Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you all are doing well. I know many of you have been severely impacted over the last few weeks. We are doing as much as we can to mitigate the impacts of recent changes by reviewing the Governor’s orders and pushing back on many unnecessary business closures.
Small Business Assistance Reference Guide
Here are a few additional links for small business assistance. If anything new comes out, I will be sure to share it with you!
DEED Small Business Emergency Loan Program
DEED Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
Small Business Administration – Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
SBA Paycheck Protection Program
Childcare Grants Available
We included substantial funding in our last COVID response bill to support Childcare providers who are caring for the children of essential workers within critical sectors. We could not be more grateful for everything they are doing to support those working hard to fight this pandemic and keep our communities safe and healthy. Grant applications are due on April 15th and you can find other pertinent information here: https://www.childcareawaremn.org/providers/emergency-child-care-grants/?fbclid=IwAR0X5y_h1OiEZE9oCSiFbtKOxg2Fn140LF0yjvubgN5_aZMcPJCLeVGensM
Protect yourself from fraud
Difficult times like these often bring out the best in people. But they can also be exploited by scammers who prey on the fear and uncertainty of others. Make sure you and loved ones are aware and prepared if anyone tries to take advantage of you with a stimulus payment scam or any other related fraud.
Here are some tips to help protect your money and avoid becoming a scam victim.
1. Be alert for phone scams.
IMPORTANT: The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury Department, or any other government agency will not contact you by phone to collect information for stimulus payment processing.
2. Be alert for phishing scams.
Government agencies will not email or text you to collect information for stimulus payment processing. Watch for suspicious emails or texts with links or attachments requesting information for processing stimulus deposits or checks. If you receive one, do not click the link or open the attachment. It’s a scam. Delete it.
3. Be alert for state-related scams.
State agencies will also not call, email or text you to collect information for a fee to process a stimulus payment. To date, no state has introduced their own version of a stimulus payment.
4. Be alert for texting scams or “smishing”
Criminals can easily mask themselves by texting you pretending to be government workers. As I mentioned above, our government departments will not ask for your information via text. Do not respond and delete the message. If you would like further clarification. You can report the scam attempt here: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us.
Salons and Barber Shops Update
The Critical Sectors list has clarified that curbside pick-up with social distancing is allowed for products from salons and barbershops. Hopefully this will be helpful as I know your services have been shut down. Please be careful to maintain strict distancing so this option continues.
I will continue to update you as new information and resources become available. I hope you all are doing well and staying healthy. If I can be helpful to you in any way, please contact my office at sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn or 651-296-5655.
Resources
A guide for small businesses who need help
Employees/Unemployment Benefits
Economic Impact Payments from the IRS
Minnesota Health Insurers announce COVID-19 coverage
Working Groups from this week