FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2020

Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008

COVID-19 Resources and Updates
 
Houston, TX - Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin understands this is an unprecedented time for our communities as we battle COVID-19. The District E Office continues to monitor the situation and provide information as it becomes available. As a reminder, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a "Stay Home, Work Safe" Order earlier this week  to further contain the spread of COVID-19 in Houston and Harris County. The order went into effect at 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, March 24 and will last until Friday, April 3, unless modified. More information on the official order can be found in our recent press release. You may also view the official order here. 

Below you will find a list of resources to answer any questions you may have regarding this pandemic. As always, please do not hesitate to contact the District E Office. My  staff  is working remotely and operating under normal office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates. 
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Local Announcements/Resources:
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State of Texas Announcements/Resources:
Federal Government Announcements/Resources:
  • CARES Act: 
    • The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, $2 trillion stimulus bill designed to help families and businesses hurt by the Coronavirus epidemic. The bill would provide direct payments of up to $1,200 for most individuals and $2,400 for most married couples filing jointly with an extra $500 for each child. Assistance would start to phase out for individuals earning more than $75,000 and for couples with more than $150,000 in income. Also, the bill provides small businesses access to a nearly $350 billion loan program to cover monthly expenses like payroll, rent and utilities. The loans would not have to be repaid if businesses maintained their workforce. Another component of the bill will also allocate $100 billion in reimbursements and lost revenue to hospitals and health care providers that are overwhelmed with patients suffering from the virus.
    • Read the bill here.
    • Officially signed into law on 3/27/2020.
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Website
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Coronavirus Tax Relief Website:
    • The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the Coronavirus. 
    • Tax Day now July 15: Treasury, IRS extend filing deadline and federal tax payments regardless of amount owed
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Census 2020 Update: 
  • The Census Bureau has suspended field operations until 4/1/2020 to comply with public health directives. The deadline to respond has been extended to 8/14/2020. It is more important than ever and EASIER than ever to self-respond online, by phone, or by mail. Start your Census response here today.
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Small Business Resources and Updates:
  • U.S. Small Business Administration COVID-19 Guidance & Loan Resources
    • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) granted Texas' Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance declaration, making loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
    • Small businesses who believe they may be eligible for an SBA EIDL, should visit the  SBA's website where they can directly apply for assistance. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about loan eligibility.
    • All forms and further details are available on the SBA Disaster Loan website:  www.sba.gov/disaster . Click on the Coronavirus link at the top of the page.
  • Texas Workforce Commission
    • The Texas Workforce Commission has additional resources for employers regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on their website.
  • Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19
    • To learn more about essential vs. non-essential work, please call: 832-393-4220
    • To report non-essential businesses remaining open, please call: 832-839-6941
  • Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce
    • LHACC launched their #LHAOpen4Biz Campaign to encourage community support of Lake Houston area businesses during this time. To learn more about how to get involved please visit their website.
    • Follow their Facebook page for updates.
  • Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce 
    • CLACC COVID-19 Resources
    • CLACC launched their #BuyIntoBayArea Campaign to encourage community support of Bay Area businesses during this time. To learn more visit their Facebook page.
  • South-Belt/Ellington Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Updates
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E ducational Resources and Updates:
For more information, please contact Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin's office at (832) 393-3008 or  [email protected] . 

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