TODAY’S UPDATE (4/18): Decline in Hospitalizations/ New Data/ New Business Survey/ New Small Business Grant Program/ New Assistance Program from Department of Revenue Services
A potentially hopeful note with today marking the first decline in coronavirus positive patients in Connecticut’s hospitals, with 8 less than yesterday. This, of course, is a one day decline and not necessarily a lasting sign of a slow in the spread of the virus, but it is a hopefully positive sign that our social distancing practices are having an impact on the spread of the disease. Unfortunately, the number of positive cases and deaths associated with the coronavirus continue to climb in Connecticut.
NEW DATA
Since yesterday’s update, an additional 741 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in Connecticut, bringing the statewide total to 17,550, including a total of 20 confirmed cases in East Windsor and now 23 (+5 since yesterday) confirmed cases in Ellington. No new COVD-19 assiciated fatalities were reported in East Windsor and Ellington in today’s data.
To date, more than 58,213 patients have been tested in Connecticut (+2,751 since yesterday). Approximately 1,938 patients are currently hospitalized (net -8 since yesterday). The total statewide total number of COVID-19 associated fatalities is 1,086 (+50 since yesterday). The Governor’s Office notes that the day-to-day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that occurred over the last several days to week.
NEW BUSINESS SURVEY FOR FEEDBACK FROM CT’S EMPLOYERS
AdvanceCT, the nonprofit organization that works to advance overall economic competitiveness in Connecticut, has launched a second survey for the state’s businesses with the goal of providing continued feedback to state policymakers regarding how businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Results of the survey will be used to prioritize economic recovery initiatives. The survey is developed in partnership with the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association.
Businesses interested in participating in this survey can access it here: https://www.research.net/r/CTCOVID19BizSurvey2
NEW SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM FROM U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
If your business is located in the East Windsor zip code of 06088, you may qualify for a grant from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Unfortunately, this program is limited to economically vulnerable communities, and only the 06088 zip code qualifies in our legislative district (not 06016 or 06029). If you own a business in another zip code, you are encouraged to check out the site to see if you qualify. For more information, please visit www.savesmallbusiness.com
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SERVICES LAUNCHES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) has launched a new assistance program specifically designed to help taxpayers subject to current DRS collections matters who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DRS Priority One Taxpayer Assistance Program (Priority One) is available to business and individual taxpayers who may be unable to meet their current collections obligations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any taxpayer who is the subject of a payment plan, bank warrant, wage execution, or other levy by DRS and needs relief or assistance because of the impact of COVID-19, can contact DRS directly to speak to a tax professional.
Anyone in need of assistance can contact the DRS Priority One Taxpayer Assistance Program via:
· Phone: 860-541-7650 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
· Email: [email protected]
In order to assist DRS in evaluating email inquiries, taxpayers are encouraged to provide as much information as possible about their situation and the relief that is being sought.
For more information on the state’s response, please visit ct.gov/coronavirus
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please visit repdavis.com or contact me at [email protected].