Sales Tax Deadline Extension
Governor Cuomo announcedthe state is extending sales tax interest and penalty relief through June 22, 2020. The state previously provided relief through May 19th for returns due March 20th. This extension could provide interest and penalty relief for up to 89,000 vendors who had returns due in March. These small businesses file their taxes quarterly and annually and have taxable receipts of less than $300,000 in the previous quarter.
Contact Tracing Calls
Contact tracing calls will be starting in our region soon. These calls will come through on your caller ID as ‘NYS Contact Tracing’. Please be sure to pick up your phone if you get a call from this caller.
Summer School
Governor Cuomoannouncedthat summer school will continue using distance learning and will not be meeting for in-person instruction.
Coronavirus Hotline – Reporting
If you believe your employer is not following the correct guidelines for re-opening or they have failed to provide employees with the proper PPE you can report your concerns to 888-364-3065
Canalway Challenge andCOVID-19
Getting outside for fresh air and exercise feels more important than ever during these extraordinary times. I encourage you to hit the Canalway Trail running, walking, or cycling and start tracking your Canalway Challenge miles for 2020. Please steer clear of crowds, stay local, avoid touching surfaces in public places, and stay 6' apart from other trail users to help control the spread ofCOVID-19. If a trail segment is crowded, pick another location or return at a different time.
It's time to get back to living. No better way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the Erie Canalway Corridor in a healthy manner starting in the 108th Assembly District here in Waterford.
Back to Business: Reopening the Capital Region in Phase 1 Webinar
Thank you to all who participated in our Back to Business: Reopening the Capital Region webinar yesterday! With the help of our incredible panelist we had a great discussion on best practices and protocols businesses should follow during Phase 1 of reopening.
If you missed it, catch up and watch the full video onFacebook here.
Albany Institute of History & Art Digital Tour
The Albany Institute of History & Art announced the launch of a new 3D digital tour of their Hudson River School exhibition.
This new feature is a welcome change fromCOVID-19 talk and is a great way to help you’re your mind off of the stress of the times and look back at the beauty of our region through the eyes of artists.
To explore the exhibit through this 3D tour, visithttps://www.albanyinstitute.org/the-hudson-river-school.html.
Albany Community Action Partnership 3-year-old Head Start Program
If you live in the Albany School District and have a 3-year-old ready for preschool in the fall, Albany Community Action Partnership (ACAP) is still accepting applications for their head start program until the end of the day today. For more information call 518-463-3175 option 2.
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
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/