The 31st District Digest (July 20 to July 24)

July 25, 2020

The 31^st District Digest (July 20 to July 24)

As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the state continue to rise at a concerning rate, it is crucial that we maintain our efforts to move California towards a safer, healthier future.

For the latest information on California’s COVID-19 Response, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/

For the latest information on Riverside County’s COVID-19 Response, visit https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus

Here are this week’s updates from the state and local level:

Expanded Support for California Workers (link)

Essential workers and healthcare professionals across California have provided an important strength in our response to COVID-19. As such, it is our duty to ensure that those on the frontline are appropriately supported if they are exposed to or diagnosed with the virus. On Friday, Governor Newsom announced additional resources for workers and employers to break the cycle of spread and reduce the risk for COVID-19 at work, at home, and in communities. These include:

Support for workers requiring isolation or quarantine due to infection or exposure to COVID-19;
Strengthened outreach and education campaigns to reach employers, workers, and their families; and
A new Employer Playbook on clean work environments, technical assistance, and testing information.

While these are critical steps to support our frontline workers, our job does not end here. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, we owe it to these essential workers to provide them appropriate resources. With the Legislature returning to session on Monday, I look forward to working with my colleagues and Governor Newsom to ensure the needs are heard and responded to.

Other Statewide Updates

Updates on California’s PPE Stockpile (link)

On Wednesday, Governor Newsom announced new directives for the CA Dept. of Public Health and Office of Emergency Services to further increase the state’s strategic stockpile to 100 million N-95 respirators and 200 million surgical masks by early fall in order to account for the potential need given the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Continued DMV Modernization (link)

On Thursday, the CA Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provided a recap on its efforts to modernize and adjust its services for the challenges of COVID-19. To learn about their current efforts, visit DMV’s newly redesigned portal at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/

Local Updates

Riverside County “Masks are Medicine” Campaign to give out 10 Million Masks (link)

This week, Riverside County launched its new “Masks are Medicine” campaign and pledge campaign to distribute 10 million masks. The masks will be distributed by local nonprofits working in the community, as well as houses of worship, senior meal delivery programs, and local businesses. In addition, everyone who visits a county or state-run testing location, will receive masks. Visit PledgeToFightCOVID.com to sign the pledge to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our County.

Additionally, Riverside County has issued the following advisories to reduce the spread of COVID-19 that occurs in group settings:

Advisory Concerning Live Music Events (link)
Advisory of the Operation of Youth Team Sports (link)

REMINDER: Riverside County offers free COVID-19 testing for its residents. Upon completion of a test, residents may be contacted by the Riverside University Health System as they collect information in order to get federal reimbursement for testing. You will not be billed for the test.

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.

Local and State Resources

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Supportive Services Program for COVID-19 Impacted Workers

Riverside County residents whose employment was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may receive up to $800 in assistance as part of a state grant received by the Riverside County Workforce Development Division. This assistance can be used to pay for costs associated with returning to work (such as teleworking equipment, child care, or transportation), housing expenses, or utility expenses.

To learn more or to apply, contact Stephanie Macias at (951) 955-0513 or stmacias@rivco.org

Renter’s Assistance and Housing Programs

UNITED LIFT: Rental Assistance Program for People impacted by COVID-19 (link) (Spanish)

United Way of the Inland Valleys, Lift to Rise, and the County of Riverside have partnered to provide rental assistance to households impacted by COVID-19. The program will administer $33 million in rental assistance between the months of June and November. The current application period closes TODAY, July 25, with the next application window from August 15 to August 25.

For more information and FAQs, click here (Spanish)
To apply, click here.

CITY OF CORONA: Emergency Housing Needs Assistance Program (link)

Funds are still available for the City of Corona’s Emergency Housing Needs Assistance Program (EHNAP) that provides rental and utility assistance to eligible Corona renters.

To view the program application, click here
To view Program Guidelines, click here
For frequently asked questions, click here

Small Business Resources and Grants

SBA: Paycheck Protection Program has Re-Opened (link)

The Paycheck Protection Program has resumed accepting applications and will continue to do so until August 8, 2020. To learn more about the PPP loan forgiveness program, and other resources, click here.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: COVID-19 Business Grant Program Open 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. The deadline to apply is Monday, August 31, 2020 at 6:00pm.

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, which is designed to provide relief during COVID-19. These grants, up to $7,500, are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

To apply, click here.

CITY OF PERRIS: Small Business Assistance Program (link)

The City of Perris has a local Small Business Assistance Program, offering up to $10,000 loans to qualifying businesses. Loans will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

To apply or to find more information, click here.

CITY OF MORENO VALLEY: Forward MoVal Small Business Grant (link)

The City of Moreno Valley has Forward MoVal Small Business Grant Program to support small businesses and stimulate the local economy through job growth and retention during the pandemic.

To see if your business qualifies for assistance, click here.

Nonprofit Assistance

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Nonprofit Assistance Fund (link)

The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) was awarded CARES Act funds from the Board of Supervisors to administer the Riverside County Nonprofit Assistance Fund, in partnership with the Riverside County Homeless Solutions and Workforce Department and the Inland Empire Funder’s Alliance. Eligible nonprofits can receive grants of up to $10,000 to assist with their operating expenses and costs associated with loss of revenue due to COVID-19. Applications close Friday, July 31, 2020.

To get more information or to apply, click here.

Health Resources

Covered CA Special Enrollment Period (link)

If your income has been reduced due to cut in hours or no longer working, you may be eligible for low or no cost health plans offered through Covered California. A special-enrollment period is underway that allows you to enroll in a health plan until July 31, 2020.

For more information, click here.

As my colleagues and I return to Sacramento next week, I will carry with me the successes and struggles experienced by our District and work to ensure that your voices are heard in our state’s response to COVID-19. Our united efforts will lead to a healthier safer community for all. I urge us all to continue taking the necessary precautions to protect our collective health and wellbeing and look forward to a future where we may join together as a community again.

Have a safe, healthy, and happy weekend.

Very Sincerely,

RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31^st District