EVENT: Congressman Garamendi’s Town Hall Meeting on 5/5 at 3pm and other resources from his office

If you would like to participate please call (855) 962-1140 at the time of the event or you can stream the event at garamendi.house.gov and facebook.com/repgaramendi. Congressman Garamendi will be joined by two local experts to discuss available resources and answer questions. The event is free and every resident of California’s 3rd Congressional District is invited to participate. The local experts are:

• Carrie Ellinwood, who is the Lead Lender Relations Specialist with the Sacramento District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration and will be able to address your questions with regards to accessing the Paycheck Protection Program, SBA emergency loans, and additional relief for American Small Businesses.
• Heather Henry, the President and Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board (WBD) of Solano County and will be able to address your questions with regards to accessing unemployment assistance, paid leave, and additional relief for American workers.

Other information from Congressman Garamendi:

• Congressman Garamendi has also put together a comprehensive list of tools you can use to learn about more resources available to you during this time of crisis. You can access these federal, state, and local county resources on his website here.
• The California Employment Development Department (EDD) is now accepting applications for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. As you may know, PUA was made available by the CARES Act and provides emergency unemployment insurance benefits for the millions of American workers who have lost their jobs due to coronavirus. For more information about the PUA and the latest updates on its availability in California you can visit the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency’s (LWDA) website here.
• To apply for the unemployment insurance (UI), you can visit the EDD website here. If you are having difficulties with the application process, or have concerns regarding EDD, contact your state representative here.
• FAQ regarding the new benefits made available through the CARES Act.

• What support is included in the new UI benefits?Through July 31, 2020, the federal government will provide a temporary Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) of $600 a week for any worker eligible for state or federal UI benefits. The FPUC will be paid in addition to regular state or federal UI benefits. The federal supplement will not affect eligibility for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
• Am I eligible for the expanded UI?In addition to those who are eligible for traditional UI, the CARES Act expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits to include self-employed individuals, independent contractors, “gig economy” employees, and individuals who were unable to start a new job or contract due to the pandemic.
• I am already receiving UI; will I be eligible for the expanded benefits?The expanded UI provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to workers who need support beyond what is provided for by traditional UI.