essential workforce safety net
- Make PPE more widely available
- Individual behavior changes
- Prepare sector-by-sector safety guidelines for expanded workforce.
For the full presentation, click here. To watch the press conference, click here.
Regional State Partnership
Colorado and Nevada Join the Western States Pact (link)
On Monday, Governor Newsom announced that Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and their respective states have joined the Western States Pact, which currently consists of California, Oregon, and Washington. This pact was initially announced during an April 13 press release with the goal of establishing a shared science and data informed vision to navigate a shared response to COVID-19.
Riverside County Updates
Riverside County Workforce Assistance Programs (link) (Spanish)
On Tuesday, the Riverside County Workforce Development Division announced that they have received additional state funding to provide up to $800 in job loss benefits to county residents who have lost employment as a result of COVID-19. This program will help provide supportive services for jobseekers enrolled in the agency’s various workforce assistance programs. Those who are eligible may use their funds for housing assistance, utility assistance, telework equipment, and internet access, child care assistance, and/or transportation assistance. To find out more about this program, please visit http://rivcoworkforce.com/COVID-19Resources.aspx.
Riverside County Health Orders Amended, Face Coverings and Social Distancing Continues (link) (Spanish)
On Wednesday, Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser announced that the county-wide order requiring residents to wear face coverings and practice social distancing will be extended through June 19. Later that day, the County issued a clarification stating the following: The County’s current health order prohibiting gatherings outside the home expires April 30. Beginning May 1, the county will fall solely under the governor’s stay at home order as it pertains to gatherings. The governor’s order states that all California residents must stay home unless they are engaged in an essential business or activity, such as grocery shopping or visiting the doctor.
The County is clarifying that Governor Newsom’s statewide stay-at-home order remains in effect. Modifications to the statewide order will be based on the six data-driven indicators and the Pandemic Resilience Road Map announced on Tuesday. The County intends to follow state guidance for a phased reopening of businesses and will be prepared to do so as the statewide stay-at-home orders are gradually lifted. To see this full plan, click here.
For the full amended Riverside County Public Health Order effective May 1, click here.
Riverside County Superior Court Extends Closure Date (link)
On Wednesday, the Riverside County Superior Court announced that it would be extending its temporary closures through May 15, 2020. Emergency matters will continue to be handled as outlined on the court’s COVID-19 Court Operations page.
Riverside County Launches Economic Recovery Task Force (link)
On Friday, Riverside County launched an economic recovery task force to provide recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on restarting the local economy beyond COVID-19. The task force will be comprised of business and community leaders throughout Riverside County and is expected to be in place for 18 months, to formulate short term and long term strategies. For a full list of the task force members, click here
COVID-19 Testing is Available to Residents who do not have Symptoms (link) (Spanish)
As of April 17, per the County Public Health Officer’s guidance, Riverside County residents who do not have symptoms, but want to get tested for COVID-19, may do so by calling (800) 945-6171 to make an appointment. This modification of the testing criteria will allow anyone who wants to be tested the opportunity to do so. Making an appointment is required as drive-ups without an appointment cannot be accommodated.
Census 2020
It’s Still Not Too Late to Complete the 2020 Census
The 2020 Census is your opportunity to help secure crucial federal funding for our community. COVID-19 has shown us the importance of adequately funded public health and education systems, among others, so make sure you do your part to ensure that California is properly supported.
While you still have the option of filling out the nine-question survey online at my2020census.gov using a code provided to you through the mail, paper forms for the Census will begin to be mailed to those who have not yet participated. So be on the lookout!
Support for Workers
April 28, 2020, is Workers’ Memorial Day (link)
On Tuesday, Governor Newsom issued a proclamation declaring April 28, 2020, as “Workers’ Memorial Day” in California. On Workers’ Memorial Day, we remember, recognize, and honor the men and women who have lost their lives in their lines of work and renew the state’s commitment to securing safe and healthy working conditions for all workers during this difficult time and beyond.
California Launches new Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for Self-Employed, Independent Contractors (link)
On Tuesday, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) launched applications for the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, providing financial support to Californians who are out of business or whose ability to provide services has been significantly reduced as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to help workers through this and other unemployment insurance applications, the EDD has created the Unemployment Benefit Guide. For answers to frequently asked questions about the PUA program, click here.
May 1 is International Workers’ Day: California’s Actions to Support All Workers Affected by COVID-19 (link)
On Friday, in honor of International Workers’ Day, which is also known as May Day, Governor Newsom recognized and honored the sacrifices that California’s essential workforce has made in order to keep our state operational. The governor also provided a recap of the state resources for our essential workforce as well as those who may have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19. Examples include child care funding, paid sick leave for food sector workers, expediting unemployment insurance claims, and more. For the full list of actions, click here.
Updates on Food Resources
Expansion of Farm to Family Program and New Initiatives to Combat Food Insecurity (link)
On Wednesday, Governor Newsom announced a series of new initiatives to support families facing food insecurity while also supporting California’s farming and agricultural industry that has been deeply impacted by COVID-19. These initiatives include:
- Expanding California’s Farm to Family Program: $3.64 million in new funding to expand the state’s Farm to Family program, including $2.86 million from the USDA and $775,000 committed by philanthropy to jumpstart a $15 million campaign to further support the program through the end of the year
- Combatting Food Insecurity through Expanded EBT Programs:
- CalFresh recipients will now the maximum benefits for the month of May.
- Families with children eligible for free or reduced-price meals are eligible to receive additional support thanks to the Pandemic Emergency Benefits Transfer Program (P-EBT)
- Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) recipients can now use their EBT card to make purchases online at Amazon.com and Walmart.com, with more retailers coming soon. For more info, click here
If you are experiencing food insecurity, please visit our Food Resources page to see what is available in our District or visit Riverside County’s Food Access Map.
Additionally, to learn more about CalFresh eligibility requirements, please click here.
Riverside County Food Resources for Homebound Seniors
On Wednesday, the Riverside County Dept. of Public Social Services released the list County Office of Aging’s food resources for vulnerable seniors who may experience food insecurity. As per their resource guide, “adults who have a disability or are over age 60 can contact Riverside County Office on Aging, which offers food delivery for critical emergencies, two weeks supply of pantry and essential items, home-delivered meals, and Grab-and-Go meal packages at community center locations.” To see the full list, click here.
Streamlining Assistance for California’s Families
New Online Portal to help Families Find Local Child Care Options (link)
On Thursday, Governor Newsom announced a new portal to help parents, including essential and vulnerable families, find safe, reliable, and accessible child care options in their area. The new portal found on covid19.ca.gov/childcare/ provides families with a list of local center-based and family care programs by entering their location, as well as each child care program’s health and safety information, age of children accepted, capacity, availability, hours, and contact information for the program and local Child Care Resource and Referral agency.
Executive Order on CalWORKs (link)
On Friday, Governor Newsom issues an executive order that temporarily expands the capability of counties to enroll individuals into the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program using various eligibility verification methods due to social distancing requirements. The changes include:
- Allowing for temporary self-attestation of pregnancy and conditions of eligibility;
- Waiving in-person identification requirements;
- Expanding opportunities for individuals to qualify for a limited amount of lump-sum financial assistance instead of receiving CalWORKs; and
- Suspending the requirement for county welfare departments to consider Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation as income when determining CalWORKs grant amounts.
For the full executive order, click here.
Executive Order on Marriages (link)
On Thursday, Governor Newsom issued an executive order allowing adults to obtain marriage licenses via teleconferencing rather than in person county court visits. This order is to be implemented at the local county clerk’s discretion and will require that both adults are located within the State of California, are present, and can present identification during the video conference.
Health Care Coverage
Reminder: Special-Enrollment Period for Covered California Due to COVID-19 is Available Now
The special enrollment period for health care coverage through Covered California is open now. If you have lost your health insurance coverage as a result of COVID-19 or can no longer afford your current insurance due to changes in your income, please visit https://www.coveredca.com/individuals-and-families/getting-covered/special-enrollment/ to apply and see what coverage options may work best for you.
Finally, the month of May serves as Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, and Military Appreciation Month. I encourage our community to recognize, appreciate, and honor each of these topics as we begin this new month in the wake of COVID-19.
Thank you all for your patience and compassion during these difficult times. From our essential workforce members who have helped keep our state and District healthy and safe, to all who have continued to do their part by practicing safe social distancing and protecting our community by staying safe at home, we are all in this together.
My office will continue to serve and advocate on behalf of our district and all who call it home.
Until next time, have a safe and healthy weekend.
Very Sincerely,
Richard D. Roth
Senator, 31st District