April 27, 2020
Government Affairs Alert
COVID-19 Updates

National Updates
Applications Available Today for Paycheck Protection Program
Businesses can apply today for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which received its second round of funding last week as part of the new $484 billion economic relief package intended for small businesses and hospitals. A total of $310 billion was dedicated to replenishing the PPP, after the initial $349 billion ran out in just 13 days.

Businesses with <500 employees and otherwise meeting the Small Business Administration's (SBA) qualifications are eligible to apply through approved lenders . The PPP allows:
  • A maximum loan amount of 2.5x the average monthly payroll costs, not to exceed $10 million.
  • 6 month deferred payment, 0.50% fixed interest, 2-year term.
  • Conditional loan forgiveness for payroll costs, certain business expenses spent in first 8 weeks after loan origination date.

Other conditions apply. Work with your lender and accounting/tax professionals. View the m ost recent version of the PPP loan application .

Due to the significant demand for PPP loans, it is important to contact your lender immediately to get your documents in order and apply as soon as possible. More information on the PPP is available on the SBA's website and in this FAQ document.

Changes to FMCSA PIN Numbers Starting Today
FMCSA has consolidated the USDOT, MC and MX PINs into one USDOT PIN. Effective today, the MC and MX PINs will be eliminated and all FMCSA systems will be accessed using your USDOT PIN only. If you do not have your USDOT PIN or need to reset it, you may request a new PIN.

State Updates
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program
The PUA is a newly available emergency unemployment assistance program under the federal CARES Act. PUA provides assistance for unemployed or partially unemployed individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance and who are unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related circumstances. The California Employment Development Department (EDD) will be accepting online applications for this program beginning on Tuesday, April 28 .

Covered Individuals:
  • Independent contractors
  • Self-employed
  • Individuals without sufficient work history
  • Individuals who have exhausted their regular and any extended UI benefits
  • Must self-certify to be able and available to work except are unemployed due to COVID-19 related reason

Amount of Benefits:
  • Minimum weekly benefit amount of $167 (but weekly amount may be higher and equal the amount provided under regular UI, depending on proof of prior earnings)
  • PLUS $600 for weeks between March 29, 2020 to July 25, 2020.**

When Benefits Start
Benefits can be retroactive to weeks starting on or after February 2, 2020, depending on your last day of work due to COVID-19 and regardless of when you submitted your claim application. The effective date of your claim will begin the Sunday of the week when you last worked and became unemployed due to reasons directly related to COVID-19.

How Long?
Up to 39 weeks (minus any weeks of regular UI and certain extended UI benefits). Last week is week ending December 26, 2020.**

** Under the CARES Act of 2020, the $600 additional benefits are available through 07/31/20. However, the U.S. DOL has issued guidance to clarify that, for most Californians, the last full week of benefits will end on 07/25/20. Similarly, the PUA program has a legislative end date of 12/31/20, but for most Californians the last full week of benefits will end on 12/26/20.

You can find more information on the program on the EDD website .

Other Updates
CTA's Upcoming COVID-19 Information Exchange Call
CTA is holding its next COVID-19 Information Exchange call on Friday, May 1 at 1:30 pm PST . Register to receive the dial-in information.