COVID-19 Resource Guide 

____________________________________________________________________________

 

The Governor’s Report to Open Texas (April 27, 2020)

                                            

Business

Federal: 

• Federal Resources for Small Business

• U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Guide to the CARES Act

• Federal Reserve Main Street Lending Program: Business loans to help eligible small and medium-sized companies through the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Resources for the Borrower

• U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA): 

  • SBA Guidance for Businesses in Responding to COVID-19

  • Coronavirus Relief Options- Funding Options

    • Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Loan Advance (Update - 6/15: Notice: On June 15, SBA will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications from qualified small businesses and U.S. agricultural businesses). 

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance (up to $10,000) provides economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The loan advance will not have to be repaid.

COVID-19 ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN APPLICATION

(Webinar) SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program for Businesses  Impacted by COVID-19: Learn About It and How to Apply 

(Webinar) SBA Houston District (CVODI-19) Update

• • • SBA Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program: This pilot program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for a decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

    • SBA Debt Relief: The SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis. Under this program: the SBA will also pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020; and the SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.

    • Paycheck Protection Program:  The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The PPP will be available through June 30, 2020. The U.S. Department of Treasury published information on the PPP for both borrowers and lenders 

(Webinar) SBA Houston District (CVODI-19) Update

(Webinar) SBA San Antonio District COVID-19 

• • SBA Texas District Offices:

    • Dallas/Fort Worth District Office

    • El Paso District Office 

    • Houston District Office

    • Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office 

    • Lubbock District Office

    • San Antonio District Office 

*If applying for an EIDL loan, the SBA recommends using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge*

*Customer Service can be reached at 800.659.2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov*

• Export - Import Bank of the United States: Coronavirus Response

• Federal Reserve: Commercial Paper Funding Facility to support the flow of credit to households and businesses

FRB Press Release

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS):

COVID-19 General Info

IRS Payment Plan

IRS Payment Deadline Extended: Filing and Payment Deadline Extended to July 15 

COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs

Coronavirus Tax Relief for Businesses and Tax-Exempt Entities

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

  •  USDA’s resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. Opportunities are categorized by customer and assistance type.

  • Visit the USDA Rural Development website for a comprehensive list of resources available to assist rural residents, businesses and communities impacted by COVID-19.

    • Effective March 31, 2020 until September 30, 2020, lenders may offer 180-day loan payment deferrals without prior agency approval for Business and Industry Loan Guarantees, Rural Energy for America Program Loan Guarantees, Community Facilities Loan Guarantees, and Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees. 

    • USDA Expands Provisions for Lenders to Offer Temporary Exceptions to Payment Deferrals for Agency Guaranteed Loan Programs

    • USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

  • Visit USDA’s website for program and service updates from the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Risk Management Agency.

  • USDA B&I CARES Act Program: A 90% loan guarantee program open until September 2021. Loan proceeds can be used for working capital (loan payments, payroll, inventory etc.) to prevent, prepare and respond to the pandemic. Maximum loan amount is $25 million. Unlike the B&I program, the B&I Cares Act, agricultural producers are eligible. There are no size restrictions. However, there are eligibility requirements, including business must be located in a rural area as defined by USDA. 

State:

• Office of the Governor (OOG): Visit the OOG website for a comprehensive list of resources and important COVID-19 updates.

  • The OOG website also has a list of waivers issued by the Governor.

  • Texas Music Office: Assistance Information and Resources For Music Industry Professionals Affected by COVID-19

  • Texas Film Commission: COVID-19 Texas Updated Resources & Communication for Creatives

• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Visit the TWC website for resources available to  employers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19.

• • Resources for Employers 

    • The Commissioner for Employers’ legal team is available Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to answer employment law questions. Please contact them at 800-832-9394 or employerinfo@twc.state.tx.us. 

    • Shared Work Program

  • Resources for Job Seekers 

    • If an individual’s employment has been affected by COVID-19 they may apply for benefits either online by using the Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) or by calling TWC at 800.939.6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. UBS can be accessed at any time. For additional information, visit TWC’s website.

    • For questions about unemployment of employment insurance call 800.832.2829 or email laborinfo@twc.state.tx.us

    • Overview: How to File for Unemployment Benefits

    • UI Eligibility Overview under the CARES ACT

    • Understanding Unemployment Available Under the CARES Act

    • TWC Call Times According to Texas Zip Code

• Texas Comptroller (CPA): Visit the CPA  website for tax-related information related to COVID-19. 

  • The agency is offering assistance in the form of short-term payment agreements, and in most instances, waivers of penalties and interest. To learn about options for remaining in compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes due, contact the Enforcement Hotline at 800.252.8800.

• Texas Department of Insurance (TDI): Visit the TDI  website for an overview of insurance-related questions related to COVID-19. 

• Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR): Visit the TDLR website for updates related to their programs.

• Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA): Visit the TDA  website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing. 

  • The Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA) Agricultural Loan Guarantee Program provides financial assistance to establish or enhance farming or ranching operations or to establish an agricultural-related business. This program provides assistance in the form of a guarantee based on a tiered structure, not to exceed $500,000 or 80% of the loan. For additional information, please visit the TDA website. 

• Texas Health and Human Services: COVID-19: Guidance for Employers, Employees, and Customers of Reopened Retail Services  

Other: 

• The Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) provided guidance to those directly or indirectly impacted.

• Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are an alternative source of finance for small businesses. For additional information, please visit with each organization: 

  • PeopleFund

    • PeopleFund Coronavirus Relief Information

  • LiftFund

    • LiftFund Disaster Relief Program

  • BCL of Texas

    • BCL of Texas Online Classes and Virtual Counseling

  • Opportunity Finance Network: CDFI Locator Tool

• SBA Lender Match: Connects Small Business with Participating SBA-approved Lenders

• Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide counseling to small businesses throughout Texas. For a list of resources to manage the impact and recovery, visit their website.

  • Northwest Texas SBDC Small Business COVID Resources

• SCORE has chapters throughout Texas and provides in-person and virtual counseling and mentorship. They have also published resources and information to support small business, including: 

  • The COVID-19 Economic Impact: Will Business Interruption Insurance Help (& What Are My Other Options)?

  • How Small Businesses Can Prepare for the COVID-19

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Combating Coronavirus

  • U.S. Chamber Disaster Help Desk 

  • Summary of Congressional Action on COVID-19

  • Coronavirus Small Business Guide

• National Restaurant Association: Coronavirus Information and Resources

  • Texas Restaurant Relief Fund

• National Retail Federation: Coronavirus Resources for Retailers

• NFIB: Small Business Resources in Response to Coronavirus

• Texas International Produce Association: COVID-19 Update

• American Farmland Trust: Farmer Relief Fund

• Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund

• Communities Unlimited FAQs - Families First and CARES Act for Individuals, Small Businesses & Nonprofits

• Farm Aid: Resources for Farmers Affected COVID-19

• MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund

AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES

Federal

• U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Guide to the CARES Act

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

  • The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)  provides financial assistance to producers of eligible agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent or greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. USDA, through FSA, will begin to accept applications on May 26, 2020.

  •  USDA’s resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. Opportunities are categorized by customer and assistance type.

  • Visit the USDA Rural Development website for a comprehensive list of resources available to assist rural residents, businesses and communities impacted by COVID-19.

    • Effective March 31, 2020 until September 30, 2020, lenders may offer 180-day loan payment deferrals without prior agency approval for Business and Industry Loan Guarantees, Rural Energy for America Program Loan Guarantees, Community Facilities Loan Guarantees, and Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees. 

    • USDA Expands Provisions for Lenders to Offer Temporary Exceptions to Payment Deferrals for Agency Guaranteed Loan Programs

    • USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

  • Visit USDA’s website for program and service updates from the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Risk Management Agency.

  • USDA B&I CARES Act Program: A 90% loan guarantee program open until September 2021. Loan proceeds can be used for working capital (loan payments, payroll, inventory etc.) to prevent, prepare and respond to the pandemic. Maximum loan amount is $25 million. Unlike the B&I program, the B&I Cares Act, agricultural producers are eligible if they are ineligible for FSA loans (i.e. FSA loan limit is $1.7 million). There are no size restrictions. However, there are eligibility requirements, including business must be located in a rural area as defined by USDA. 

• FSA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Webinars: 

  • FSA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Producer Education Webinar #1:  Specialty Crop Producers

    • June 9, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. EDT

  • FSA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Producer Education Webinar #2:  Dairy & Non-Specialty Crop Producers

    • June 11, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. EDT

  • FSA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Producer Education Webinar #3:  Non-Specialty Crop & Livestock Producers

    • June 16, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. EDT

  • FSA Programs in the Time of Coronavirus Producer Education Webinar

    • June 18, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. EDT

• U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA): 

  • SBA Guidance for Businesses in Responding to COVID-19

  • USDA Leadership from Farm Production And Conservation and Rural Development Update Stakeholders On Accessing SBA Relief Programs

  • Coronavirus Relief Options- Funding Options

    • SBA Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program: This pilot program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for a decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

    • SBA Debt Relief: The SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis. Under this program: the SBA will also pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020; and the SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.

    • Paycheck Protection Program: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The PPP will be available through June 30, 2020. The U.S. Department of Treasury published information on the PPP for both borrowers and lenders 

(Webinar) SBA Houston District (CVODI-19) Update

(Webinar) SBA San Antonio District COVID-19 

• • • Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Loan Advance Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Loan Advance (Update - 6/15: Notice: On June 15, SBA will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications from qualified small businesses and U.S. agricultural businesses).  

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance (up to $10,000) provides economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The loan advance will not have to be repaid.

COVID-19 ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN APPLICATION

(Webinar) SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program for Businesses  Impacted by COVID-19: Learn About It and How to Apply 

(Webinar) SBA Houston District (CVODI-19) Update

• • SBA Texas District Offices:

    • Dallas/Fort Worth District Office

    • El Paso District Office 

    • Houston District Office

    • Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office 

    • Lubbock District Office

    • San Antonio District Office 

*If applying for an EIDL loan, the SBA recommends using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge*

*Customer Service can be reached at 800.659.2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov*

• Export - Import Bank of the United States: Coronavirus Response

• Federal Reserve: Commercial Paper Funding Facility to support the flow of credit to households and businesses

FRB Press Release

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS):

COVID-19 General Info

IRS Payment Plan

IRS Payment Deadline Extended: Filing and Payment Deadline Extended to July 15 

COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs

Coronavirus Tax Relief for Businesses and Tax-Exempt Entities

State

• Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA): Visit the TDA  website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing. 

  • The Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA) Agricultural Loan Guarantee Program provides financial assistance to establish or enhance farming or ranching operations or to establish an agricultural-related business. This program provides assistance in the form of a guarantee based on a tiered structure, not to exceed $500,000 or 80% of the loan. For additional information, please visit the TDA website. 

  • ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKER Authorization of travel related to agriculture production, distribution and service 

  • ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKER – ANIMAL SAFETY Authorization of travel related to training and maintaining racehorses

• Office of the Governor (OOG): Visit the OOG website for a comprehensive list of resources and important COVID-19 updates.

  • The OOG website also has a list of waivers issued by the Governor.

• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Visit the TWC website for resources available to  employers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19.

• • Resources for Employers 

    • The Commissioner for Employers’ legal team is available Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to answer employment law questions. Please contact them at 800-832-9394 or employerinfo@twc.state.tx.us. 

    • Shared Work Program

  • Resources for Job Seekers 

    • If an individual’s employment has been affected by COVID-19 they may apply for benefits either online by using the Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) or by calling TWC at 800.939.6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. UBS can be accessed at any time. For additional information, visit TWC’s website.

    • For questions about unemployment of employment insurance call 800.832.2829 or email laborinfo@twc.state.tx.us

    • Overview: How to File for Unemployment Benefits

    • UI Eligibility Overview under the CARES ACT

    • Understanding Unemployment Available Under the CARES Act

    • TWC Call Times According to Texas Zip Code

• Texas Comptroller (CPA): Visit the CPA  website for tax-related information related to COVID-19. 

  • The agency is offering assistance in the form of short-term payment agreements, and in most instances, waivers of penalties and interest. To learn about options for remaining in compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes due, contact the Enforcement Hotline at 800.252.8800.

•  Texas Department of Insurance (TDI): Visit the TDI  website for an overview of insurance-related questions related to COVID-19. 

• Texas A&M AgriLife COVID-19 Resources | Find Your County Agent’s Office

• Texas Animal Health Commission: Livestock & COVID-19

Other

• Texas Farmers Markets & COVID-19

• Texas Farm Bureau COVID-19 Resources | Locate the county Farm Bureau office nearest you

• Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are an alternative source of finance for small businesses. For additional information, please visit with each organization: 

  • PeopleFund

    • PeopleFund Coronavirus Relief Information

  • LiftFund

    • LiftFund Disaster Relief Program

  • BCL of Texas

    • BCL of Texas Online Classes and Virtual Counseling

  • Opportunity Finance Network: CDFI Locator Tool

• SBA Lender Match: Connects Small Business with Participating SBA-approved Lenders

• Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide counseling to small businesses throughout Texas. For a list of resources to manage the impact and recovery, visit their website.

  • Northwest Texas SBDC Small Business COVID Resources

• SCORE has chapters throughout Texas and provides in-person and virtual counseling and mentorship. They have also published resources and information to support small business, including: 

  • The COVID-19 Economic Impact: Will Business Interruption Insurance Help (& What Are My Other Options)?

  • How Small Businesses Can Prepare for the COVID-19

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Combating Coronavirus

  • U.S. Chamber Disaster Help Desk 

  • Summary of Congressional Action on COVID-19

  • Coronavirus Small Business Guide

• Farmer Relief Fund | American Farmland Trust: Cash grants up to $1000

• Texas International Produce Association: COVID-19 Update

• Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund

• Communities Unlimited FAQs - Families First and CARES Act for Individuals, Small Businesses & Nonprofits

• Farm Aid: Resources for Farmers Affected COVID-19

• Selling Direct & Online During the COVID-19 Crisis | Community Alliance with Family Farmers

• Webinar: Online Sales Platforms for Farmers | Oregon Tilth

• Young Farmers COVID-19 Response | National Young Farmers Coalition

• ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture COVID-19 Response | National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)

• Support for Local and Regional Food Systems in COVID-19 Response | Harvard Food Law Policy Clinic

• Sea Grant Law Center: CARES Act Tip Sheet for Texas Commercial Fishermen

Healthcare

Federal

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS): Is granting certain waivers and suspended non-emergency survey inspections. 

CMS Press Release

FAQs for Individuals, Providers and Insurers

CMS Current Emergencies- COVID-19 guidance and additional information  

Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans

Medicare Coverage and Payment 

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

  National Stockpile

COVID 19-specific information 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) COVID-19 Resources

• U.S. Department of Agriculture

  •  USDA’s resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. Opportunities are categorized by customer and assistance type.

  • Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants: USDA announced a second application window for funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. Applications will be accepted between April 14, 2020 and July 13, 2020 

  • (April 17, 2020) USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is temporarily deferring payment for borrowers participating in the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan program due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA): 

  • SBA Guidance for Businesses in Responding to COVID-19

    • Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Loan Advance Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Loan Advance (Update - 6/15: Notice: On June 15, SBA will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications from qualified small businesses and U.S. agricultural businesses). 

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance (up to $10,000) provides economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The loan advance will not have to be repaid.

COVID-19 ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN APPLICATION

(Webinar) SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program for Businesses  Impacted by COVID-19: Learn About It and How to Apply 

(Webinar) SBA Houston District (CVODI-19) Update

• • • SBA Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program: This pilot program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for a decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

    • SBA Debt Relief: The SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis. Under this program: the SBA will also pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020; and the SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.

    • Paycheck Protection Program:  The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a 100% federally guaranteed loan program for small businesses. In contrast to EIDL, a PPP loan is issued by an existing SBA lender. Details on this program are pending. 

(Webinar) SBA Houston District (CVODI-19) Update

• • SBA Texas District Offices:

    • Dallas/Fort Worth District Office

    • El Paso District Office 

    • Houston District Office

    • Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office 

    • Lubbock District Office

    • San Antonio District Office 

*If applying for an EIDL loan, the SBA recommends using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge*

*Customer Service can be reached at 800.659.2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov*

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) COVID-19 Telehealth Program:The FCC approved an Order to create a $200 million telehealth program to support healthcare providers responding to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, using funds appropriated as part of the CARES Act.  The COVID-19 Telehealth Program will help healthcare providers purchase telecommunications, broadband connectivity, and devices necessary for providing telehealth services.  Applications from healthcare providers will be accepted and processed on a rolling basis as soon as application forms are published in the Federal Register.  

State

• Office of the Governor (OOG): To view a complete list of waivers issued by the Governor, please visit the OOG  website.

• Frontline Child Care: Information on child care options for Texas’ frontline workers.

• Texas Department of Insurance (TDI):  Visit the TDI website for an overview of insurance-related questions related to COVID-19. 

• Texas Department of Agriculture/State Office of Rural Health (SORH): Visit the TDA website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing. 

  • To contact SORH and to receive their weekly updates, email: ruralhealth@texasagriculture.gov. 

 

Other

• National Rural Health Association/Legato COVID-19 'Call First' Communications Toolkit

• Confronting COVID-19: Finding Hospital Capacity and Improving Patient Flow A Webinar Series 

  • Hosted by PCORI for Hospitals and Health Systems - Faced with an imminent or actual surge of COVID-19 patients, hospitals across the country confront enormous challenges with capacity and patient flow. In this webinar series, a team of clinicians and operations management experts will share their learnings with the wider hospital community.

• Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI): COVID-19 Guidance and Resources

 

Communities & Individuals 

Communities

• Resources Guide to COVID-19 for Government Leaders 

• Office of the Governor COVID-19 Executive Orders

• OneStar Foundation - Texas COVID Relief Fund

OneStar Foundation has been designated by the State of Texas to raise and distribute funds to eligible organizations working on the ground to support the economic recovery of Texas communities impacted by the coronavirus. Click here to read the announcement of the Texas COVID Relief Fund by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

• Texas Department of State Health Services: COVD-19 Communication Tools

• Texas Department of Emergency Management: Local Official Resources

• EDA Cares Act Recovery Assistance

  • Funding FAQs

• USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

  •  USDA’s resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. Opportunities are categorized by customer and assistance type.

  • Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants: USDA announced a second application window for funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. Applications will be accepted between April 14, 2020 and July 13, 2020

  • (April 17, 2020) USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is temporarily deferring payment for borrowers participating in the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan program due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Commercial Paper Funding Facility: The Commercial Paper Funding Facility was established to enhance the liquidity of the commercial paper market by increasing the availability of term commercial paper funding to issuers and by providing greater assurance to both issuers and investors that firms and municipalities will be able to roll over their maturing commercial paper.

• Municipal Liquidity Facility: The Municipal Liquidity Facility will offer up to $500 billion in lending to states and municipalities. 

• Texas AgriLife: Resources for Rural Communities

  • Free online trainings to help local officials understand, acquire and administer federal assistance available to the state of Texas and municipalities through the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and CARES

• IC2 Institute - University of Texas at Austin: Regional Recovery Team

  • In response to COVID-19, the University of Texas' IC² formed the Regional Economic Recovery Team dedicated to helping smaller communities recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic. The recovery team will gather data for regional asset maps which will be a key tool to start the strategic planning process. In the fall, the leaders from the communities that participate in the program will have the opportunity to attend a specialized training program.

 

Families & Individuals 

 

• Center for Disease and Control (CDC): COVID - 19 

• Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA): Visit the TDA  website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing. 

• Meals for Kids

TxSchools.gov: Meals for Students 

School Meal Finder (map)

• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Visit the TWC website for resources available to  employers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19.

• • Resources for Job Seekers 

    • If an individual’s employment has been affected by COVID-19 they may apply for benefits either online by using the Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) or by calling TWC at 800.939.6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. UBS can be accessed at any time. For additional information, visit TWC’s website.

    • For questions about unemployment of employment insurance call 800.832.2829 or email laborinfo@twc.state.tx.us

    • Overview: How to File for Unemployment Benefits

    • UI Eligibility Overview under the CARES ACT

    • Understanding Unemployment Available Under the CARES Act

    • TWC Call Times According to Texas Zip Code

• USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

  •  USDA’s resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. Opportunities are categorized by customer and assistance type1

• Connected Nation Texas: Synopsis of Telecommunications and Cable Television Provider Responses to COVID-19 

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS):

COVID-19 General Info

IRS Payment Plan

IRS Payment Deadline Extended: Filing and Payment Deadline Extended to July 15 

Economic impact payments: What you need to know

• Communities Unlimited FAQs - Families First and CARES Act for Individuals, Small Businesses & Nonprofits

 

Child Care Resources & Information: 

 

• Frontline Child Care: Information on child care options for Texas’ frontline workers.

• Texas Workforce Commission - Childcare COVID-19 Resources 

• Texas Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies – Find your local CCR&R

• Health & Human Services: Texas Child Care Licensing

• Emergency Funding Resources that Child Care Providers Can Use Now 

• ChildCare Aware Child Care Licensing, Fact Sheet, CACFP, and other information