Update for Tuesday, April 14, 2020:

• On Wednesday 4/15/2020 between 8-9AM the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a Virtual Contact Breakfast with Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro. You can use one of three options: 1) Zoom: HERE.  2) Dial and listen: (845) 765-7121. 3) Facebook Live: HERE. Thank you to Greystone Programs and KeyBank for sponsoring this event.
• The governor announced in a new Executive Order that any business that still has essential employees that comes into contact with customers, must provide those employees with face masks. This must be enforced by local government and law enforcement, and goes into effect tomorrow at 8PM. The full order can be found HERE.
• At 3 PM Thursday, be sure to honk your horn twice to support all those in the MTA and public transit systems who are working everyday to make sure essential workers are still able to get to work. This is part of the #HeroesMovingHeroes campaign to show our appreciation to an often overlooked but vital part of our state, regional, and local economy.
• In his press conference today (Tuesday) Governor Cuomo said he did not want to fight with the President in regards to the regional task force that was announced by six states yesterday (Massachusetts joined the task force today). However, Governor Cuomo also said he did not believe President Trump has the Constitutional authority because of the 10th Amendment to override his decision to shut down the state, and that he would make that case in court if needed.
• A $400,000 grant competition has been launched for small businesses who can produce N95 masks or ventilators. Applications are due Friday at 4PM. For more information, or to apply for the grant, click HERE.
• The SBA will host a number of webinars that will explain the five different programs the SBA has to help businesses and non-profits through COVID-19. To see the dates of the webinars and register, click HERE.
• On April 16th, celebrate National High Five Day and give a “Dutchess Air Five”. Dutchess Tourism is encouraging all of Dutchess County to show appreciation for our local service industry, with support in the following ways: Purchase gift cards (online or over-the-phone) for later use; Shop online stores or participate in virtual experiences; Share 5-star love with favorite businesses by posting stellar reviews on Trip Advisor, Yelp, Google and on their own sites. Businesses: Promote the initiative on your social platforms using the provided graphic in the link. Help make this initiative go viral locally. For more information, click HERE.

If you have any questions regarding the information in this notification or any other business related concerns and suggestions, please email Contact@DutchessBNN.com. Please do NOT contact elected officials regarding information in this email as they are currently inundated with handling the government response to this crisis. This network was created to help coordinate responses and share the burden, and we ask that you please contact us with any questions or concerns so our elected officials can focus on their task at hand. Thank you for your continued support through this time.

If you were forwarded this email, but would like to be added to the email list, please let us know by emailing contact@DutchessBNN.com

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Watch today’s update from County Executive Molinaro about the COVID-19 Recovery center that will be operated by our Medical Reserve Corps to help relieve pressure on our local hospitals.In Dutchess County as of April 13, 2020 there have been:-1,746 confirmed cases of COVID-19-8,050 tests administered-178 people have recoveredPOWERED BY

Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro announced today, in cooperation with the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, an hour-long “Virtual Contact Breakfast” and Telephone Town Hall for local business owners and leaders will be held on Wednesday, April 15, at 8 a.m. County Executive Molinaro will discuss the many ways Dutchess County is working with the business community to react and respond during the COVID-19 pandemic, including proactive efforts to provide and collect information, resources and guidance.

Members of the business community can participate by calling (845) 765-7121 on Wednesday, April 15, beginning at 8 a.m., and it will also be streamed live on the County’s and Chamber’s Facebook pages.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Small businesses are the backbone of Dutchess County’s local economy and, as we face the Coronavirus pandemic together, many have had to rapidly change the way they do business. We understand the hardships being faced by our business community and have been working tirelessly to mobilize resources to help ensure business owners have the support they need.”

“Together with the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the many partners of the Think Dutchess Alliance for Business, we launched the Dutchess Business Notification Network which has been a critical information outlet for businesses during these unprecedented times,” Molinaro continued. “I encourage the business community to join us for Wednesday’s Virtual Contact Breakfast and Telephone Town Hall to learn more about our efforts and update us on their needs.”

The Dutchess Business Notification Network (DBNN) shares important updates, guidelines and information for the businesses and nonprofits in the community at www.dutchessbnn.com.  Business owners are encouraged to sign-up for daily email updates as well as join the DBNN Facebook Group for frequent updates.

Dutchess County’s efforts through the Dutchess Business Notification Network include:

• Survey of business needs to analyze the pandemic’s impact on the local economy and assess future business community needs to be well-positioned to recharge the economy as restrictions are lifted.
• Coordination with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to promote disaster relief loans to eligible businesses.
• Daily updates on State guidance for businesses including essential vs. non-essential classification, Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loans, unemployment insurance, mortgage relief, and more.
• Collaboration with local businesses and residents to coordinate collection of Personal Protective Equipment donation for the County’s response efforts.
• Webinars for businesses with the Dutchess Chamber, such as the recent “Cybersecurity Awareness During COVID-19” to support business owners now operating remotely.
• Sharing “best practices” for essential retail and service industry businesses to protect employees and customers.
• Collaborating with Dutchess Tourism to promote “Take-out Tuesdays” to support local restaurants.

Later Wednesday evening, County Executive Molinaro will host the next in his weekly series of Telephone Town Hall and Facebook Live events for residents to participate and learn more about how Dutchess County is continuing to assist residents in need through its “Dutchess Responds” relief effort. Starting at 5:30 p.m., residents can call 845-765-7121 to listen and ask questions, or submit inquiries as Facebook comments.

Dutchess County Government continues to provide residents the most current information on its COVID-19 Community Impact Dashboard, and further updates and guidance are available on its website, www.dutchessny.gov/coronavirus, its Coronavirus hotline, (845) 486-3555, and its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

www.dutchessNY.gov

FREE Groceries are coming to Beacon again this Wednesday, April 15th. There will be free boxes of groceries available for pick up for anyone who needs them. This food is brought to you by the following organizations and groups: Beacon City School District, Beacon Mutual Aid,  Common Ground Farm, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Green Teen Program, Fareground, the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, and Hudson Valley Seed.

Pickup Locations;

*At Rombout Middle School from 10:00-11:00am

*At South Avenue Elementary school from 10:00-11:00am for pedestrians only–no car pickups please

Los comestibles GRATUITOS llegarán a Beacon nuevamente este miércoles 15 de abril. Habrá cajas de comestibles gratuitas disponibles para que las recoja cualquier persona que las necesite. Las siguientes organizaciones y grupos le traen esta comida: Beacon City School District, Beacon Mutual Aid, Common Ground Farm, el Programa Green Teen de Cornell Cooperative Extension, Fareground, el Banco de Alimentos del Hudson Valley y Hudson Valley Seed.

Ubicaciones de recogida;

* En la Escuela Intermedia Rombout de 10: 00-11: 00am

* En la escuela primaria South Avenue de 10: 00-11: 00 am solo para peatones, no se permite recoger el automóvil.

1. Courts & Playgrounds:  Beacon City parks remain open.  However, in light of new guidance from the state, our playgrounds, basketball courts and skate park will close.  We know from regular monitoring that Beacon residents are doing a great job of social distancing.  Keep it up.  Enjoy the parks, but not playgrounds or basketball courts.
2. Unemployment:  The NYS Department of Labor website now has a new streamlined application for unemployment that should handle new cases and reduce frustration.
3. Emotional Helpline:  This time can be hard emotionally – It’s a full rollercoaster of feelings. For any of you who are struggling, New York State has a Coronavirus Emotional Support Helpline at 844-863-9314. Call from 8am-10pm 7 days per week. There’s absolutely no shame in asking for some support.
4. Domestic Violence:  My mind has also been with those of you stuck at home, when home is not a safe place. In crisis times, domestic violence escalates. If you or someone you know needs help, know that there are helpers nearby.  If you’re in an urgent crisis, please call 911. Otherwise, text or call the National Domestic Violence hotline 24/7: 800-799-7233.
5. Beacon Police:  You can also always call the Beacon Police Department. Our police are part of the Dutchess County Domestic Abuse Response Team, and work with an advocate on site who supports people experiencing domestic violence.  And there are many others regionally who can help, including shelters. Find all of this soon on the city’s website, cityofbeacon.org.
6. This Census:  Don’t forget the census.

You’re all in our thoughts.  We’ll get through this together. 

Debido a la pandemia de COVID-19, la Oficina de Asistencia Temporal y para Personas con Discapacidades (OTDA, por sus siglas en inglés) del estado de Nueva York emitirá automáticamente un beneficio
suplementario de emergencia de SNAP para los hogares que aún no reciben el beneficio máximo. Esta acción forma parte de una disposición establecida por la Ley de Respuesta al Coronavirus ‘Familias primero’ de 2020 (Families First Corona Virus Response Act of 2020). Los hogares que actualmente no reciben el beneficio máximo recibirán el beneficio suplementario de emergencia de SNAP para aumentar el monto de beneficios actual al monto máximo por tamaño de la familia. OTDA del estado de Nueva York emitirá los beneficios suplementarios de emergencia a todos los hogares de SNAP que NO reciban el beneficio máximo durante los meses de marzo y abril de 2020.
Los hogares que ya recibieron el monto máximo del beneficio por el tamaño de la familia en marzo y abril de 2020 no son elegibles para este adicional.
Consulte en la siguiente tabla la asignación máxima del beneficio según la cantidad de miembros en la familia

CANTIDAD DE MIEMBROS EN LA FAMILIA
1 – ASIGNACION MAXIMA = $194
2 – ASIGNACION MAXIMA = $355
3 – ASIGNACION MAXIMA = $509
4 – ASIGNACION MAXIMA = $646
5 – ASIGNACION MAXIMA = $768
6 – ASIGNACION MAXIMA = $921
7 – ASIGNACION MAXIMA = $1,018
8 – ASIGNACION MAXIMA = $1,164
Por cada miembro adicional $146

Casos elegibles: Los casos de SNAP que recibieron beneficios en marzo y/o abril de 2020 y no recibieron el monto máximo de acuerdo con la cantidad de miembros en la familia en esos meses, recibirán el beneficio
suplementario de SNAP.

Los adicionales se emitirán automáticamente y estarán disponibles en su tarjeta EBT. NO es necesario que solicite los adicionales ni se ponga en contacto con su oficina local al respecto de estos.

Nota: Este es un pago de una sola vez. Los beneficiarios recibirán su monto regular de beneficios de SNAP a partir de mayo. No hay derecho a una audiencia imparcial para aquellos que reciben su beneficio regular en mayo, que es menor al beneficio máximo únicamente porque ya no reciben
la asignación suplementaria.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will automatically issue an Emergency supplemental SNAP benefit to households not already receiving the maximum benefit. This action is part of a provision set forth by the Families First Corona Virus Response Act of 2020. Households currently not receiving the maximum benefit will receive the Emergency supplemental SNAP benefit to increase their current benefit amount to the maximum amount for their household size. New York State OTDA will issue the Emergency supplemental benefits to all SNAP households NOT already receiving the maximum benefit for the months of March 2020 and April 2020.
Households who already received the maximum benefit amount for their household size in March 2020 and April 2020 are not eligible for this supplement.
See the table below for the maximum benefit allotment per household size.

HOUSEHOLD SIZE
1 – MAXIMUM ALLOTMENT = $194
2 – MAXIMUM ALLOTMENT = $355
3 – MAXIMUM ALLOTMENT = $509
4 – MAXIMUM ALLOTMENT = $646
5 – MAXIMUM ALLOTMENT = $768
6 – MAXIMUM ALLOTMENT = $921
7 – MAXIMUM ALLOTMENT = $1,018
8 – MAXIMUM ALLOTMENT = $1,164
For each additional member – $146

Eligible Cases: SNAP cases that received benefits in March 2020 and /or April 2020 and did not receive the maximum benefit amount for their household size in those months, will receive the supplemental SNAP benefit.
Supplements will be automatically issued and available on your EBT card. You do NOT have to apply for or contact your local office about these supplements.
Note: This is a one-time payment. Recipients will receive their regular SNAP benefit amount beginning in May. There is no right to a fair hearing for those receiving their regular benefit in May that is less than the maximum benefit solely because they are no longer receiving the supplemental allotment.

Dutchess County, NY sent this bulletin at 04/12/2020 12:00 PM EDT

Thank you to all those healthcare workers and first responders working this holiday weekend. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our #DutchessResponds efforts in one way or another. And thank you to everyone who has done their part to #StoptheSpread by staying home today!For more information on how you can help during this public health crisis visit www.DutchessNY.gov/DutchessRespondsPOWERED BY

Update for Thursday, April 9, 2020:

• The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce presents two COVID-19 focused webinars tomorrow, April 10. The first, titled “Latest Guidance from a Legal and HR Perspective” will be at 8-9:30am. Register HERE. The second, titled “Cybersecurity Awareness During COVID-19” will be at 11am-12:30pm. Register HERE.
• UPDATE: Changes have been made by ESD to the guidance for essential/nonessential businesses. The changes are highlighted in yellow and the full text can be found HERE.
• Starting tomorrow, April 10th, SBA Lenders will officially start accepting applications for Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loans from independent contractors and sole proprietors. It can be used for the sum of payments of any compensation to or income of a sole proprietor or independent contractor that is a wage, commission, income, net earnings from self-employment, or similar compensation and that is in an amount that is not more than $100,000 in one year, as pro-rated for the covered period. The PPP application can be found HERE.
• PPP Loans are processed by most local banks but check with yours to find out more about their process. The SBA is changing the rules on the fly. Please know our local banks are doing what they can to help. If you need a local lender, please refer to our Hudson Valley SBA Lender list HERE.
• A second option for self-employed individuals is to consider applying for unemployment through the New York State Department of Labor (DOL). A guide to advise you on how to make such an application can be found HERE.
• PLEASE BE AWARE: The DOL’s website will be “out of service” later today from 5-7PM, as the state seeks to upgrade its capacity to handle the overwhelming number of Unemployment Insurance applications. This upgrade will include the creation of a call back function.
• Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said in an interview this morning on CNBC that he believes the US will be able to reopen the economy in May. This was said shortly after he announced the Federal Reserve was releasing $2.3 trillion more in financing for businesses and governments.
• In the governor’s press conference today (Thursday), Governor Cuomo said he will not speculate on when he would be able to relax the state’s restrictions. That decision would not be made until the data shows it is safe to do so.
• The governor also discussed his plans to put a pause on the 2% pay increase for public employees working for the state. This pause would be for 90 days, which will save $50 million, but does not effect local government and school employee contracts.
• According to Congressman Delgado, part of the CARES Act included “$9.5 billion in direct disaster assistance payments to aid our local producers during this public health crisis.” To read his full statement, click HERE.
• DBNN has re-released its survey that asks organizations what their needs are, and the impacts of COVID-19 on their operations. If you have taken this survey before please take it again so we can track the changes the past few weeks have had on the Hudson Valley. This information will not be released to the public, and will only be used to help elected officials and government agencies craft legislation or policies to address the needs identified. Please take a couple minutes to fill out the survey HERE.

If you have any questions regarding the information in this notification or any other business related concerns and suggestions, please email Contact@DutchessBNN.com. Please do NOT contact elected officials regarding information in this email as they are currently inundated with handling the government response to this crisis. This network was created to help coordinate responses and share the burden, and we ask that you please contact us with any questions or concerns so our elected officials can focus on their task at hand. Thank you for your continued support through this time.

If you were forwarded this email, but would like to be added to the email list, please let us know by emailing contact@DutchessBNN.com

www.dutchessNY.gov