The 31st District Digest (July 27 to July 31)
The 31st District Digest (July 27 to July 31)
Monday marked the Legislature’s return to Sacramento amid our state’s ongoing response to the effects of COVID-19. Empowered with the unique stories of successes and failures experienced by our region, I look forward to working with my colleagues and with the Governor to ensure that the bills brought forward this year will be to the benefit of Californians hit hardest by the virus.
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:
Agency Updates
DMV Encourages Renewing Licenses Online, Expands Eligibility (link)
On Friday, the Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued a statement encouraging eligible Californians to renew their licenses online, including drivers age 69 and younger with a noncommercial license whose temporary extensions ended July 31.
- To renew your license, click here.
- For a full list of California driver’s license extension, click here.
Local Updates
Antibody Study shows Coronavirus has Spread Wider than Anticipated in Riverside County (link)
On Monday, Riverside County Public Health officials shared the results of their COVID-19 antibody testing study, indicating that the virus may have infected more than 100,000 Riverside County residents. As per the County’s release, “this finding underscores the need to wear face coverings as people may have the virus without any symptoms, then easily spread it to others when not wearing a mask or keeping six feet of distance.”
The preliminary results of this study will help inform how the County can continue to plan it’s response to the virus. In order to mitigate the spread of the virus and keep vulnerable populations safe and healthy, community members are encouraged to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing, maintain proper hygiene, and avoid gatherings.
Additionally, as a matter of public health, the County has issued a reminder to residents with urgent medical needs to call 9-1-1 immediately. In the reminder found here (Spanish), the County Emergency Management System emphasizes the numerous measures taken to prevent exposure and spread of coronavirus. It is critical that patients call 9-1-1 when serious symptoms first develop so that they may receive the care needed for a quick recovery.
Local and State Resources
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Supportive Services Program for Workers Impacted by the effects of COVID-19
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
RTA offers Free Rides to College Students and Youth starting Today (link)
Starting today, the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) will be offering free bus rides for any youth 18 years or under as well as students at local colleges. To ride, students at participating colleges will use a free mobile ticketing app. Youth 18 and under will need to show valid ID to the driver. Once aboard, they can ride anywhere RTA buses go, anytime they operate.
Renter’s Assistance and Housing Programs
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.
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 August 31, 2020.
- For more information, click here.
As we enter into yet another month of our evolving definition of normal, I hope you will continue to share your experiences to help inform how our state can continue to move forward in healthy and safe way. I see and hear your frustration and will continue to amplify your voice in Sacramento as your Senator. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Until we meet again, please have a safe, healthy, and happy weekend!
Very Sincerely,
RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District