COVID-19 DOUBLE DANGER FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS
April 14, 2020Family & Children’s Service Launches Crisis Needs Fund
April 15, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
I’m passing along new local announcements as well as our list of resources on how to keep you and your family healthy during the coronavirus outbreak.
Local Announcements
New Jersey residents are now required to wear a face covering when walking into a restaurant or bar for takeout orders and when riding public transit.
The IRS has more information on how to receive a stimulus check if you don’t file a federal return. Click here for more information.
New Jersey has received another 200 ventilators from the Strategic National Stockpile.
Governor Murphy signed an executive order that prohibits cable and telecommunications providers from terminating Internet and voice service due to non-payment until 30 days after the current public health emergency has ended.
If you have questions about taxes or stimulus checks:
The distribution of federal stimulus checks will begin this week and will occur automatically with no action required for most people. Adults with annual incomes up to $75,000 will receive $1200, plus another $500 per child. Some Americans earning more than $75,000 would also receive money if they meet certain qualifications.
Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file to receive a payment. Instead, payments will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts. However, some people who typically do not file returns may need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.
The IRS has established a special website to answer questions about direct stimulus checks to taxpayers and to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. Click here for more information.
If you have questions about Small Business Assistance:
Small business owners and nonprofits can now apply for forgivable federal loans through qualified lenders. For more information, click here. If you plan to apply, do so quickly before funds are exhausted.
The Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan Assistance guidance
COVID-19/Coronavirus Information for New Jersey Businesses
If you have questions regarding Unemployment Insurance and paid sick leave:
New Jersey’s Department of Labor’s website on paid sick leave and Unemployment Insurance
If you have questions about job opportunities:
Visit New Jersey’s Jobs Portal
If you want to help:
The best thing we can do during this difficult time is to avoid exposure to the virus, stay at home as much as possible, and avoid non-essential travel. If you go outside, please remain at least 6 feet away from other individuals.
If you know someone who needs food assistance, please visit this website for more information.
If you have medical training and want to help, anyone with qualified medical training can volunteer to help staff the new medical stations in Edison, Atlantic City, and Secaucus. Qualified volunteers can include retired nurses and doctors, nursing and medical students, EMTs and former members of armed services medical corps. For more information or to sign up, go to covid19.nj.gov/volunteer.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call my offices directly:
Middlesex County: 732-249-8892
Monmouth County: 732-571-1140
Stay healthy,
