Senator Mike Lee's Office - Guest Blog
“Utah is home to great people, great communities, and great businesses. During this unprecedented time, it is essential that we come together as neighbors and as a state to ensure we are taking care of those in need. My office stands ready to help those who need assistance dealing with the federal government. As we combat this epidemic, I have instructed my staff to proactively share information and flag federal resources that become available in order to benefit Utah.” – US Senator Mike Lee
Senator Lee, Robert Axson, and I want to be sure that Utah businesses have the information and resources they need to help their businesses in this unprecedented time. We have compiled information we have received from different Federal Agencies. In addition, if there is information that you, a client or a member may need, please do not hesitate to reach out. Senator Lee, and our entire staff, stand here ready to help anyway we can.
SBA:
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance per small business and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
Additional information is attached.
State Department:
For any Americans who may be traveling internationally, we want to make sure that they are registered with the State Department's STEP program. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program allows the US government to provide travelers with the latest information on travel to the United States.
Here is the link to register: https://step.state.gov/step/
Screenings for travelers coming back into the USA:
Americans must come through one of the following 13 airports (the airlines will reroute passengers at no cost): Boston-Logan, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit Metropolitan, Daniel Inouye (Hawaii), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, JFK, LAX, Miami, Newark, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma and Washington-Dulles.
Upon arrival travelers will be asked about medical history, current condition, and local contact information. They will then be told to continue home and home-quarantine (number of days not provided, assume 14). This applies to anyone who traveled in most European countries anytime in the 14 days prior to arrival in the USA.
USDA (at the moment, these resources are limited to Kane and San Juan Counties):
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a primary agricultural disaster designation for counties in Arizona. Under this disaster designation, producers in contiguous counties in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah also qualify for benefits.
Additional information on USDA’s disaster assistance program, including county lists and maps, can be found at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.
USDA Disaster Designation: Utah
FEMA (Sent to Senator Lee on Friday, March 13th, 2020)
Today, President Trump declared a nationwide emergency pursuant to Sec. 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (the “Stafford Act”). This increases federal support to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in its role as the lead federal agency for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response. As a result of the President’s decisive, unprecedented action, FEMA is directed to assist state, local, tribal, territorial governments and other eligible entities with the health and safety actions they take on behalf of the American public. Today’s declaration does not make direct financial assistance available to individuals.
The emergency declaration does not change measures authorized under other federal statutes and HHS remains the lead federal agency directing the federal response to COVID-19. FEMA actions will be in support of HHS and in coordination with state, tribal and territorial governments. Eligible emergency protective measures taken at the direction or guidance of public health officials in response to this emergency, and not supported by the authorities of another federal agency, will be reimbursed strictly under the FEMA Public Assistance program. FEMA assistance will be provided at a 75 percent Federal cost share. Reimbursable activities typically include emergency protective measures such as the activation of State Emergency Operations Centers, National Guard costs, law enforcement and other measures necessary to protect public health and safety.
We hope this is a good starting point. As mentioned, if there is additional information needed, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Stay safe,
Robert Axson
State Director
Office of Senator Mike Lee
801.310.4911 (c)
Justin Anthony
Business Outreach Director
US Senator Mike Lee
(202) 603-4617
