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The Daily Edition for Tuesday, May 19, 2020

To view this Daily Impact online, click here.

 

 

Welcome to your Daily Impact newsletter!

As a valued member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, we plan to stay in touch with you every afternoon, through emails like this one and on Facebook and Twitter, until the pandemic passes. We intend to provide you with the latest state and federal information, as well as highlighting the creativity and innovation that is occuring here in Maine during this unpredictable and rapidly changing time. To assist you in navigating the uncertainties ahead, we have created a diverse and comprehensive collection of web-based resources to help you take care of yourself and your family, your employees, your business, and your community.

Do you have a question? ASK THE EXPERTS.

We are here to help in any way we can!

 

 

Mills Administration Updates Plan to Restart Maine's Economy

The Mills Administration announced today the following updates to its plan to restart Maine's economy:

1 Maine residents may enjoy campgrounds beginning Memorial Day weekend; and,

2 The Administration is delaying the full reopening of gyms, fitness centers, and nail salons in light of emerging research and experiences in other states of COVID-19 transmission related to these establishments.

 

With these updates, campgrounds, including RV parks, may now reopen with enhanced health and safety precautions to Maine residents only beginning on Friday, May 22, 2020, an acceleration of the previously identified reopening date of June 1 (Stage 2). This change is similar to the current policies of New Hampshire and Vermont regarding campgrounds.

 

The Mills Administration is also delaying the full reopening of gyms and fitness centers, originally scheduled for June 1 (Stage 2), in light of new studies raising concerns about the transmission of the virus in such settings due to large numbers of people in relatively small spaces with moist, warm atmospheres coupled with turbulent air flow generated by intense physical exercise. Gyms and fitness centers are currently allowed to conduct outside classes of less than 10 participants and one-on-one instruction inside.

 

Additionally, the Mills Administration is delaying the re-opening of nail salons, also originally scheduled for June 1 (Stage 2), after the State of California identified the establishments as a source of COVID-19 community transmission. While claims continue to be reviewed, some preliminary evidence suggests that the close, face-to-face contact between clients and professionals could increase risk of transmission. Maine is assessing such evidence and expects to announce new re-start dates for nail salons and indoor gyms and fitness centers in early June.

 

New Lending Programs To Launch By June 1, Federal Reserve Chief Says

The Associated Press reported today that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Tuesday that the Fed's lending programs for medium-sized businesses and state and local governments would begin operating by the end of this month. Powell said that while the Fed has received a "good deal of interest" in those programs, if not enough companies or state and local governments seek to borrow, the Fed would consider changes to them. That could include expanding their eligibility.

 

The Fed's Main Street Lending program, announced in March, will extend up to $600 billion in loans to companies with up to 15,000 employees. The Treasury has provided $75 billion to offset any losses from the loans, drawn from $454 billion that Congress provided the Treasury to support Fed loans in the relief package.

 

State Revenue Falls Short $248M For April

The Bangor Daily News reported today that the state collected barely half of the revenue it had projected last month as the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic set in, pointing to the budget challenges the state can expect in the coming months as an economic downturn continues. The state saw less coming in as sales in hard-hit sectors such as restaurants, lodging and auto sales declined. But most of the revenue plunge was because of the delay in the state's income tax filing deadline to July 15, according to the state's revenue report for April, which projected the state's unemployment rate for the month would be 14.7 percent.

 

Income tax receipts usually boost state revenues in April, but Mills extended the filing deadline to July 15 in line with the federal government's current deadline due to the pandemic. That delay in individual and corporate income tax revenue translated to $264 million less than projected in those categories. When balanced out with revenues that came in above projections, the state's revenue shortfall for April was $248 million.

 

Some categories of sales saw double-digit bumps, such as online shopping and food and building supply stores. Meanwhile, other sectors suffered sizable losses. Lodging and restaurant sales, among the hardest-hit industries of the pandemic, decreased by 45.5 and 33 percent respectively compared to a year ago. Auto sales also dropped 27 percent after a strong winter.

 

State officials have said they expect to have enough cash to cover this year's expenses through various channels including the rainy day fund and the general fund balance. Mills has also asked state departments to freeze spending and hiring except in emergencies, which could save up to $250 million.

 

Even as things appear grim, state Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook, who co-chairs the Legislature's budget committee, said it is too early to get a sense of the size of the loss the state will weather. The report "doesn't give us a clear picture" because of its focus on March - and the state may not have a better idea of longer-term effects until its revenue and economic forecasting commissions meet this summer. "In the meantime, all we can do is monitor and watch," he said.

 

To reserve your banner ad in the Daily Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau
by emailing
melodyr@mainechamber.org, or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 102.

 

As Students Face Coronavirus-Related Challenges, King Joins Bipartisan Call to Increase Investment in Public Education

U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined a bipartisan group of 27 colleagues in urging Senate leadership to include funding for America's schools, educators, and students in the next round of coronavirus relief funding. In a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the senators highlighted the impact of the coronavirus crisis on education budgets and emphasized the importance of supporting public education through the pandemic.

 

"We continue to see the challenges our states and school districts face on a daily basis and the impact this pandemic will have on education budgets over the next 18 months," wrote King and his colleagues. "Less than 1% of the CARES Act funding was specifically dedicated to supporting public schools. This is insufficient to stabilize education through this crisis. We are particularly concerned about how the educator workforce and other school personnel will be impacted by COVID-19."

 

"It is not just teachers who will be impacted by these shrinking education budgets. Countless cafeteria workers, school bus drivers, counselors, and other support staff are expected to take a dramatic hit during this pandemic. Our students cannot meet their full potential without the many professionals that make their schools work for them day in and day out," they continued.

 

The CARES Act provided initial relief to students, schools, and educators through the Education Stabilization Fund, $13.2 billion of which is allocated to governors for distribution to K-12 schools. Education organizations are recommending a further investment of $175 billion for the Education Stabilization Fund to be divided between local education agencies and institutions of higher education.

 

Collins, King Announce Nearly $190,000 for UNE to Support Maine's Telehealth Infrastructure in Response to COVID-19

U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the University of New England (UNE) will receive a total of $186,080 to increase telehealth capabilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding was awarded through the CARES Act, which Senators Collins and King voted for.

 

"Maine has the nation's oldest population by median age, which presents unique challenges during the ongoing public health crisis. In addition, many of Maine's seniors reside in rural areas where there is often a lack of access to primary care," said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. "This investment will help UNE continue to give medical professionals the tools and resources they need to safely provide quality care to their patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic."

 

These investments will help train students, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, allied health and other high-demand professionals in telehealth. This will enable these professionals to maximize telehealth for COVID-19 referrals for screening and testing, case management, outpatient care, and other essential care during the pandemic.

 

Please Join Us For The Maine State Chamber's Regional Breakfast Series,

A Virtual Update

 

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce, together with local and regional chambers of commerce, invites you to our Regional Breakfast Meetings, held virtually on Zoom. As a local business leader, your valuable insight is instrumental to this open dialogue about issues that affect your business, your community and your state. We need your expertise and input to make recommendations and to identify opportunities for moving Maine's economic future in a positive direction.

Normally, attending one of our annual statewide breakfast series meetings is an ideal way for you, the Maine business leader, to interact with business associates, new and prospective Maine State Chamber members, and state representatives in a relaxed setting. This year, due to the COVID-19 situation, we will be hosting this event online as a coffee, so fill your cup and join the conversation from the comfort of your home.

THANK YOU TO OUR SERIES SPONSORS:

Casella Waste Systems, Inc.; Central Maine Power Company; Maine Department of Economic & Community Development; Northeast Delta Dental; Versant Power; VHB

THIS WEEK!

 

Bangor Area

Thursday, May 21

9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

with the Bangor Region Chamber

 

Register here

NEXT WEEK!

Presque Isle Area

Thursday, May 28

9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

 

 

Register here

COMING SOON!

Augusta Area

Wednesday, June 3

8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

This session is a program of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce

 

Register here

This morning, we hosted our Lewiston Area Regional Breakfast, the second in our virtual update series. The Chamber's Advocacy team reviewed the work of the session, prior to its abrupt adjournment in mid-March, as well as making a few predictions about a possible special session, the coming election season, and even how the 2021 session might look given the pandemic. Thank you, again, to the sponsors of this morning's Coffee Hour: our Premier Sponsor, Androscoggin Bank, and our Official Sponsors, Brookfield Renewable Energy and Procter & Gamble-Tambrands.

 

Use The Maine State Chamber's Blog And Daily Impact To Tell Your Story!

Numerous Maine companies are stepping up or pivoting nimbly, as Maine people resourcefully address the challenges of this pandemic. Share your perspective and experience with us and with the rest of the business community. How are you facing and overcoming the challenges posed by this pandemic? What are you and your employees doing in this dramatically different economy? Tell us about the innovations your company or employees are making or ways you have adapted your company to meet your customers' needs.

 

Each blog entry should be 300 to 500 words. Join us in creating a written history of the business community's resilience and innovation during this extraordinary time. Please submit your entries to blog@mainechamber.org. For more information or questions, please contact Mark Ellis by emailing mellis@mainechamber.org or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 109.

 

REGISTER TODAY!

2020 Maine State Chamber Health Care Forum

Wednesday, May 27 | 10:00 to 11:15 a.m.

A confirmation of event details will be available shortly. The 2020 Maine State Chamber Health Care Forum will focus on the changing nature of coverage in Maine; both through legislation and through innovation. The program will be virtual, and roughly an hour in length. We will begin with a presentation by Denise McDonough, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. Her presentation will focus on innovation in the marketplace, and cost saving initiatives being undertaken by Anthem. After that, there will be a panel discussion that includes Kristine Ossenfort, Senior Government Relations Director at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine, and the Maine Superintendent of Insurance Eric Cioppa, to discuss the legislative events of this past session, and the policy changes that were enacted by lawmakers that are likely to impact the individual and small group markets, both in terms of policies, coverage and price. Join us for what promises to be an interesting and informative session.

 

Helping Maine's struggling child care providers as employees return to work

The Maine State Chamber's partners at Educate Maine, Maine AEYC, and MaineSpark have come together to provide support to an important industry, one that is more important now than ever before. Many of Maine's childcare centers have remained open during the pandemic to take care of the children of essential workers. Unfortunately, they are struggling to find needed and essential cleaning supplies at local stores due to the low supply.

 

We are hoping Maine State Chamber members might be able to help so that these centers can continue to provide safe care to Maine's children. Do you have supplies that are not being used now that employees are working from home? Are you able to order supplies through a vendor? Items on the request list include disinfecting wipes (the most requested item); hand sanitizer; hand soap; paper towels; toilet paper; rubber gloves; bleach; disinfectant spray; non-contact thermometers; face masks (cloth is ok); and, alcohol wipes.

 

Organizers have surveyed child care providers and are tracking their supply requests. If you are able to donate supplies, please send them directly to the provider. In addition, please email Kate Leveille with your donation so we can adequately track supplies or if you have any questions. Thank you for any support you can offer. We are all in this together.

 

 

 

 

To join these advertisers in the Daily Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau
by emailing
melodyr@mainechamber.org, or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 102.

 

TO UNSUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.

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Copyright Maine State Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
 128 State Street | Suite 101 | Augusta, ME 04330-5630
 Phone: (207) 623-4568
For media inquiries, please contact Jen Webber, (207) 939-0213
For membership inquiries, please contact Mark Ellis. (207) 623-4568
  • About Us
    • Connect with Us
    • Affiliates & Partners
    • Our Board
    • Meet the Team
    • President's Message
    • External Social Media Policy
  • Membership
    • Benefits of Membership
    • Join the Chamber
    • Return on Investment
    • Member Search
  • Public Policy
    • Public Hearings of Interest
    • Legislation of Interest
    • Public Policy Committees
    • Grassroot Resources
    • Find Your Legislator >
      • Representatives
      • Senators
  • Events
    • Calendar of Events
    • 2022 Annual Meeting
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Business Day at the Statehouse
    • Board Meetings & Board Events
    • DC Fly-In
    • Legislative Social
    • Policy Issues Workshops
    • Regional Breakfasts
    • Scramble for Scholars
    • Webinars by The Maine State Chamber of Commerce
  • Initiatives
    • Campus Career Connect
    • Dream It. Do It.
    • Education Foundation
    • Keep Maine Competitive
    • Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI)
    • This is ME Counting on You
    • Senior Leaders of Tomorrow Development Program
  • Newsroom
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Impact Newsletter
    • MSCC Blog
    • The Bottom Line
    • The Maine Take
    • Making Maine Work
    • MERI Roll Call
    • OneVoice Maine Magazine
    • Policy Brief Series with Educate Maine
    • Press Kit
  • Member Login