Congressional legislators are developing policies and proposals to address the economic impacts of COVID-19-related business closures and unexpected expenses.
COVID 2: Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- This act goes into effect April 2, 2020 and stays in place until December 31, 2020.
- It expands Family Medical Leave Act coverage and emergency sick leave.
- A summary written by an ally of the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) about COVID 2: https://www.boselaw.com/2020/03/president-trump-signs-families-first-coronavirus-response-act-new-requirements-for-private-employers-with-fewer-than-500-employees-and-government-employers/
- The Department of Labor (DOL) posted updated guidance on how COVID 2 affects Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic. Downloadable versions of the Q&A are attached at the bottom of this page.
COVID 3: CARES Act
- Recently passed and signed into law
- The Council of Nonprofits released a factsheet on what's in the bill for nonprofits
- COVID 3 included some funding specifically for homeless services as well: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/esg/
- A summary from a Kansas disability advocacy group also outlined how the bill does and does not help people with disabilities (attached below)
- Includes new tax deductions for charitable gifts up to $300
- Additional information from IRS on tax credit requirements
- US Treasury factsheet on the Payroll Protection Program
- Longer, more detailed US Treasury guidance on SBA loans and the Payroll Protection Program
On several joint DV and SA coalition fiscal calls, folks have had a chance to share about what we do and do not know about how the non-profit financial relief aspects of COVID-legislation will impact sexual assault coalitions. Because sexual assault coalitions and local programs are primarily government funded (either directly from OVW, VOCA, SASP, or via funds passed through state administrative offices) and those funds cover payroll costs, it is possible that accessing the small business relief loans may affect grant awards. At this point in time, more guidance is needed.
One action coalitions and local programs may want to take is to pass a third leave policy specific to the provisions outlined in the COVID 2: Families First Coronavirus Relief Act. Passing a specific policy that mirrors the language of this act may help programs conform to the Uniform Grant Guidelines.
