Revisions Urged for Payback Protection Program & Latest Lockdown Update

Retail Businesses Allowed to Open by Appointment Only

Posted In: News, State, National, By: Robert E Martin

22nd May, 2020 0

The Senate, under the leadership of Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and the Senate Small Business Committee, may take action to pass a bill that includes revisions to the Paycheck Protection Program that would extend the period in which small businesses can use the funds. We urge you to reach out to your Senators immediately to encourage them to add language that makes all nonprofits, including 501(c)(6) organizations, eligible for this critical financial relief.

Additionally, next week, the House of Representative is expected to consider the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act (H.R. 6886). This bipartisan bill from Reps. Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Chip Roy (R-TX) modifies certain loan forgiveness requirements under the Paycheck Protection Program. For example, the bill eliminates the limitation on non-payroll expenses counting towards loan forgiveness and extends the 8-week window for eligible expenses. However, the bill does NOT address the existing restrictions affecting 501(c)(6) organizations and other nonprofits. People are encouraged to reach out to the authors and their Congressional representatives to ask them to include all non-profits.

Therefore, we urge you to contact our US Senators, Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters at: https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/contact and https://www.peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary

Governor Whitmer Reopens Auto Dealerships and Retail Businesses by Appointment, Authorizes Nonessential Medical, Dental and Veterinary Procedures

On Thursday, 5-21-20, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed executive order 2020-96 to reopen retail businesses and auto dealerships by appointment statewide beginning Tuesday, May 26, as part of her MI Safe Start plan. The governor’s executive order also lifts the requirement that health care providers delay some nonessential medical, dental, and veterinary procedures statewide beginning on Friday, May 29. The order also authorizes small gatherings of 10 people or less starting immediately, as long as participants practice social distancing.

“The data shows that Michigan is ready to phase in these sectors of our economy, but we must stay vigilant and ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer.

“As businesses continue to reopen, it’s crucial that they adopt strict safety measures to protect their employees, customers, and their families,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “I know that as medical professionals begin offering nonessential procedures again, they will do everything in their power to protect patients and their families from COVID-19. I will continue to work with Governor Whitmer and our partners across Michigan to protect our families and lower the chance of a second wave.”

Read Full Executive Order 2020-96