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The COVID-19 Edition for Thursday, June 25, 2020

To view this edition of Impact online, click here.

 

 

Welcome to your COVID-19 Impact newsletter!

As a valued member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, we plan to stay in touch with you several times each week 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!

 

 

DOE Begins the Work of Creating Maine Learning Platform

Created by Maine educators for Maine educators and students, The Department of Education is proud to announce that the work of creating the Maine Learning Platform has begun. To provide anytime, anywhere learning options and resources for educators, students and their families, the Maine Department of Education, in collaboration with curriculum coordinators, Maine educational community organizations, museums, learning centers, and Maine educators, is creating a library of asynchronous learning modules that are aligned to Maine's Learning Results.

 

Developed by the over 400 Maine educators who have answered the call to create innovative lessons, these modules will be integrated to ensure that learning is synthesized across subject areas, and are project-based to encourage learning that is active and engaging.

 

The Department is developing a custom web-based platform to house these modules. The platform will provide educators and families with a bank of resources, with which they can provide students robust learning opportunities. These modules could be utilized for enhancing lessons, remediation, enrichment, credit recovery, or for use during remote learning - whenever a student cannot access classroom instruction.

 

Each module will be designed around the essential question, "How do I Interact with and Impact My World?" The format will organize modules by grade level in grades pk-5, and by grade span for grades 6-8 and 9-12. The essential elements of each of the modules include:

* A project-based format;

* Best practices in asynchronous lesson design;

* Embedded formative assessments and opportunities for students to check for understanding;

* Standards in two or more content areas, three preferred;

* Opportunities to demonstrate growth in one or more of the Guiding Principles;

* Content that is inclusive of experiences of non-white students;

* Considerations in accommodations for special education and English Learners; and,

* Embedded elements of social/emotional/behavioral learning and trauma-informed practices.

 

During the first planning meeting that was held on June 15, 2020, the elements, format, and timeline were reviewed with the dynamic group of teachers, and the brainstorming and collaboration began for creating modules for a quarter of a school year.

 

The platform will be launched at the beginning of September, and feedback on the modules will inform the continued development process throughout the 2020-2021 school year. We are excited by the professional collaboration and creativity that the platform will ignite with Maine educators, and by the development of organic, Maine-based learning resources and opportunities.

 

With Coronavirus Impacting Local Budgets, King Highlights Need for Critical Investments in Education for Upcoming School Year

Senators cite parents' ability to return to work, students' stunted learning progress, and disruptions in the future workforce

Today, U.S. Senator Angus King joined a group of 41 Senate colleagues to urge Congressional leaders to include additional federal funding to help students safely return to the classroom in upcoming coronavirus relief legislation. The Senators note that without swift, comprehensive Congressional action, it will be difficult for America's 100,000 K-12 public schools - which are already facing severe budget cuts - to prepare to protect students, teachers, staff, families, and the community from the spread of coronavirus in the coming academic year. The Senators also spell out the harmful ripple effects that a lack of consideration would have on students, families and the economy.

 

The CARES Act provided a much-needed $30.75 billion down payment on education funding, which is not nearly enough to help cover the additional costs from this school year while also ensuring that schools nationwide will be ready to safely reopen in the fall. Under the law, $13.5 billion went to K-12 emergency relief grants, while $13.95 billion was made available for a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund for colleges and universities, with the remaining $2.95 billion directed to an Education Stabilization Fund for disbursement to governors.

 

 

Determining Your Families First Coronavirus Response Act Eligibility

On Tuesday, U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division launched a new online tool that guides workers through a series of questions to help them determine if they are eligible for paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). As America continues to re-open, this tool stands to help employees and employers to determine who is qualified for the FFCRA protections and benefits. We hope you will become familiar with this new tool and share with others as you deem appropriate.

 

Claims for Unemployment Compensation for the Week Ending June 20

For the week ending June 20, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 2,900 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and an additional 2,700 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). These claims represent about 4,500 individuals filing an initial claim. Between March 15 and June 20, the Maine Department of Labor has seen roughly 162,000 initial claims for the state unemployment program and 72,400 initial claims for the PUA program. There have been about 1.4 million weekly certifications filed, and the Department has paid out more than $882 million in federal and state unemployment benefits. The Maine Department of Labor also continues its careful review of all claims as it investigates unemployment imposter fraud.

 

"We continue to see lower numbers of claims being filed. We believe that this trend will continue as businesses continue to reopen and the economy improves," Commissioner Laura Fortman said. The Department would like to remind people that in certain circumstances people can collect partial unemployment while working.

 

Maine Hospitals, Doctors Seek $120M in Pandemic Relief

This afternoon, Mainebiz reported that Maine hospitals and doctors are asking the state for a total of $120 million in relief to make up for the massive losses they've experienced because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to Gov. Janet Mills, the Maine Hospital Association seeks $100 million while the Maine Medical Association wants $20 million.

 

Like the state's tourism industry, which is seeking $800 million in relief from money Maine receives through the CARES Act, the health care groups are suggesting the use of federal funds. In March, hospitals and doctors stopped providing nonemergency care due to the coronavirus crisis.

 

Thursday, June 25 | The Bottom Line Podcast with U. S. Senator Susan Collins

U.S. Senator Susan Collins was this week's special guest on The Bottom Line podcast. She joined The Bottom Line co-hosts Dana Connors of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and John Williams of Williams Broadcasting to discuss the Paycheck Protection Program she co-authored, as well as other federal programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the economy.

 

To listen to the archived recordings, please visit The Bottom Line page on the Maine State Chamber's website. In addition, The Bottom Line podcast can be heard on iTunes, iHeart Radio, Soundcloud, Stitcher Radio, Spotify and radio.com.

 

Letter to the Editor | Maine State Chamber Sees Value in Quality Early Care, Education

On Tuesday, June 23, the following Letter to the Editor appeared in the Portland Press Herald. It was submitted by Megan Diver, senior government affairs specialist at the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, in response to a May 30 op-ed by Tara Williams, executive director of the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children, highlighting the value of early childhood education in Maine and urging support for early learning akin to that of K-12: consistent, multifaceted funding streams. We have excerpted and abbreviated it below, but encourage you to read it online in its entirety.

From a business and economic standpoint, early care and education programs are essential. High-quality early programs are an investment in Maine's future workforce. They teach kids the cognitive, social and emotional skills they need to succeed when they start kindergarten. This helps put many kids, especially at-risk kids, on a trajectory to succeed throughout school, graduate from high school, achieve a post-secondary degree or credential and enjoy a rewarding career.

 

More immediately, early education programs and their workforce make it possible for many Maine people to work. In some cases, whether a parent can go to work depends on their ability to access early learning programs. That access is especially significant today for essential workers and those returning to work as Maine's economy reopens.

 

These programs also provide a safe and nurturing place for kids when parents are at work. When parents are secure in the knowledge that their kids are well-cared for, they are better able to focus on their jobs and perform well. Child care and early learning are key to Maine's economic strength for many reasons. It's time these programs are supported similarly to K-12 education. Mainers, our communities and our economy depend on it.

 

Opinion Editorial | Thomas Donohue and Dana Connors: U. S. Senator Collins is the Bipartisan Leader Maine Needs

On Tuesday, June 23, the following Op-Ed appeared in the Bangor Daily News. It was submitted by Thomas J. Donohue, CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. We have excerpted and abbreviated it below, but encourage you to read it in its entirety online.

In a time when America seems more divided than ever, and we have so many significant and overlapping challenges, the need for leaders who are able to come together is critical. We need bipartisanship to solve problems and leadership to drive the economic recovery. Strong bipartisan passage of the U.S.-Mexico Canada Agreement earlier this year and the CARES Act this spring - the largest federal relief bill in history - reminds us that strong support on both sides of the aisle is essential to meaningful and lasting legislative achievements. At the forefront of such efforts is Maine's Sen. Susan Collins, who we salute as a true champion of bipartisan leadership.

 

This year, the U.S. Chamber launched a new award to reward bipartisan leadership in Washington. Since the days of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Hamilton, America has benefitted from leaders who found ways to work together despite their differences. The new Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship recognizes those members of Congress who have demonstrated a willingness to work across the aisle in support of common objectives. The score is based on the number of bills - except those formally opposed by the Chamber - a member cosponsors that is introduced by a member of the opposite party. Collins earned the Jefferson-Hamilton Award with a 100% score.

 

The time for bipartisan leadership is critical for small businesses in Maine and across the country. Nearly 8 in 10 small businesses are either fully or partially open, according to the MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Coronavirus Impact Poll. Supporting them now to help revive our economy is more important than ever. Whether it's COVID-19, the economic crisis, or working towards a more just society, we need strong but thoughtful leaders willing to listen as much as lead - and to act, not just talk. Maine is fortunate to have such a leader in Collins.

 

Discover & Deliver: Communities Across America are on the Frontlines to Identify Effective Treatments and Vaccines

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Daily Bulletin yesterday reported that, when it comes to medicine, the most promising treatments may be those that already exist. That's why across the country, hospitals are conducting clinical trials with hundreds of existing therapeutics - therapeutics used to treat patients with other diseases - to measure their effectiveness in combating COVID-19. For example Gilead's promising anti-viral Remdesivir has made headlines for months, with data showing it helps shorten hospital recovery times. Now, Gilead is testing an easier-to-use inhaled version of the medicine.

 

Also in the pipeline to serve coronavirus patients: new drugs originally discovered to treat rheumatoid arthritis and a generic steroid that has been used for decades to treat patients suffering from everything from allergic reactions to spine and brain tumors. These trials are happening everywhere - in 224 congressional districts and counting; in communities large and small; in hard-hit hot spots like New York City and in less affected regions like Dakota Dunes, South Dakota.

 

In other words, the forefront of medical innovation might be right in your backyard. Soon, the U.S. Chamber will release a new, interactive map to show in real time where COVID-19 clinical trials are taking place throughout the United States. "We hope people will use the map to identify how they can support - and even participate in - important clinical trials. said Jonathan Weinberger, executive vice president, GIPC, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "That support and participation could make all the difference in the fight against COVID-19."

 

Strada and the Center For Consumer Insights Issues Results and Findings to Its COVID-19 Work And Education Survey

On Wed., June 24, Strada Consumer Insights has issued results and findings to its Public Viewpoint: COVID-19 Work and Education Survey. Learn more about our research and the value of the education consumer perspective here.

 

As Americans consider how COVID-19 has disrupted their work, education, and daily lives, many are looking ahead to how education and training might shape their futures. One in three American workers say they would change careers if they lost their jobs, meaning many, would need to reskill. But who is most interested in changing fields? What fields will they look to move into? And what do they want their education or training to look like?

 

This week's data also shows what is motivating the workers looking to change fields - and for about half, the decision isn't about finances or career advancement. This nationally representative survey, based on more than 11,000 responses collected between March 25 and June 11, is intended to provide insights to the education and training providers, policymakers, employers, and individual Americans who are navigating the COVID-19 crisis.

 

Human Resource Updates for Maine's Pandemic Times

Our partners at hrsimple are offering Coronavirus updates, as well as events and webinars, specifically for Maine businesses. The company also produces the Maine State Chamber's "Maine Human Resources Library," authored by Maine State Chamber members, Bernstein Shur and Littler. These in-depth HR guides include Maine and federal employment law in one soft-cover book and online with form and policy templates so your business has a single resource for what to do and how to do it for everything from pre-hire through post-termination. For more than 30 years, hrsimple has translated the legalese of labor and employment laws and regulations into plain English. It has worked with every State Chambers of Commerce / Business and Industry Association in the country, providing businesses large and small with the information they need to understand how to comply with what to do, how to do it, and a little bit of the why.

 

National Association of Manufacturers Rolls Out "Wear a Face Covering" Ad Campaign

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has developed a one-minute ad campaign intended to help the country's economic resurgence while protecting families across the country. The ad will run in manufacturing-intensive states and shows many of America's highest capacity and most iconic stadiums, including Michigan Stadium, Beaver Stadium, Ohio Stadium, Kyle Field, and the Rose Bowl. The number of U.S. COVID-19 deaths exceeds the capacity of any one of those stadiums. NAM is also encouraging people to share the ad on personal, company and organization social media channels.

 

"Through shared responsibility, we can get this pandemic under control and save small businesses and jobs," said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. "That's why the NAM is taking this message across the country. Our economy depends on it, jobs depend on it and - most importantly - lives depend on it."

 

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.

 

Webinar's Election Update
With Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, Provides Information and Resources Regarding How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Voting, Polling Places, Absentee Ballots, and More

On Thursday, June 18, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce hosted an election update with Secretary of State Matt Dunlap. The virtual event was free and one of many webinars the Maine State Chamber has hosted since March. Secretary Dunlap spent time discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect voting, polling places, absentee ballots, and more ahead of Maine's July 14 statewide primary election.

Secretary Dunlap has provided the following new resources for voters, hoping that these materials will increase voters' confidence and understanding of their voting options during this pandemic.

*         An animated video explaining the absentee voting process in Maine;

*         A video message featuring Secretary Dunlap discussing the upcoming election; and

*         Easy-to-see graphic links on the homepage of the Department of the Secretary of State website, quickly connecting voters with the online Absentee Ballot Request service and the printable voter registration card.

 

Secretary Dunlap is encouraging absentee voting for this election, as it will help reduce the possibility of virus exposure for voters and election workers. It is a method the Bureau of Corporations Elections and Commissions has used for many years, so they know it is a secure and safe way to cast your ballot. In-person voting and Election Day voter registration will also continue to be available, to ensure that every eligible voter can participate, and virus prevention measures will be in place at polling sites.

 

Secretary Dunlap discussed Gov. Mills' executive orders making changes affecting voting (EO #39 and EO #56). Those changes include:

*         An expansion of the deadline to submit voter registration applications by mail or third person: Voters have until close of business on July 7. (In-person registration is still available through Election Day.)

*         An expansion of the deadline to request an absentee ballot: Clerks will accept requests in person (or by written, signed request submitted in person by a third party) up to and including Election Day. To ensure timely receipt of the ballots, requests made by other means, such as the online form, must be made far enough in advance to allow time for mailing.

*         The option for municipal clerks to provide secure drop boxes for absentee ballots.

*         Allowing consolidation of polling places up to 15 days prior to Election Day. 

*         Allowing changes to the location of polling places up to 10 days prior to Election Day. 

 

To request an absentee ballot and/or register to vote, please click here. To view last Thursday's recording of the election update with Secretary Dunlap, please click here.

THANK YOU TO OUR WEBINAR SERIES SPONSORS:

Bangor Savings Bank, Central Maine Power Company, and
Maine Department of Economic and Community Development

Tuesday's Webinar Provided
Key Legal Guidance for Employers
on Returning Employees
to the Workplace

The Maine State Chamber hosted an informative webinar Tuesday offering legal guidance for employers as many employees return to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presenter Anne-Marie L. Storey, Esq., partner at the Bangor law firm Rudman Winchell, shared important information, recommendations and guidance for preparing workplaces, determining how employee recalls will work, ongoing unemployment, special accommodations for employees, including employees with concerns regarding COVID-19, and more.

 

Storey emphasized the need for employers to have a plan ahead of returning employees to work, the importance of communicating with employees as they return, making sure safe practices and precautions are well-established with visible reminders, and tips on social distancing, sanitizing workplaces, and permissible actions employers can take in light of HIPAA and the unique circumstances COVID-19 presents.

 

Storey also shared legal guidance surrounding liability and lawsuits in the COVID-19 era, and the importance of flexibility to accommodate employees who may have medical, family or childcare concerns about returning to the workplace.

 

Employers are encouraged to watch the recorded webinar if they missed it. It provided a wealth of information intended to protect employees and employers, as well as recommendations on accommodating employees and tips on being flexible as employers navigate the return of their workforce.

 

The webinar can be viewed in its entirety here. Additionally, recommended resources for preparing workplaces include OSHA, CDC, the Maine Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Labor.

 

Hey, If You Can Work From Anywhere, Why Not Maine?

Live + Work in Maine is promoting a survey to capture data and anecdotes about remote working in Maine. This effort is targeted at a broad range of people: those who are working at home due to COVID or those who have been a remote worker for years. As part of that effort, the organization will be developing some marketing ideas and launching a campaign aimed at promoting Maine as an ideal place to work remotely.

 

Secondly, they have created a landing page on the Live + Work's website that will act as a starting place for remote working resources in Maine. The organization wants to highlight Maine employers who are embracing remote work - this could mean allowing employees to work from where they choose, being open to new hires working remotely, adapting a new work-from-home policy, etc.

 

There is more to come as the survey data is compiled and the survey findings are shared. Please feel free to share this information with employees, in your newsletters, and on social media, etc.

 

A Call to Action | Join the "Work With ME" Campaign!

One week ago, we sent out a notification to our Board of Directors about an initiative, called "Work with Maine," that recently went live and is being spearheaded by Chamber Board member, Peter Connell. As you are well aware, tourism is the backbone of Maine's economy. In 2018, Maine's hospitality sector had a statewide economic contribution, including multiplier effects, of an estimated $6.9 billion in output, 79,000 full- and part-time jobs, and $2.2 billion in labor income, according to a study released last fall. This is all at risk if we don't act now.

 

With Governor Mills' 14-day quarantine, and then her administration's replacement plan, which forces out-of-state travelers to either quarantine or obtain and prove that they have received a negative COVID-19 test within a 72 hour window prior to traveling to Maine, our tourism industry is being crippled. We need your help!

 

We receive numerous calls on a daily basis from business members, and out-of-state tourists alike, telling us how unworkable this plan is. As a gentleman from Massachusetts said yesterday, "We have been looking forward to traveling to Maine all year. With these restrictions in place, I don't see any possible way that we can make it to Maine."

 

He went on to explain that testing is limited where he is located. He planned to travel to Maine during the July 4th weekend and questioned whether testing would even be available prior to a holiday. This gentleman ended our conversation yesterday by thanking us for our help in providing information and stating that perhaps this year they would need to visit Vermont or someplace that allows easier travel. This has been the common theme over past weeks and months.

 

Unfortunately, this plan does not work for Maine and it does not work for our out of state tourists. Please, we urge you to join us in telling the Governor and her Administration that this plan does not work for Maine. Together, our voices will be louder.

TAKE ACTION! "Work with ME" is looking for the support of Maine's people. Please visit www.WorkWithMaine.com today to review their plan and add your voice to this coalition, and  like/follow their Facebook page for updates.

 

To advertise in the COVID-19 Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau
by emailing
melodyr@mainechamber.org, or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 102.

Thank you for doing your part!

 

 

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 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
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