Dear Clients and Friends,
First and foremost, we would like to wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday, and most importantly, a safe and healthy new year.
As businesses and individuals adapted to the "new normal", noteworthy federal, state, and local government mandates slowed down a bit. Therefore, it has been a while since we have published a COVID-19 Legal Compass. However, just in time for the new year, the President has signed a significant Economic Stimulus Package, which could have far-reaching and important effects on many of your businesses. Additionally, the Governor issued an Executive Order regarding vaccine distribution.
Please email our team with any questions regarding the below information.
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RECENT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ACTIONS
After months of ongoing negotiations, Congressional leaders came to an agreement and passed a second $900 billion COVID-19 economic relief package. The bill text is available here. A topline summary of the major components of the relief package can be accessed here. The President signed the bill on Sunday, December 27.
Key components of the package include:
- $286 Billion for Workers and Families:
- $120 billion for Unemployment Insurance, including $300 per week for workers on unemployment benefits.
- Extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program by 11 weeks, bringing the duration of PUA benefits from 39 weeks under the CARES Act to a total of up to 50 weeks. The bill also expands coverage to gig and other non-traditional workers.
- Extends the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program by 11 weeks, on top of the 13 week extension under the CARES Act, to individuals who exhaust regular state benefits
- $166 billion in direct Economic Impact Payments
- $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year
- $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year
- $600 for each child dependent
- $325 Billion for Small Businesses:
- $284 billion for a second round of Payment Protection Program (PPP) small business loans
- Expands PPP eligibility for 501(c)(6) nonprofits, including destination marketing organizations, local newspapers, and TV and radio broadcasters
- $20 billion for businesses in low-income communities
- $15 billion for live venues, movie theaters, and museums
- $3.5 billion for continued Small Business Administration (SBA) debt relief payments
- $2 billion for enhancements to SBA lending
- $69 Billion for Vaccine Procurement and Distribution:
- More than $22 billion provided directly to the states for testing, tracing, and COVID mitigation programs
- $20 billion to Biomedical Advanced Research and Development (BARDA) for vaccine procurement and therapeutics
- $9 billion to the CDC and states for distribution
- $3 billion for the strategic nation stockpile
- $4.5 billion in mental health funding
- $9 billion in support for health care providers
- $1 billion in direct funds to the Indian Health Service
- $82 Billion for Schools:
- Assists K-12 schools and higher education institutions
- $45 Billion for Transportation:
- Assists transit agencies, airlines, airports, state transportation agencies, the motor coach industry, and Amtrak
- $25 Billion for Federal Rental Assistance Program:
- Provided to state and local governments to distribute to impacted families to assist with rent and utility payments
- Extends the CDC's eviction moratorium through January 2021
- $26 Billion for Nutrition and Agriculture:
- $13 billion to increase the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- $13 billion for direct payments, purchases, and loans to farmers and ranchers
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RECENT STATE OF FLORIDA GOVERNMENT ACTIONS
Vaccine Distribution: Governor DeSantis issued an Executive Order regulating the first phase of vaccine distribution in Florida. Click for more.
View an easy-to-read matrix of the Florida government agency orders that we have collected to date. Highlighted actions are new (December 17 - 23) since last issue.
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