COVID-19 Resources and Updates

I would like to wish you a Happy New Year with the hope that you and your loved ones find yourself healthy during these times.

2020 was a challenging year for many, but I reassure you, that as the new State Senator for our region, I remain committed to provide resources and be a voice for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties in our State Legislature. I invite you to watch the video below, which includes recent key legislation I authored during my time in the California State Assembly. It is an honor to continue representing you and working for all Californians.

The following are updates about a grant program for small businesses, unemployment benefits, and the federal stimulus package.

California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program:

California announced the creation of a $500 million Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program to provide grants up to $25,000 to eligible small businesses and nonprofits to help cover expenses during the pandemic.

There are two rounds of grants.

Round 1:

Applications are currently open and will close on Friday, January 8, 2021. Notifications on Round 1 awards will begin as soon as January 13, 2021.

Round 2:

Applications will be announced later. However, one complete application will qualify the small business or nonprofit for both rounds, so applicants should only apply once.

Eligible Businesses Annual Revenue

Grant Amount Available Per Business

$1,000 to $100,000

$5,000

Greater than $100,000 up to $1,000,000

$15,000

Greater than $1,000,000 up to $2,500,000

$25,000

Please visit www.CAReliefGrant.com to learn more about their eligibility, required documents for the application, and other resources on how to apply.

EDD / Unemployment:

On December 27, 2020, the President signed legislation to extend federal unemployment benefits that expired on December 26, 2020.

Although there will not be a gap in eligibility for the extended benefits based on the date the legislation was signed into law, California cannot implement the new programs until it receives guidelines from the US Department of Labor on how states must follow the law. However, the EDD is making program adjustments with what information they have, so that when the federal guidelines and final details are available, they can complete the necessary programming to make these new benefits available quickly.

The new CARES Act legislation:

• Restores the federal increase for all unemployment benefits, which adds $300 to each week of benefits for up to 11 weeks through March 13, 2021.
• Extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program by 11 weeks, providing up to 57 weeks of benefits.
• Extends the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program by 11 weeks, providing up to 24 weeks of benefits.
• Continues the federally funded FED-ED through March 14, 2021, providing up to 20 weeks of benefits.
• Provides a supplement of $100 per week to certain “mixed earners” who received at least $5,000 a year in self-employment income but were eligible for regular unemployment, not Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Federal Stimulus:

The IRS has begun sending second stimulus checks through direct deposit, physical checks and EIP cards. The IRS began making direct-deposit payments Dec. 29 and mailing paper checks and EIP cards Dec. 30. You can track your second stimulus check through the IRS Get My Payment portal.

As always, my office is available for any assistance you may need, please contact us via email at Senator.Limon@senate.ca.gov or by calling the following numbers:

Ventura District Office:
(805) 988-1940

Santa Barbara District Office:
(805) 965-0862

Capitol Office:
(916) 651-4019

Sincerely,

Monique Limón
Senator, 19th District