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The COVID-19 Edition for Thursday, July 16, 2020 |
To view this edition of Impact online, click here. |
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Welcome to your COVID-19 Impact newsletter! |
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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. |
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Do you have a question? ASK THE EXPERTS. |
We are here to help in any way we can! |
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Work Search Requirements Now to Begin August 9 |
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On July 16, the Maine Department of Labor announced that it has extended the date when unemployed Mainers who are permanently separated from their employer must start searching for work to August 9, 2020. Under Maine law, all unemployment claimants are required to show that they are actively seeking work in order to receive benefits. This requirement had been temporarily waived at the start of the pandemic. Starting with the weekly certification for the week of August 9, all claimants will need to either provide information on their work search activity, or attest that they are self-employed or still connected with their employer. Prior to the requirement being reinstated, the Department will post screenshots of what the additional weekly certification page will look like on its website and identify the questions claimants will be required to answer. All unemployment claimants required to actively search for work must create an account on the Maine JobLink. JobLink is a free job search tool, where claimants can upload their resumes and employers can post their job openings. Those who are still connected to an employer are not required to actively search for other work until after September 5. However, they must still be able and available to work for that employer if recalled. If an employer has offered work to an employee and that employee refused the work, the employer should notify the Department. A fact-finding can be held to determine if there was good cause for the refusal of work. If no good cause is determined, then the claimant would no longer be eligible for unemployment benefits. |
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Maine is 1 of 2 States Where Coronavirus Cases Continue to Fall |
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The Bangor Daily News reported today that the number of new coronavirus cases in Maine dropped again last week alongside a small dip in testing, leaving the state among one of only two where daily cases are decreasing. Only 140 new cases of the virus were confirmed last week, down from 176 during the previous week. Other metrics continued to show a good outlook for the virus in Maine, with hospitalizations and the positivity rate also declining. The downward trend in cases puts Maine alongside neighboring New Hampshire as the only two states where the virus is declining, according to the New York Times. A handful of states are seeing case numbers stay roughly constant, while most are seeing cases increase. |
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Dana Connors discusses a possible special session of the Legislature on WVOM's George Hale Ric Tyler Show |
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Early this morning, Dana Connors joined George Hale and Ric Tyler on WVOM to discuss the possibility of a special legislative session. The Maine State Chamber is waiting to hear the Legislature's decision on whether or not it will return to Augusta. More importantly, the state's leading business organization is closely monitoring the content of a special session. The Chamber supports a special session that focuses on COVID-19's direct impact on the state budget and Maine's economy - and urgent issues affecting Maine businesses, including CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program tax and liability conformity. The Chamber also is advocating that bills held over from the last session, which adjourned early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, should wait until the next regular session beginning in January, so they do not take away from the priority issues of today or are taken up at a time when the public is restricted from participating in the normal fashion. Please listen to the full interview here. |
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Maine's Economic Recovery Committee Calls for $1.1B Investment, Public Health Priority |
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According to an article in today's Mainebiz, Maine doesn't have the $1.1 billion it will take to help shore up the pandemic-shredded state economy, so the priority has to be public health, said Josh Broder, a co-chair of the governor's Economic Recovery Committee. Chaired by Broder, CEO of Tilson, and Laurie Lachance, president of Thomas College, the committee of 45 members from various sectors issued its economic support and stabilization recommendations earlier this week. The group is also charged with finding long-term solutions to get the state's economy back on track, with a report due December 1. Wednesday's report calls for $1.1 billion to shore up the economy, split between supporting Maine people, which includes education and housing; stabilizing businesses, which includes employer grants, workforce development and innovation capital; and, building out the broadband infrastructure. |
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Claims for Unemployment Compensation, Week Ending July 11 |
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For the week ending July 11, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 4,600 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and 3,400 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). These claims represent about 4,400 individuals filing an initial claim. About 60,000 weekly certifications, or continued claims, were filed last week for state unemployment. In addition, about 23,900 weekly certifications were filed under PUA. Weekly certifications must be filed by claimants every week in order to continue to receive unemployment benefits. Between March 15 and July 11, the Maine Department of Labor has paid out about $1.1 billion in federal and state unemployment benefits. By comparison, the Department paid out less than $74 million in unemployment benefits in all of 2019. The Department has handled approximately 172,400 initial claims for the state unemployment program and 80,200 initial claims for the PUA program. There have been about 1.68 million weekly certifications filed. Claims data is preliminary and subject to revision. Monthly Workforce Data: Tomorrow morning (July 17), the Department of Labor will release monthly workforce data on the employment situation in June. That data on the change in payroll jobs and the unemployment rate provides the best indication of workforce conditions. Fraud Update: The Maine Department of Labor continues its careful review of all claims as it investigates unemployment imposter fraud. During the week ending July 11, the Department cancelled about 300 initial claims and 1,800 weekly certifications that were determined to be fraudulent. In total, between the week ending May 30 through week ending July 11, the Department has cancelled over 25,000 initial claims and 48,000 weekly certifications that were determined to be fraudulent. To date, the Department has received about 19,400 unique reports of unemployment imposter fraud. This number does not include the duplicate reports that had been included in previous weeks. The Department has also reinstated almost 13,800 claims to legitimate claimants that had been flagged for potential fraud. |
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In Case You Missed Tuesday's Webinar on |
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On Tuesday, the Maine State Chamber hosted a webinar in which presenter Paula Mahony, president and chief strategist at Words@Work, shared expert advice on how messages and marketing need to change to successfully connect with target audiences during the current pandemic. In "normal" times, most individuals are exposed to an enormous amount of information every day. Looking at how brain chemistry influences decision-making, especially during a crisis like COVID-19, and learning simple and effective ways to communicate your business' brand or message to break through the clutter is more relevant than ever. Additional webinars will be forthcoming, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Registration or general questions can be directed to Angela Arno, director of programs and events for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, by emailing [email protected] or calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 104. |
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Amtrak Downeaster Adds Trains Between Boston and Brunswick |
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Today, Mainebiz reported that, starting Monday, July 20, the Amtrak Downeaster aims to get back on track from a reduced schedule during the pandemic, with plans to operate four daily round-trip passenger trains between Brunswick and Boston. The new schedule, announced by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority on Tuesday, marks the start of Phase 2 of Downeaster service restoration, which began June 15 with limited service. At that time, Amtrak began operating just one round-trip weekday train, after suspending all service on April 13. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Downeaster made five daily round-trips. Several protocols and procedures have been implemented to protect the health and safety of passengers and crews, according to NNEPRA, which oversees the rail service. New measures include sanitizing and disinfecting trains each day, with enhanced cleaning between trips and a face-covering requirement for crews and passengers on trains and at stations. Other Phase 2 service elements include the availability of onboard food service and the reopening of some Downeaster station facilities. Enhanced cleaning, training and social distancing protocols have been implemented at the Downeaster Cafe inside trains, including installation of plastic partitions at the service counter and a pilot program for at-seat service. The cafe table seating area will remain closed. For physical distancing purposes, the number of riders will also be limited to no more than 50% of available seating. Tickets may not be purchased with cash, and passengers are advised to use Amtrak's electronic ticketing service for touchless transactions. |
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Pingree Announces COVID-19 Response Grants Totaling $14,569 to Maine Fire Departments |
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Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced the Falmouth and Kittery fire departments will receive two FEMA grants of $7,427 and $7,142, respectively. This funding will assist the departments in purchasing emergency medical PPE and disinfection suppliesv for COVID-19 response. "Firefighters and EMS personnel are essential in our fight against COVID-19. Many are working overtime and putting their lives on the line to ensure our communities receive the support they need during this time," said Pingree. "FEMA grants are always integral to the operations of Maine's local fire departments, but they're especially significant during a global pandemic. This funding will help keep our first responders safe from contracting COVID-19 as they do essential work." |
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Collins, King Announce $2.7 Million to Support Maine Tribal Communities During COVID-19 Pandemic |
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On July 13, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Wabanaki Health and Wellness (WHW) organization will receive a total of $2,754,199 to expand public health and wellness services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding, awarded through the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support, will specifically benefit tribally-enrolled Native Americans in Penobscot, Washington, and Aroostook counties. "The coronavirus is taking an unprecedented toll on individuals, families, and communities across the country," said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. "We welcome this investment, which will help to ensure that Maine's tribal communities continue to have access to important health and wellness services during this difficult time." Wabanaki Health and Wellness is a not-for-profit organization for tribally-enrolled Native Americans. These funds will assist the Bangor-based agency, established in 1996, with providing clinical case management, administering free health and preventive testing, and hosting wellness meetings, among other services. |
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Use the Maine State Chamber's Blog and Daily Impact to Tell Your Story! |
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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 [email protected]. For more information or questions, please contact Mark Ellis by emailing [email protected] or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 109. |
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Providing Books to Maine Students |
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Maine educators were recently surveyed about critical needs of their students. Books were highlighted as a top priority for students of all ages. Supporting reading is essential for students to continue to thrive in schools. Making certain that our students, particularly our youngest readers, have easy access to books during the end of the school year and throughout the summer is crucial for preventing summer slide. Even with yeoman-like efforts by Maine teachers and a hands-on approach from the Maine Department of Education to ensure all Maine students have been able to continue learning remotely during the pandemic, we know that learning over these past few months has inevitably been disrupted. In addition to the school year disruption, student achievement often widens during the summer, an outcome referred to as summer slide. Summer slide accounts for as much as 85 percent of the reading achievement gap between lower income students and their middle- and upper-income peers. Providing students with appropriate books will help address this challenge. Not only does summer reading enable students to continue practicing foundational skills, but it opens the world to students through stories and knowledge building around topics of interest. We need your help to ensure students across our 16 counties have access to books, an essential commodity. Here are a few ways you can support Maine students: 1 2020 Maine Books Challenge: Educate Maine is leading this initiative to provide students with books while supporting local bookstores. You can purchase an online or physical gift card at one of Maine's independent bookstores. Every $10 donation provides a book for a Maine student. Every donation will be matched by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein up to $5,000. Teachers across Maine will help coordinate book distribution to students. If interested in supporting this effort, please email Katherine at [email protected]. 2 Scholastic Books: This company has offered significant discounts to help get books to Maine students. For example, a $1,000 donation can support 300 books for 100 students. A $5,000 donation can support 1,500 books for 500 students. If interested in supporting this effort, please email Megan Diver at [email protected]. 3 Community Book Donations: Gently used books are also needed across Maine. We are seeking community drop off spots at local employers throughout the 16 counties. If your business is interested in becoming a location for books to be collected, please email Megan Diver at [email protected]. Books will be distributed to students directly through their schools and at local meal sites throughout the summer. Additional information about summer literacy initiatives can be found here. Thank you for supporting Maine students. |
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To advertise in the COVID-19 Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau |
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