Helpful RemindersPhased Re-Opening Plan Outline
Governor Cuomo announced the NY Forward Reopening Advisory Board made up of business leaders throughout the state that will work to solidify a regional plan for re-opening. Earlier this week the Governor outlined a phased plan to safely reopen New York at the appropriate time, taking a regional approach. Phase one will be to reopen low-risk construction and manufacturing businesses in parts of the state that have experienced a 14-day decline in the hospitalization rate.
Phase two will open certain industries based on priority and risk level. (Businesses considered "more essential" with inherent low risks of infection in the workplace and to the customer will be prioritized.) Officials are closely monitoring the hospitalization rate, the infection rate, and other key health indicators, and will adjust the plan based on this crucial data.
We will continue to share more information about this phased re-opening plan as we learn more.
Read more in the Governor’sfull press release here.
CDC Guidance for Small Businesses Re-Opening
The CDC has released guidance for small businesses about steps that can be taken to prepare to protect employees’ health and safety in the workplace. With re-opening on the horizon, it is critical for businesses to start to plan now so they can re-open as quickly and safely as possible.
Read thefull CDC guidance here
Food Banks Funding and Nourish New York Initiative
The Governor announced that the state will provide 25 million in funding to food banks throughout the state. He also announced the launch of the Nourish New York Initiative to purchase food and products from Upstate farms and direct it to food banks across the state. The state will also be partnering with the state's dairy producers - Chobani, Dairy Farmers of America, Upstate Niagara, Cabot Cheese and others - to process excess milk into products like yogurt, cheese, sour cream and cream cheese, that will be distributed to food banks and those in need.
Job Search and Career Transitioning Webinar
Join myself and Assemblymember Pat Fahy for a discussion on job searching and career transitioning in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hear from Noah Simon, UAlbany Director of Career and Professional Development, Elizabeth Miller, Executive Director, Capital District Women’s Employment & Resource Center and Jason Benitez Vice President, Talent and Inclusion, Capital Region Chamber for Commerce.
Watch onFacebook Liveor Zoom onThursday, April 30thfrom 9:45 a.m. -10:45 a.m.
Zoom information:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87072168999 Meeting ID: 870 7216 8999
New York State Department of Labor Website Update
The New York State Department of Labor has updated and streamlined the sections of our website used by New Yorkers seeking unemployment benefits.
The new website is mobile-friendly and easier to navigate, which will help New Yorkers more efficiently access important information and file for benefits.
See the new updates to the website here:https://dol.ny.gov
Local Restaurants
Remember to support local restaurants and order delivery or take-out from your favorite local spot!
For a comprehensive list of businesses located in the 108th Assembly District who are currently still offering take out or delivery options see below:
City of Albany:
Also, continue to check out theRensselaer County Chamber Facebook Pageand theRensselaer County Tourism Facebook Pagefor daily updates!
Helpful Reminders
Unemployment Insurance - The one-week waiting period for Unemployment Insurance claims for workers directly affected by COVID-19 has been eliminated. The Department has also announced that they are changing the unemployment insurance job search requirement that is currently in place. No work search activities will be required during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information check out the DOL page here: https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm
Those in need can call 2-1-1 from any phone for a free, confidential referral to resources providing food, shelter, rent assistance, childcare options and other essential services. The helpline is also able to answer questions and provide referrals for COVID-19 related concerns. Simply dial 2-1-1 or visit 211neny.org
If you believe your business is an essential service but has not been included on ESD’s list, you can apply for ‘essential service status’ at this link: https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/Request%20for%20Designation%20Form_0.pdf
Evictions and other nonessential housing court proceedings are suspended until further notice. For more information you can contact the NYS Courts System at question@nycourts.gov or 1-800-268-7869
OAG will halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State of New York and referred to the OAG for collection from March 17, 2020 through April 16, 2020. After this 30-day period, the OAG will reassess the needs of state residents for a possible extension.
Charter will be providing free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription (where service is available), at any service level up to 100 Mbps, as well as opening up Charter WiFi Hotspots across our footprint for public use. For more information or to enroll in the program please contact 1-844-488-8395
The Capital District YMCA will provide childcare for emergency personnel who do not have the option to work from home, as defined by The New York State Education Department. For more information visit: https://cdymca.org/emergencychildcare/n visit: https://cdymca.org/emergencychildcare/