Connecticut DOT Commuting Back to Work Survey
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has launched a statewide survey to assess the attitudes and concerns of employees about commuting during COVID-19. The information collected from this survey will help the CTDOT with planning for safe commuting and to anticipate transit system demand. We feel this survey will also provide useful information that can assist employers like yourself with your worksite plans. With that said, the CTDOT is requesting your participation in sharing this survey with your employees who work in Connecticut. The survey will run from July 13 through July 27.
You can find the survey HERE .
Governor Lamont Launches State Workforce Development Unit Focused on Building the Nation’s Strongest Talent-To-Jobs Pipeline
Governor Ned Lamont announced the creation of the Connecticut Workforce Development Unit – a state office that will be responsible for developing workforce policy, utilizing data to set a vision for the workforce pipeline, and coordinating the state’s workforce ecosystem around a common strategy and set of goals.
The unit, housed within the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), will collaborate with the commissioners of DECD and the Department of Labor to directly advise the governor and other state entities on various workforce strategies and initiatives. It will be committed to crafting nation-leading policies and goals that catalyze educators, businesses, nonprofit, and state agencies to develop curricula and programs that are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of employers.
Since entering office, one of Governor Lamont’s top priorities has been developing a nation-leading, accessible, and equitable workforce in Connecticut that is responsive to the needs of the 21st century economy. This vision started with the creation of the Governor’s Workforce Council in October, and has most recently featured the CT Back to Work Initiative.
The Workforce Development Unit will be led by Dr. Kelli Vallieres, who will serve as executive director.
Governor Lamont Encourages Residents to Sign Up For State’s Notification System "CTAlert"
All Connecticut residents are encouraged to sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications to users. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.
State and Federal
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Click here for details.
If you received a PPP loan, you must complete the PPP Forgiveness Application and submit it to your lender to have the loan fully forgiven. You may begin submitting your forgiveness application beginning July 1, 2020. Click here for the loan forgiveness application.
Main Street Lending Program: The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston operates the Main Street Lending Program. The MSLP is a Federal Reserve program designed to help credit flow to small and medium-sized eligible businesses that were in sound financial condition before the COVID-19 pandemic, and that were either unable to access the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or that require additional financial support after receiving a PPP loan. Importantly, MSLP loans (as opposed to PPP loans) are not forgivable. Click here for more information.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan: This loan will provide economic relief to small businesses and non-profit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. SBA resumed accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications on June 15 to all qualified small businesses, including U.S. agricultural businesses. Click here for more information.
PPE & Cleaning Suppliers List: The CT DECD has compiled a downloadable list of suppliers (both in-state and beyond) to assist business owners with obtaining cleaning supplies, PPE equipment, plexiglass barrier materials and more. Click here for more information.
Unemployment Benefits: Workers directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic no longer must be actively searching for work and employers who are furloughing workers can use the Department of Labor’s shared work program, which allows businesses to reduce working hours and have those wages supplemented with unemployment insurance. Self-employed individuals, including independent contractors and “gig” workers, can also apply for unemployment benefits. Click here for details.