Feb. 26th Newsletter: Session Update, Reforms to PPP Loans

February 26, 2021

We are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.


Bills Passed During Feb. 24th Session
 
On Wednesday, my fellow legislators and I went to Hartford to vote on a several bills. Among the pieces of legislation we voted to pass were:
  • HB 6516, which prevents roughly 100,000 remote workers from facing double taxation.
  • SB 873, which ends the practice of placing liens on real property of anyone who formerly received some form of public assistance. This law is an outdated measure that stops many from building wealth or retaining their life savings, and Connecticut is one of only two states which does this.

We also were able to overwhelmingly pass (and I spoke on the House floor in support of) HB 6515, AN ACT CREATING A RESPECTFUL AND OPEN WORLD FOR NATURAL HAIR. The C.R.O.W.N. Act, as it is also called, prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and credit transactions on the basis of natural hair associated with race.

The way a person wears their hair does not speak to their ability, competency, or knowledge. Unfortunately, we live in a society where how a person of color wears their hair opens them up to judgement. And that judgement can affect so many aspects of a person’s life, from jobs to housing to education. I fully supported this bill because I believe it brings us one step closer to the equity and respect that we deserve.

These bills now head over to the Senate for consideration.


Reforms to Paycheck Protection Program
 

Great news for small businesses and the self-employed!

In an effort to help small businesses across the country receive additional financial assistance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will soon be introducing new reforms and guidelines to the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Recognizing that businesses owned by women and minorities had far less access to PPP loans last time, President Biden is casting a wider net this time. And that's good news for "Main Street," according to Forbes. Read it HERE.

According to the following news release from the SBA, the agency will: 

  • Establish a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees. This exclusive window opened Wednesday, February 24th.
  • Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants
  • Eliminate an exclusionary restriction on PPP access for small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions, consistent with a bipartisan congressional proposal
  • Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make federal student loan payments by eliminating federal student loan debt delinquency and default as disqualifiers to participating in the PPP; and
  • Ensure access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for the PPP.

For updated PPP information, including forms, guidance, and resources, visit www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.


REMINDER: Access Health CT Special Enrollment Period Open Now Through March 15

Access Health CT

Access Health CT's (AHCT) Special Enrollment Period is open now through March 15, 2021 for uninsured residents to obtain quality, affordable health care coverage, particularly those negatively affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are several ways to get help with enrollment including:

  • Online: AccessHealthCT.com (Live chat: AccessHealthCT.com click “Live Chat” icon) 
  • Phone: 1-855-805-4325, Mon. – Fri.  8 AM - 4 PM
  • With Enrollment Specialists in the community 
  • In-person help at either of AHCT’s Navigator partner locations: 

Consumers will not be required to verify their eligibility for this Special Enrollment Period. Financial help will still be available for those who qualify.

Please note if you are currently enrolled in coverage through AHCT you will not be eligible to use this Special Enrollment Period to change your existing plans.

If you are in need this is an opportunity to put your mind at ease during these times. Access to good quality, affordable healthcare awaits.


"Cooking" Up a Cure for Cancer
 
The Relay for Life Team at West Hartford's Hall High School has come up with a creative way to raise money for the American Cancer Society!
 
The Warriors for a Cure will be holding a virtual cooking event on Thursday, March 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. For information on the event and instructions on how to register, click the link HERE