The 31st District Digest (June 29 to July 3)
The 31st District Digest (June 29 to July 3)
This week, Governor Newsom signed the 2020-2021 Budget Act. The $202.1 billion plan strengthens emergency response, protects public health, preserves school funding, and promotes economic recovery. The balanced budget framework also acknowledges the need to navigate an uncertain future and we will meet these challenges head-on.
For my statement on the 2020-2021 Budget Act, click here.
For the full budget summary, visit http://www.ebudget.ca.gov/
As we have phased in reopening, Riverside County has experienced a spike in COVID-19 cases. This requires constant reassessment of how to best support the health of our community. As our District continues to respond to the effects of COVID-19, here are the updates and actions taken this week across the state:
Changes in Riverside County’s Reopening Efforts
In response to the recent rise in confirmed coronavirus cases in Riverside County and across the state, the County, through guidance from the California Dept. of Public Health, is requiring some businesses to close or move their activities outdoors to reduce the spread of the virus.
Affected businesses include:
- Restaurants
- Wineries and tasting rooms
- Movie theaters
- Family entertainment centers
- Zoos and museums
- Cardrooms
For the full release from Riverside County click here (Spanish). For the state order, click here.
This action follows the order issued on Monday, requiring the closure of all bars in the Riverside County, effective Tuesday, June 30.
For state issued guidance for industries, click here.
For County Guidance, click here.
REMINDER: Riverside County residents are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19, regardless of age, the presence of symptoms, or insurance status.
To make an appointment, visit http://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus/testing. Residents can also call 800-945-6171, seven days a week between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. The wait time to make an appointment by phone is shorter between 5 and 10 p.m.
[For up-to-date information on Riverside County’s COVID-19 Response visit https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus]
California’s Path Forward
Next Phase of Project Roomkey: Project Homekey (link)
On Monday, Governor Newsom announced the next phase of Project Roomkey, called Project Homekey. This is the State’s initiative to support Californians experiencing homelessness during the time of COVID-19. Under Project Homekey, counties will partner with the state to acquire and rehabilitate a variety of housing types: hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings, residential care facilities, and other tiny homes. All these new placements will serve people experiencing homelessness.
For more information on resources for Riverside County residents experiencing homelessness, please click here. If you are homeless and in need of housing, please call Home Connect at 1-800-498-8847.
New Executive Order in response to COVID-19 (link)
On Tuesday, Governor Newsom issued an executive order on a variety of issues that have arisen during COVID-19, from evictions and Med-Cal eligibility re-determinations, to flexibility in CalWORKs enrollment and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) assessments.
For the full text of the order, click here.
EDD and DMV Updates
EDD: Additional Unemployment Insurance Benefits now Available for Long Term Unemployed (link)
On Wednesday, the Employment Development Department (EDD) announced that up to 20 additional weeks of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits are now available to longer term unemployed workers in California impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
EDD: Expansion of California Paid Family Leave Program (link)
On Wednesday, the EDD began expanding the Paid Family Leave program from six to eight weeks of benefits available.
For more information click here.
DMV: Extending Expiring Commercial Licenses through September (link) (Spanish)
The Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is issuing an extension through September 30, 2020, to all commercial driver licenses, learner’s permits, endorsements, and certificates expiring between March and September 2020. The previous extension was set to expire at the end of June.
Local and State Resources
Small Business Resources and Grants
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Next Round of Small Business Grant Funding Applications Opens Monday with Broader Eligibility (link)
Eligibility for Riverside County’s COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program has been expanded to include sole proprietors, as well as businesses that have received an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan or advance as part of the grant program’s second application round.
Eligible businesses may receive up to $10,000 in assistance towards specified uses, including payroll, mortgage, inventory, working capital, and increasing technological capabilities.
For a full list of requirements for eligibility, applicable uses for grant funding, or to apply, click here.
CITY OF RIVERSIDE: Microenterprise Business Grant Program (link)
Businesses in the City of Riverside are encouraged to apply for the Microenterprise Business Grant Program designed to provide relief during COVID-19. These grants of up to $7,500 are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To be eligible, businesses must have fewer than five employees, a valid business license, and be of low or moderate income. When filling out the application, be sure to have your business license, insurance, and proof of income ready. The deadline to apply is Monday, August 31, 2020 at 6:00pm.
To apply, click here.
Food Resources
P-EBT: Food Assistance for Families with Children Eligible for Free or Reduced-Price Meals (link) (Spanish)
Families with children eligible for free or reduced-price meals may qualify for extra food benefits of up to $365 per eligible child in the form of Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer or P-EBT, while their school is closed due to COVID-19.
Families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals and who do NOT get CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits must apply online before July 15, 2020. Applications can be found here.
Health Resources
Covered CA Special Enrollment Period (link)
If you lack income because your hours were cut or if you are no longer working, you may be eligible for low or no cost coverage through plans offered through Covered California. A special-enrollment period is underway now that allows you to enroll in a health plan until July 31, 2020.
For more information, click here.
This weekend, we celebrate Independence Day. While we may not be able to celebrate with traditions we are accustomed to, I encourage us all to find appropriate ways to celebrate our nation. By taking the necessary precautions of limiting physical interaction with those who do not live in your home and by wearing protective face coverings when in public spaces, we can all take part in combatting the spread of COVID-19.
Thank you all for your cooperation and collaboration thus far. I look forward to the day that we can celebrate our nation together as a community in a safe, healthy environment.
Until then, please have a safe, healthy and happy Fourth of July Weekend!
Very sincerely,
RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District