IMPORTANT UPDATES
This morning, aviators from Ft. Hood will conduct a helicopter flyover to salute our Healthcare Heroes. They will be over the Cedar Park VA Outpatient Clinic at 10:11am and over Cedar Park Regional Medical Center at 10:14am THIS MORNING.
The Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce truly appreciates all of our front-line workers. Thank you for all you continue to do!
FEDERAL & STATE UPDATES FOR BUSINESS
This week, as part of the Path Forward Initiative, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce unveiled its
Reopening Business Digital Resources Center
. This will equip America’s business community with the latest state guidelines, sector-specific guidance, small business advice and other tools and resources as we look to reopen safely and keep employees and customers healthy and informed.
The
Department of Labor reported an additional 2.98 million Americans claimed unemployment for the week ending May 9
th
.
In total, nearly 37 million Americans are now out of work since COVID-19. This is a sobering figure. It is not hyperbolic to compare the labor market today to the Great Depression. With unemployment claims remaining at such high levels now into May, the unemployment rate this month is likely to be even higher than the stunning 15% rate in April.
Texas Health and Human Services (THHS) has received more than
$3 million in federal funding to provide shelter and services to survivors of family and domestic violence during the COVID-19
(Coronavirus) Pandemic. This federal funding will support the 78 THHS-funded local family violence centers that provide survivors with immediate shelter, supportive services, and access to community-based programs. These funds are made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and will be administered through the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families.
State health officials reported
58 new deaths statewide related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and 1,448 new cases, the highest single-day increase for both numbers.
The record number of fatalities brings the statewide death toll from COVID-19 to 1,216 according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY
WILCO Forward has issued 570 checks accounting for $7.5 million of the $25 million
allocated by the Commissioners Court for the program. WILCO Forward was developed by an appointed strike team that includes County Treasurer Scott Heselmeyer, Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey and Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles. Applications are still being accepted. Applications can be submitted online through the county’s website. The money will be issued as applications are processed until the $25 million in budgeted funds are exhausted. For more information
CLICK HERE
.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
There are many resources for you available through the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce and our network of partners. The US Chamber of Commerce has several helpful guides to help you work through some questions you may continue to have.
They have a list of resources, webinars, research and advocacy for small business. Many of these links we have shared in the past, but it is always a good refresher to know what is available to you 24/7 as a member of the Cedar Park Chamber. To find out more, please click on the links below.
IN CLOSING TODAY
One of the most important things we do at the Cedar Park Chamber is advocate on behalf of your business. We are constantly working to make sure the business community is represented at every level of government. Hopefully during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic you have been able to see some of that at work.
Whether it has been a local, county-wide, state or federal program – The Chamber has tried to make sure you are aware of what is going on. Please know this doesn’t stop when we open up all businesses fully. We will continue to provide information to you and work for you.
Be safe and be kind to one another!
Tony Moline, IOM, PCED
President & CEO
Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
