ALERT!!! CT Gov. Ned Lamont, NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo and NJ Gov. Phil Murphy say that all three states will order gyms, movie theaters, casinos, bars and restaurants closed beginning at 8 pm today. Bars and restaurants can continue to fulfill takeout orders.
COVID-19 Economic Impact Questionnaire
The Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) is conducting a survey to better understand the economic impact on local businesses. Please take time today and fill out the " Economic Injury Worksheet " found online.

Owners can project revenue loss for March – they do not need to wait until the end of the month to file.

There is a tentative time and date of 3/18 at 1PM for a webinar on the application process for disaster relief. Please stay tuned.
The file can be sent to me confidentially by email at jnash@milfordct.gov . You may want to share with clients and constituents. THERE IS NO TIME FRAME TO SUBMIT.
Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA)
From CRA: Please encourage your team and restaurants in the Milford area to join our Facebook group – as we will be sharing everything here.


On that page you will also find the email Scott Dolch, ED, sent out yesterday - including a link to CRA info site, a link to be added to CRA text updates, and a link to the letter CRA sent to the Governor’s office on Friday.

This week we will also be adding live webinars and recordings from our industry contacts.

Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD)

  • DECD is deferring all Small Business Express payments for three months to allow
employers to focus on their payrolls. 

  • Governor Lamont is requesting the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issue a declaration enabling Connecticut’s small business owners to receive disaster assistance

  • The Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is extending the filing deadline for certain annual state business tax returns

For small business assistance, please call DECD’s business hotline at 860-500-2333.
Unemployment Benefits
If you are out of work because of COVID19 - even temporarily - you should be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) is suspending the requirement for job seekers actively applying for new unemployment benefits.

Unemployment benefits are available to workers whose employer needs to temporarily shut down or slow down business. Employees who are furloughed by the emergency but expect to return to work can access up to at least six weeks of benefits. Employers reducing hours but not furloughing employees can partner with CTDOL’s Shared Work program, which allows employers to reduce employees’ work schedules by 10 percent to 60 percent and supplement lost wages with unemployment benefits. Connecticut unemployment insurance already excluded the waiting period other states have removed.

For a document containing a list of Frequently Asked Questions for workers and businesses regarding unemployment insurance during the COVID-19 outbreak, go here:

Please reach out with additional questions and concerns. Stay safe, healthy and wash your hands!

Best,

Julie Nash
Director of Economic and Community Development
70 West River Street
Milford, CT 06460
Phone 203-783-3230
Fax 203-878-7394