Constituent Update - April 3, 2020
Every week we face new challenges due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the government and community efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

I continue to work with other members of the General Assembly, along with federal, state and local partners to address the needs of our state and community. My staff and I have been participating in multiple conference calls and briefings throughout the week to make sure we have the most current information with which to base the actions we anticipate taking over the coming months.

This is an unprecedented situation, but thanks to responsible budget decisions we have made over the past several years, North Carolina is in a better position than many other states to face this crisis.

In this newsletter, you will find information about some recent developments and resources available.
Help for Businesses
Today was the first day for businesses to apply for an SBA Coronavirus Emergency Loan. Here is some information regarding those loans.

You are eligible if you are:

  • A small business with fewer than 500 employees
  • A small business that otherwise meets the SBA’s size standard
  • A 501(c)(3) with fewer than 500 employees
  • An individual who operates as a sole proprietor
  • An individual who operates as an independent contractor
  • An individual who is self-employed who regularly carries on any trade or business
  • A Tribal business concern that meets the SBA size standard
  • A 501(c)(19) Veterans Organization that meets the SBA size standard

In addition, some special rules may make you eligible:

  • If you are in the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72), the 500-employee rule is applied on a per physical location basis
  • If you are operating as a franchise or receive financial assistance from an approved Small Business Investment Company the normal affiliation rules do not apply

Remember: The 500-employee threshold includes all employees: full-time, part-time, and any other status.

You can get more information at the SBA.Gov website and on the Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus webpage .
Unemployment Information
The NC Department of Employment Security reports that so far the state has paid out $8.2 million in COVID-19 related claims. The following is information regarding filing an application for unemployment benefits:

Due to high volume on their customer call line, the Department of Commerce recommends the fastest and most efficient way to file for assistance is online: https://des.nc.gov/apply-unemployment/

  • At that website, you will be able to submit information about your situation and start the process of filing your claim for benefits.
  • If you’re temporarily out of work or your working hours have been reduced due to COVID-19, choose one of those two separation reasons on the screen where you’ll enter and submit your claim information.
  • As an individual, your eligibility, exact amount of benefits, and duration period of those benefits cannot be determined until after you file and submit your claim.

Main website: des.nc.gov

  • Latest Changes to Unemployment filing due to COVID-19: https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information
  • For people facing job loss due to the COVID-19 coronavirus situation, Governor Cooper’s Executive Order specifically addresses:
  • Individuals who are separated from employment;
  • Individuals who have had their work hours reduced,
  • Individuals who are prevented from working due to a medical condition or under direct quarantine orders as a result of COVID-19.

An additional 350 people are handling calls, and computer servers have been upgraded, but if you still have trouble with your unemployment claim, my staff may be able to help you. If you need assistance, please contact my office at harry.brown@ncleg.net and supply your name, address, email and phone number, along with a short overview of the problem you are experiencing.
Additional Resources
The resources below will help keep you informed on the latest news on the coronavirus:

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services


Centers for Disease Control


Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina


NC Department of Revenue

  • Main website: https://www.ncdor.gov/
  • GET THE LATEST INFORMATION -- NCDOR Service Centers remain closed to the public and phone assistance may be limited. Taxpayers are encouraged to utilize online services to the greatest extent possible.
  • NCDOR COVID-19 information can be found at: https://www.ncdor.gov/home/ncdor-actions-covid-19
  • The N.C. Department of Revenue (NCDOR) recently announced that they will extend the April 15 tax filing deadline to July 15 for individual, corporate, and franchise taxes to mirror the announced deadline change from the Internal Revenue Service.
  • Additionally, taxpayers are encouraged to use online and free services to pay their taxes this year. Most taxpayers can file online for free at: www.NCDOR.gov/NCfreefile
District Resources
JONES COUNTY

Jones County Links:

Jones County Government Website:

Jones County Health Department website:

Jones County Health Department Facebook page:

Jones County Public Schools website:


Jones County Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can reach out to Jones County Economic Developer John Bender at 252-617-6165 .
ONSLOW COUNTY

Onslow County Links:

Onslow County Government Website:

Onslow County Government on Twitter:

Jacksonville City Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleNC.gov/

Camp Lejeune website:

Onslow County Public Schools website:


Reminder: Onslow County Government offices, Onslow County Health Department, Onslow County Public Library and all other county offices are closed to the general public. Business may be conducted by appointment only. Please check  OnslowCountyNC.gov   for the department or office you need. Give them a call and they will be happy to assist.
If my office can assist you
I hope that you and your family are staying safe and healthy, and that you find this information useful. Please remember that you can contact my Senate office in Raleigh by phone at (919)715-3034, or you can contact me in Jacksonville at (910)347-3777. You can also reach me via e-mail at harry.brown@ncleg.net . B e sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter for information and updates from my office.

Stay safe and healthy!
Senator Harry Brown | Website