• We can expect announcements on members of the Advisory Council this week.

• The Advisory Commission met this morning with the Governor to get grounding on the health and fiscal situation. They will begin to think about policies and resources they can tap for New Jersey as well as communicate and message to consumers.

• NJEDA reported that the grants program is almost fully paid out. Meanwhile, loans were approved on Friday. The announcement of audits of PPP awards of more than $2M is throwing uncertainty into the mix. 

• NJDLWD reported that the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance which opened on Friday had significant unmet demand. 

• CARES Act guidance came out yesterday and the good news is that funds can be used when opening back up to ease transition into normalcy.  

• Executive Order No. 73 (2019), which is today being rescinded, required the State Treasurer to monitor the achievement of budget savings, monthly revenue collections and other factors including usage and enrollment trends, legislative activity and other developments directly affecting fund balances throughout Fiscal Year 2020, and to take any necessary actions to ensure that the estimated closing undesignated fund balance plus the balance in the rainy day fund, when added together, total at least $1.276 billion.

• In March, the State Treasurer disseminated a voluntary disclosure regarding the severe impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have on the State’s economy and financial condition, including declines in revenues in gross income taxes, corporate business taxes, sales taxes, motor fuels taxes, casino-related taxes, and lottery sales, among other sources of revenue in both Fiscal Year 2020 and Fiscal Year 2021, as well as negative impacts on liquidity due to the extension of the State tax filing deadline from April 15, 2020 until July 15, 2020.

• In early April, in response to the unprecedented fiscal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the decision of the federal government to defer its tax filing deadline from April 15, 2020 until July 15, 2020, the end of Fiscal Year 2020 was extended by law for three months from June 30, 2020 until September 30, 2020.

• $36 million in food assistance to help NJ SNAP recipients afford groceries. The additional benefits will be available as part of May SNAP allotments. The Department encourages anyone in need of food assistance to visit njhelps.org to learn about and apply for New Jersey’s food assistance program.
• $24 million to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funding will be used for a temporary wage increase for the direct support professionals (DSPs) who care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in group homes and supervised apartments. DSPs are doing tremendous work during this crisis and providing critical support to vulnerable individuals.
• $6.3 million to support meals for seniors. Funding has been distributed to counties to support home-delivered meals and other food for older residents who are particularly vulnerable to the virus. To reduce risk, senior congregate dining sites have closed, increasing the need for older residents to have support in accessing food.
• At least $20 million for emergency child care assistance for essential employees in May. Final allocation will depend on enrollment. The Department of Human Services announced this week that it will continue to pay for emergency child care for essential employees across the State for May.