For immediate release:
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 28th
- 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 10th 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:
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Foreclosure Prevention Programs
- Consumer Complaints
- Veterans' Benefits
- Unemployment and Disability Insurance
- State Taxes
- Professional Conduct or Licensing Complaints
- Medi-Cal and Covered California