CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery (Updated April 6, 2020)

High Alert
CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 Response to Recovery

Before I begin my update, I want to thank all of the individuals in the health care field for the selfless work they are doing to save lives in Mississippi and all across the country. And I want to thank the families of those individuals who are supporting their loved ones. I stand with you!

On April 1, 2020, the State of Mississippi joined thirty-nine states across the country by issuing a "shelter-in-place" order to help flatten the curve of the Coronavirus/COVID-19. The order went into effect on April 3, 2020 and lasts until April 20, 2020. It runs daily from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. of the next day. Hopefully the order has a positive impact on decreasing the number of Coronavirus/COVID-19 cases in Mississippi. But to be effective, Mississippians all across the state must practice social distancing and stay at home. Help those of us risking our lives daily to help America recover from this deadly virus by adhering to the order. Think logically when deciding if the need to leave home is truly essential. Sheltering-in-place may seem like a long time but when put into perspective consider this quote, I read it on Instagram posted by liljamestucker, "Rest at Home is better than Rest in Peace... 6 feet away is better than 6 feet under..."

As news develops, I will continue to share it with you through my Congressional Website, Twitter, and Facebook. However, if you have any questions, call Dr. Timla G. Washington, PhD, my Human Capital Developer for the Mississippi Second Congressional District by email twashington@mail.house.gov or by phone at (662) 335-9003.

FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control
FEMA has established a page on its website dedicated to the facts regarding federal response to the Coronavirus/COVID-19. Rumors are serious in that the wrong information could be harmful to individuals and the public at large. That is why going to a trusted source for information is critical at this time, in fact the truth of it is - is that it could save lives. If you have concerns about information you receive visit FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control page and help spread the facts.

How YOU can reduce your chances of getting the Coronavirus/COVID-19
COVID-19 is ever evolving and developing. Recommendations are constantly being updated as we learn more about the virus. So, to help educate you with what you need to know about COVID-19, visit these links on the website or your mobile device.

Surgeon General Social Distancing
CDC Now Recommends People Wear Masks Outdoors
Dr. Anthony Fauci on Stopping COVID-19 thru Social Distancing/Stay Home, Wear Masks
Coronavirus Hits Hard: Rural Georgia

Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus Relief Options SBA - Forgivable Loans

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL Advance)

• Small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, self-employed persons, private non-profits, and veteransorganizations that have been impacted by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 may be eligible for the EIDL and receive an advance of $10,000 within days of getting approved, and this loan advance does not have to be repaid. To read more and to apply visit SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance. Apply while funds last. For questions call the SBA District Office in Jackson, MS at (601) 965-4378.
• Churches are now eligible to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL Advance). The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations can now apply without restriction based on their religious identity or activities as long as they meet the eligibility criteria already outline for EIDL Advance. To read more and to apply visit SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance. Apply while funds last. For questions call the SBA District Office in Jackson, MS at (601) 965-4378.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan

• Small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, self-employed persons, private, non-profits, and veterans organizations that were already in operation as of February 15, 2020 may be eligible for a PPP Loan under the SBA 7(a) loan program. All loans must be made before June 30, 2020. The PPP Loan was created to keep Americans employed and paid during the COVID-19 crisis. In an effort to get loans approved and money into the business accounts of approved applicants, the normal channels of applying and requirements have been waived. For example, lenders are authorized to certify an applicant as eligible with the proper documentation (e.g., payroll records, payroll tax filings, Form 1099-MISC) and no collateral, personal guarantees, or credit elsewhere are required. Applicants without the above-mentioned forms of documentation can submit other forms of proof such as bank records that show qualifying payroll amounts. The interest rate on all PPP Loans is 1 percent with 6 months of deferred payments. What makes your loan plus interest forgivable? If you use the money to make payroll (full-time for 8 weeks minimum), re-hire employees (full time for 8 weeks minimum), pay mortgage interests, rent, group health care benefits/premiums, interest payments on debts incurred before February 15, 2020, and utilities and is able to provide the necessary documentation to show proof. What makes your loan ineligible for forgiveness? If you use the money on any non-approved expenses, if you are unable to keep your employees working full-time for a minimum of 8 weeks, and if you do not keep records to show how you spent the money. Check with your lender to see if they are approved to make this loan. Check with your lender to see how soon you can apply for forgiveness and what documentation you will need for the request. Apply while funds last. To read more on PPP, find an approved lender, and to download the short two page application visit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan.
• Churches are now eligible to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations can now apply without restriction based on their religious identity or activities as long as they meet the eligibility criteria already outline for PPP. Apply while funds last. To read more on PPP, find an approved lender, and to download the short two page application visit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan.

SBA - Financial Reprieve on Existing Loans

SBA Debt Relief

• Small businesses that have an existing 7(a), 504, or microloan with SBA, the agency will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees for six months.
• Small business that get approved for a new7(a), 504, or microloan with SBA before September 27, 2020 will have their principal, interest, and fees automatically paid for by SBA.
• Homeowners and small businesses that had and SBA Serviced Disaster (Home and Business) Loan as of March 1, 2020 will receive automatic payment deferments until December 31, 2020.

Note: Visit SBA Debt Relief COVID-19 to learn more. Or contact your loan Servicing Officer at the Birmingham Disaster Loan Servicing Center by Email: BirminghamDLSC@sba.gov or Ph: 800-736-6048, or the EL Paso Disaster Loan Servicing Center by Email: ElPasoDLSC@sba.gov or Ph: 800-487-6019.

SBA - Bridging the Gap

SBA Express Bridge Loans

• Small businesses that have a currently active relationship with SBA and need to up $25,000 fast can apply for an SBA Express Bridge Loan. This loan can be a term loan or used for expenses as you wait for a decision and disbursement on your SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). If your EIDL Loan is approved, you can use that money to pay off your SBA Express Bridge Loan. Apply while funds last and this offer ends six-months from March 13, 2020 (date of "COVID-19 Emergency Declaration"). You must apply with an authorized SBA Express Lender. Check with your lender to see if they are authorized to make an SBA Express Bridge Loan. To read more see the attached Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program Guide. You may also visit their website and SBA Express Bridge Loans.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Coronavirus Relief Options

USDA - Deferred Loan Payments
Rural Business-Cooperative Service B&I Program and REAP Program

• All borrowers with a loan currently in repayment status as of March 1, 2020 can receive up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) of deferred payments. This applies to loans under the USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantees (B&I) and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) programs. All that is required is that your lender must notify in writing USDA of the request to defer payments. If you loan has been sold on the secondary market, the secondary market holder and lender must agree to the deferment; and written notice to USDA is also required.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service IRP Program

• Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. The IRP provides revolving loans funds in the form of financial assistance to businesses and financial support for economic development activities aiming to create or retain jobs in rural areas. Check with your IRP lender about having your payments deferred.
• If you are an Intermediary Relending Program (IRP), USDA has committed to working with you amid COVID-19 to continue loan servicing on a case-by-case basis because your presence in rural business communities is vital.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service RBDG Program

• Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. The RBDG are competitive grants that support the development or expansion of small and emerging, and private rural businesses. Check with your RBDG program about having your payments deferred.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service REDL and RMAP Program

• Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDL and REDG) program participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. REDL and REDG program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. The local utility organization in turn funds local businesses on projects that will create and retain employments in rural areas. Check with the utility organizations that loan you the money about having your payments deferred.
• If you are a Rural Economic Development Loan (REDL) program, USDA has committed to working with you amid COVID-19 to continue loan servicing on a case-by-case basis because your presence in rural business communities is vital.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service RMAP Program

• Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) participants are authorized to provide loan payment deferment for up to 120 days (July 31, 2020) to their borrowers without USDA approval. The RMAP program provides loans to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) who in turn help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund. Check with your MDO about having your payments deferred.