Congressman Michael San Nicolas announced today during a virtual press conference the introduction of the Heroes Act ( H.R. 6800 ) in the House of Representatives which will allocate an additional $20 Billion to Territories that have been fiscally impacted from the public health emergency, COVID-19. If passed in its entirety, Guam would receive $2.68 Billion, which is two and a half times more than the Government of Guam's annual budget for 2020.

There are a number of priorities that the Act will address which include:
  • Extension of the Economic Impact Payments
  • Creates a Homeowner Assistance Fund
  • Creates a Tenant Based Rental Assistance Fund
  • Extends the unemployment program that is scheduled to end on July 31st to the end of the year
  • Creates a Heroes Fund for essential workers (provides $13/hour on top of regular pay; not to exceed $10,000)
  • Fully funds health insurance under the COBRA Act for individuals who lost their jobs as a result of the public health crisis
  • Improvements to Employee Retention Credit
  • Payroll credit for certain pandemic related employee benefit expenses paid by employers
  • Funding for Education
  • Resources for Veterans

Congressman San Nicolas is confident that the House will pass the bill this week, keeping funding allocating for the Territories in place. Once passed, the measure will go to the Senate for approval.
Message from the White House
Guam Leaders and Partners,
 
Thank you for your continued efforts in the whole-of-America approach to respond to and mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus for the benefit of the people of Guam. As you know, our citizens are best served when response is locally executed, State/Territory managed and federally supported. The Federal government scales best practices, coordinates key priorities, provides regulatory flexibilities, guidance, and key resources to supplement, but not replace, private sector, local, and State/Territory resources. On January 31, the Trump Administration  declared   the coronavirus a public health emergency. The declaration set in motion the Trump Administration’s whole-of-government approach to protecting the health of Americans in response to the coronavirus. Working in partnership with State, Territory, Local, and Tribal leaders, the President and Administration have and continue to leverage all resources to respond to the coronavirus, bringing together government and private industry in a collaborative response.

Attached, please find a fact sheet (The Trump Administration Is Supporting the People of Guam) overviewing Federal coordination and assistance provided to the Territory of Guam and the people of Guam to combat the Coronavirus. The attached information is bolstered by hundreds of additional actions by the Federal government to help the people of Guam in partnership with Territory leaders. The White House Office of Public Liaison (WH OPL) will continue to share pertinent information as it becomes available. 
 
Thanks,
Joe
 
Joe Russo
Special Assistant to the President and Director of Business Outreach
White House Office of Public Liaison
Addressing Mental and Emotional Health During this Crisis
For a vast number of people, living through this Coronavirus crisis has impacted their emotional, mental and physiological well being. As Guam slowly eases back into work mode, this may cause another level of anxiousness and tension for a variety of reasons. If you and/or your employees are interested in what you can do to identify and alleviate some of this stress we encourage your participation in this Friday's webinar.

Registration is based on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in participating, please register today.
University of Guam Virtual Conference Series on Island Sustainability
MAY 15, 2020
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Panel 1 moderated by Jackie Marati
Island Wisdom: Looping Back the Circular Economy
With their world view of knowledge, join our well-rounded panelists as we discuss the concept of the circular economy and its principle of designing out waste and pollution with the hope of creating green economic growth and opportunities. Our panelists will share an overview of the circular economy and its relation to our islands.

Featuring Andrew Morlet, Dr. Rajesh Buch, Kosi Latu, Monica Guzman, and Nate Maynard.

Panel 2 moderated by Melanie Mendiola
Circular Economy Around the Islands
Learn from circular economy practitioners and thought-leaders in the Western Pacific on being more self-sufficient and hear about their experience in taking different waste products and making millions of dollars worth of economic opportunities. 

Featuring Matt Simpson, Jerry Winata, and Rashvin Pal Singh.
Guam:
Friday, May 22, 2020
9:30 am - 11:00 am
GCA Training Opportunity:
Guam Government Contractor COVID-19 Training Opportunity
May 22, 2020
Please join  Alex Major  and  Franklin Turner , Co-Chairs of McCarter & English’s  Government Contracts & Global Trade Practice , for a live webinar discussing the latest critical updates for federal contractors during the U.S. Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will identify key areas of concern, discuss pertinent solutions, and answer your questions during the Q&A.

The event is free to attend. Topics will include: 
  • DHS Guidance on Critical Infrastructure Workforce
  • OMB Memoranda Addressing Federal Contract Performance Issues
  • The CARES Act and Related DoD Responses
  • DoD Procurement Guidance Memoranda
  • Enhanced Commerciality Opportunities
  • Enhanced Compliance Concerns When Seeking Relief For COVID-19 Related Delays, Disruptions and Increased Costs
united
United Airlines announced the updated flight schedules for Guam, Saipan, Palau, and Micronesia from May through July 5, 2020. 

At a time when demand for travel is quite low due to the COVID-19 global outbreak and strict travel restrictions remain in place in the islands, United is carefully adjusting flights in the region. United will be operating an estimated 85% fewer flights in May and June 2020 compared to the same period last year.  

Sam Shinohara, United’s managing director of Airport Operations for Asia-Pacific said, “As the islands slowly reopen, United will continue to support its customers and the community by trying to maintain lifeline connections. While we see that travel in the months ahead and into late summer might be slow, United looks forward to welcoming our customers back and providing a safe and comfortable travel experience.”

With the Governor's declaration of PCOR 2, Government of Guam essential agencies remain operational and GovGuam nonessential agencies operate in a limited capacity.

A list of government agencies with their service operating hours and contact information has been provided to the public.


SBA released an updated FAQ on May 5th that may be of interest to you if you are encountering employees that refuse to return to work. Download FAQs here.


Other Points of Interest
OPTION B
In times of deep uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to remember that resilience isn’t fixed—we can become more resilient over time. We’re sharing this excerpt from Option B to help you find small ways to build resilience in the face of this crisis.

Ready to Reopen: A Playbook for Your Small Business
IA guide to helping businesses of all types and in all regions navigate the complex process of reopening and evolving post-coronavirus pandemic.

Guam Chamber of Commerce
472-6311/8001 • info@GuamChamber.com.gu