• The “Stock The Freezer” initiative just hit a milestone. In less than three weeks, Western New Yorkers have donated 12,000 meals through the program started by NYSRA Member, Nick Pitillo. https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/buffalo-strong/wnyers-donate-12-000-stock-the-freezer-meals-in-less-than-three-weeks
• If you have a good news story that you would like to share, please contact NYSRA’s Communications Coordinator Abi Van Nostrand at [email protected].

• The US Senate was unable to come to an agreement on an additional aid package for Covid 19 today. Senate Republicans advocated for additional funding for small businesses while Senate Democrats proposed aid for states, localities and hospitals. Each blocked the other’s proposal, and nothing was accomplished.
• The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System announced this morning a massive $600 billion Main Street Lending program to support small and mid-sized businesses. We will share more details when they become available.
• Several members called today alerting us to new guidance on the PPP loans that once approved, you must take the funds within 10 days. See question 20 here: FAQs from the Small Business Administration and the Treasury Department. This is one of many issues we are raising with the NY Congressional delegation and the National Restaurant Association that needs to be fixed. 

• The New York State Department of Labor is launching a new unemployment insurance website tonight to help process claims. More than 800,000 people have applied for unemployment insurance since March 9.
• Empire State Development (ESD) has updated its formal guidelines regarding essential businesses as of April 9, 2020. https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026

• Department of Sanitation NY (DSNY) has clarified that while voluntary residential commercial organics recycling will be impacted by upcoming budget cuts, commercial organics obligations remain unchanged. DSNY will still move forward with the rule’s expansion passed this winter, so please prepare accordingly if you will be impacted. 

• Our partners at United Healthcare are offering free prescription drug cards that you can access from home. Get your free Hospitality Rx discount card! ​The Optum Perks™ prescription drug savings program may help you save on the medications you need to live a healthier life. Just show your card or coupon to the pharmacist each time you fill a prescription. http://perks.optum.com/hospitalityrx
• Save up to 80% on most prescription drugs at over 64,000 pharmacies nationwide.
• Get discounts for every member of your family.
• No membership. No fees. Just savings.
• Available to all employees and their families at no cost—zero cost to employers.