The Melwood Daily Digest – Volume I

 

  1. SBA Disaster Declaration:Massachusetts business owners will have until Dec. 18, 2020 to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration, after the agency approved Gov. Charlie Baker’s request for a disaster declaration and assistance. SBA assistance will be available throughout the state and in contiguous counties of neighboring states, according to Baker’s office. Small businesses, private nonprofits, small agricultural operations and small aquaculture enterprises that have taken a financial hit since Jan. 31 as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic may qualify for the loans of up to $2 million. The loans carry an interest rate of 3.75 percent for small businesses, and 2.75 percent for nonprofits.

 

  1. Governor Baker has activated the National Guard. 2,000 men and women of Massachusetts National Guard will help in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Guard will be “tasked with supporting requests from state agencies for equipment logistics, warehousing, and related duties,” according to the Governor’s office. Across the country over 27 states have activated up to 2,000 members of National Guard as government officials scramble to fight the pandemic with all available resources.

 

  1. Ongoing negotiations have reached a fever pitch on Capitol Hill over a third COVID-19 response bill; a projected $1 trillion stimulus package. Senator Mitch McConnell is advocating for most American’s to receive $1,200 per adult or $2,400 a couple and an additional $500 for each child. However, the benefit decreases when you reached a income threshold of $75,000 and phases out completely for those making $99,000 or more.

 

  1. The State Department has raised the travel alert to a Level 4 for the entire world, an unprecedented move aimed at stopping Americans from going overseas and urging them to return home if they are already abroad.

 

  1. Leaders of both the House and Senate have taken precautionary measures to protect public health amid COVID-19. Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo issued independent statements Thursday evening confirming both branches will act on legislations on Monday allowing cities and towns to postpone municipal elections and will both move to reschedule respective special state legislative elections. Story developing…

 

  1. Many grocery stores across the Commonwealth are opening early for seniors, allowing them to shop for necessities without having to interact with the general public. Leading the way is Stop & Shop with “senior hours” from 6:00am-7:30am daily at all Massachusetts locations.