Assemblymember O'Donnell Telephone Town Hall Recap

Friday, April 17, 2020

Small Businesses

Federal and state government agencies are providing relief for small businesses impacted by COVID-19

Federal Assistance:

Under the Economic Injury Disaster Advance Loans Program:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide loans of up to $2 million
As part of this program, an advance of up to $10,000 can be provided within 3 days after approval of the application. The advance does not have to be repaid.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance

State Assistance:

The state is allocating $50 million for loans to small businesses and individuals who do not qualify for federal funds

Under the Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program:

Participating lenders will provide loans of up $50,000 for small businesses with less than 750 employees

This program provides support for small businesses in low-wealth and immigrant communities
To apply for a disaster relief loan, the first step is to contact a participating lender in your area by visiting www.ibank.ca.gov
You can also contact the iBank by email at IBank@IBank.ca.gov and they can help connect you to a participating lender as well as apply for the loan guarantee

Technical Assistance:

Small businesses can also receive technical assistance from Go-Biz by calling the small business support center at 562-938-5020
The small business support center helps businesses figure out which loans are best for them, develop resiliency strategies, and find other resources

EDD/Unemployment Benefits

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance:

The federal stimulus package created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for individuals who are business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, have limited work history, and those who are not currently eligible for state unemployment benefits
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) will be able to accept applications for the PUA program beginning on Tuesday, April 28^th
PUA benefits will be issued within 24-48 hours – not the traditional 21 days for regular UI claims

Extended Hours:

EDD will extend call center hours and days to assist those filing claims
Representatives will be answering calls 7 days a week from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. starting on Monday, April 20

Additional Benefits:

Starting the week ending April 11, 2020, EDD began paying an additional $600 on top of the current weekly benefit amount

EDD Debit Cards:

Bank of America is responsible for administering debit cards with EDD benefits. To contact an EDD Debit Card Customer Service representative, call 1-866-692-9374

Property Taxes

Los Angeles County property owners can request a penalty cancellation if you were unable to pay your property taxes on April 10^th because of COVID-19
After you apply for a penalty cancellation, the online application will display a confirmation page with your confirmation number
It typically takes 45-60 days for the County of Los Angeles Tax Collector to process penalty cancellations
After the tax collector processes the request for penalty cancellation, the department will contact each taxpayer on a case-by-case basis
Staff will advise the taxpayer of the outcome of the request, review payment options available and establish the timeline for payment based on the taxpayer’s individual circumstances

Education

Schools are closed for the remainder of the academic year
Governor issued an Executive Order ensuring schools will continue to receive funding
Schools are expected to provide distance learning and offer meals
State has released funds for school districts to purchase protective gears, cleaning supplies, or use for distance learning or meals
- Long Beach Unified received $1.2 million
- Los Angeles Unified received $7.2 million

LBUSD

LBUSD Board appointed Jill Baker as Superintendent, the first woman to hold the job
Elementary students will not receive Achievement Reports (Report Cards) for the second semester
Students in grades 6 to 8 will receive Pass/Fail final grades
Students in grades 9 to 12 will receive Credit/No Credit final grades

Higher Education

UC and CSU will accept pass/fail or credit/no credit for high school courses taken during the winter and spring semesters
UC and CSU will not rescind an admissions offer just because a student is unable to send a transcript by the deadline
The UC and CSU will not require SAT or ACT for juniors who will be applying for college this fall.
The College Board will offer AP exams online

Constituent Services

My district office is always happy to assist you with state-related matters, such as: