Johnson County Community College is offering another opportunity for FREE or significantly reduced cost on training programs for those impacted by COVID. Through the JoCoWorks grant program with Workforce partnership, individuals can acquire new skills and incumbent employees can be upskilled. This training opportunity will last through December 31, 2021 or until the grant funds run out, so we encourage you to act on this opportunity ASAP.
Find out more on the JCCC JoCo Works webpage.
Additionally, Johnson County has seen an encouraging downward trend in positive COVID cases. This led to the JoCO Board of Public Health voting to approve the removal of curfews and closing times for restaurants, bars, night clubs and other businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption on February 25th. Johnson County will also begin vaccinating people at its clinics this week and Johnson County's Community Personal Protective equipment Program has reopened.
Third Federal Stimulus Anticipated to Be Enacted Soon
Over the weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the third iteration of the COVID stimulus and it is anticipated that the Senate will begin work on the relief package this week. Major components of the relief package will most likely include:
- $1,400 direct checks to many Americans
- A continuation of the Federal unemployment insurance supplements
- Funding for schools to reopen
- Funding to assist states, counties, and cities to provide additional COVID grants and to assist in budget shortfalls
- Additional funding for testing, vaccinations, and other strategies to combat COVID
- Additional paid leave extension reimbursements
- Financial assistance for parents
If and when the Senate passes the next iteration of COVID relief and the plan is put into action we will provide a final review of the aspects of the bill!
Get an Update Directly from KDOL
The Kansas Department of Labor has been working to overcome challenges related to the abundance of fraudulent claims for unemployment and we are excited to host Deputy Secretary Peter Brady for a review of what progress the KDOL has made. Deputy Secreatary Brady will be joining us for a webinar on March 17th t 11:00 A.M. that is open to all Shawnee Chamber members and area businesses.
Join us to get an overview of how many fraudulent (and authentic) unemployment claims the KDOL has seen this year, what you can do if you've been impacted, and to hear other labor and unemployment trends happening in our community and state.
Register for the Webinar with KDOL here.
PPP 2.0 Still Available
The second round (or first for first-time drawers) of the Paycheck Protection Program is still available. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to consider this forgivable loan program to help cover the cost of increased COVID operational needs and payroll. Applications are processed through lending institutions.
Find out more about PPP 2.0 here.
