National News

Advisory for Travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Orleans and All International Locations

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The Arkansas Department of Health has recommended Self Home Quarantine for 14 days for all travelers from the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as those returning from New Orleans and all international locations. This is due to high rates of COVID-19 in those places as well as in a growing number of international locations. In the interest of the public health, all travelers who return from one of these locations are advised to quarantine at home for 14 days, starting from the date they left that location. If you develop fever, cough, or other symptom of COVID-19, you should contact your doctor for advice on where to be evaluated.

You can find details of home quarantine here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsservices/topics/covid-19-guidance-for-self-home-quarantine

Arkansas Department of Health

We want to keep you informed regarding the novel coronavirus and inform you about how to self home quarantine. If you have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 or traveled from New York state or any international location within the last 14 days, your medical provider will recommend that you home quarantine.

Briefly, home quarantine includes these steps:
* Remain at home and avoid all public activities. This means do not go to work, church, school, stores (including grocery stores), nor any public events or places.
* Do not have visitors in your home.
* If you live in a home with other people, stay in a separate room. If that is not possible, wear a face mask when you are in the same room and stay at least 6 feet away from them.
* Wash your hands and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Do not share personal items such as dishes, cups, forks, spoons, towels, etc.
* Do not leave your home except to get medical care. If you need to see a doctor for reasons other than a medical emergency, please call your medical provider to discuss the care you need.
* In the event of a medical emergency, call 911. Tell them that you are in self home quarantine for novel coronavirus exposure. Keep a face mask on until a health care provider asks you to remove it.
* Do not use any public transportation (buses, taxis, ride share services, or airplane).
* Check yourself for fever twice a day. This means taking your temperature in the morning and before bed at night. Write it down in a log or piece of paper.

For other COVID-19 questions, visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsservices/topics/novel-coronavirus .

Arkansas Department of Health

Please take steps to protect yourself. The ADH recommends: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.

Congressional Delegation Supports Governor’s Request for Increased Arkansas National Guard Authority and Funding

Delegation Members Agree COVID-19 Pandemic Warrants Further Guard Assistance and Support

WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman— urged President Trump to approve Governor Asa Hutchinson’s request for additional funding and resources for the Arkansas National Guard in order to support the ongoing response to COVID-19 in the Natural State.

“While the Arkansas National Guard has been able to answer all Requests for Assistance to date, further funding will be necessary to support continued widespread taskings that are expected as patient numbers begin to exceed hospital space,” members wrote in the letter.

Below is the full text of the letter:

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of the State of Arkansas, we are writing to support Governor Asa Hutchinson’s request for authority and additional funding under 502(f)(2)(A) of Title 32, U.S.C., for Arkansas National Guard resources to support the response to COVID-19 in Arkansas.

As Governor Hutchinson noted at the time of his request, the state of Arkansas had 738 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and is experiencing community spread in multiple areas, including Little Rock. Unfortunately, we expect those numbers to increase as the disease continues to spread, and the Arkansas National Guard is a critical component of the fight.

The Governor is requesting the following mission assignments for the Arkansas National Guard:

· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard qualified military medics to support COVID-19, drive-thru testing.

· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard medical personnel to provide technical assistance to the Arkansas Department of Health phone center to advise Arkansans on COVID-19;

· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard personnel to assist the Arkansas Department of Health with an immediate re-write of quarantine, isolation, and expanded medical facility build out.

· Emergency Medical Care/Management Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel with Engineering Degrees to assist the United States Army Corps of Engineers in conducting assessments for sites selected as quarantine, isolation, and expanded medical facility build out.

· Management, Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel to assist the Arkansas Department of Health’s Emergency Operations Center to provide logistical support of tracking and delivering needed Personal Protective Equipment.

· Management Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel working in the Arkansas National Guard Joint Operations Center to track Arkansas National Guard missions, personnel, equipment, and providing predictive analysis to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management and Arkansas Department of Health.

As noted by Governor Hutchinson, Arkansas is a balanced budget state and faces a $353 million budget shortfall between now and June 30, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. While the Arkansas National Guard has been able to answer all Requests for Assistance to date, further funding will be necessary to support continued widespread taskings that are expected as patient numbers begin to exceed hospital space.

Without this additional assistance and authority, it will be difficult for Arkansas to bare all of the responsibilities it will be facing in the coming months and focus the proper amount of time, energy and financial support necessary to get life back to normal.

The entire Arkansas delegation is eager to assist in any way possible to ensure expedited evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions. We thank you for the support you have already offered, and respectfully ask for your continued attention and assistance in providing the resources necessary to ensure the safety of Arkansans.

Governor Hutchinson Issues Executive Order Requiring  New Protocols for Commercial Lodgings, Short-Term Rentals

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has issued an executive order mandating new safety measures for commercial lodgings, short-term rentals, and other institutions and operations in order to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference today.

“Every day, we review guidance from state and federal health experts and evaluate additional steps we can take to protect Arkansans from the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I am grateful that Arkansans have taken extraordinary efforts to practice social distancing and flatten the curve. It is my hope that these new measures will provide further protection for Arkansans as we prepare for the peak number of COVID-19 cases in our state.”

The Governor has directed that commercial lodgings and short-term rentals, including, hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, only permit occupancy for the following authorized guests:

  • Healthcare professionals;

  • First responders;

  • Law enforcement;

  • State or federal employees on official business;

  • National Guard members on active duty;

  • Airline crew members;

  • Patients of hospitals and their families;

  • Journalists;

  • Persons unable to return to their home due to COVID-19 travel restrictions;

  • Arkansas citizens unable to return to their home due to exigent circumstances, such as fire, flood, tornado, or other disaster;

  • Persons in need of shelter due to domestic violence or homelessness;

  • Employees of hotels, motels, or other service providers/contractors of a hotel or motel;

  • and persons away from their home due to work or work-related travel.

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Flattening the Curve

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LITTLE ROCK – Today I want to discuss the steps we have taken together to fight the coronavirus called COVID-19.

Since March 11, the day I signed the Executive Order that declared a public health emergency, our public health team has guided our response and targeted our actions to stop this virus.

I’d like to review a few of the steps we have taken. We have closed schools, bars and the state’s three casinos. We have closed restaurants except for take-out meals. We have shut down barbershops, and hair and nail salons; massage-therapy clinics and tattoo parlors. We have closed fitness centers, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and indoor amusement centers. We have shuttered state park lodges and prohibited camping in the park. I directed state employees to work remotely when possible, and we suggested companies allow employees to work from home. All of these actions mean people have lost their jobs, and this is so difficult to do, and it goes against everything we are trying to accomplish. But these steps are necessary in this public health emergency.

Our measures are more stringent than those in many other states. That is the reason the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arkansas is 400 fewer than our projections. If necessary, we can go farther, but the typical stay-at-home order exempts essential activities and businesses. In many states, essential activities include manufacturing, hardware stores, and legal, accounting, and insurance services. California’s executive order exempts grocery stores, farmer’s markets, convenience stores, banks, and laundromats. Every morning in California, which has one of the strictest orders in place, millions of people leave home for work.

If I initiated a stay-at-home order similar to California’s, more than 700,000 Arkansans would still get up and go to work the next morning. Thousands of others would visit hardware stores, Kroger, Walgreens, and Walmart. But there is another impact that many don’t consider. An order that shut down the state could put a couple hundred thousand people out of work.

At this time, we have not issued a stay-at-home order primarily because most people are making responsible choices. Arkansans are putting the good of the state ahead of personal convenience or comfort, and in many cases, people are sacrificing their financial security. Concert halls, sports arenas, and even churches have closed voluntarily. In theory, we could have ordered all of those places to close. But that wasn’t necessary.

Our targeted actions are working. In Arkansas, even without the stay-at-home order, the rate of growth in the number of cases has flattened. That’s not true in some states that began sheltering-in-place early on.

We’re basing our decisions on scientific data. We can’t be pressured into taking measures simply because all the other states are doing it. When we need to do more, we will. And let me assure you, we will continue to listen our public health experts.

From the Arkansas Tourism Team

VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES

It can be hard staying inside during the warm and bright spring days. Plus, finding a family-friendly activity can be hard to manage. Luckily, attractions across Arkansas have risen to the challenge by offering a variety of virtual adventures for you and your loved ones. Those with an appreciation for the arts can enjoy virtual tours of Crystal Bridges. Or perhaps you’re looking for a downtown vibe? Check out Hot Springs’ virtual reality videos on YouTube and take a digital tour of Bathhouse Row.

These are just a few of the many opportunities that await you in the digital realm. There truly is something for everyone--from the arts to history to museums, there are many virtual destinations for several Arkansas attractions just waiting to be explored.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to represent this wonderful state as the new director of Arkansas Tourism. I look forward to our adventures together!

Virtual Experiences

Stuck inside? Don't let that hold you back from discovery. Check out these Arkansas virtual experiences you can enjoy.

Make the Most of Your Stimulus Benefit

Many Americans are set to receive money from the government in the form of a stimulus benefit. Dr. Laura Hendrix, Accredited Financial Counselor® and Associate Professor, Personal Finance and Consumer Economics with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service recommends planning now to use your stimulus check wisely by paying bills, paying down debt, and saving for emergencies.

Build savings by starting or contributing to an emergency savings fund. It is more important now than ever. Most personal finance experts recommend an emergency fund with enough to cover at least 2 months and up to 6 months of expenses. An emergency savings fund is your best protection in times of economic uncertainty.

Pay bills to stay current on payments and avoid defaulting. Missing payments can lead to foreclosure or repossession. Late and missing payments lower your credit score, making future credit more expensive and more difficult to obtain.

Pay down debt on credit cards. Paying off credit card debt can free more money in your future budget and save money on interest.

The amount of the stimulus benefit will vary depending on your income and family size. Adults with annual income up to $75,000 will receive $1,200, plus another $500 per child. Benefits will be distributed by check or direct deposit. This online calculator will tell you what your COVID-19 stimulus benefit will be: https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/coronavirus-stimulus-chec…/

Also, be aware of scammers who impersonate government officials by phone, email or social media demanding personal and banking information to verify eligibility for the government’s stimulus check.

To keep your stimulus and other financial information safe, only rely on official government websites (.gov) for economic relief information and never give out your personal information over the telephone or by email.

The Cooperative Extension Service is your source for reliable information. We connect trusted research to the adoption of best practices and serve as a promoter of prosperity for Arkansans. For more information, visit our webpage at www.uaex.edu/money. Follow uaexMoney on Facebook for regular updates on financial issues and concerns.

Sevier County Extension agents and our 4-H program assistant are working by telecommuting to follow the social distancing best practices during the COVID-19 crisis. Dana Stringfellow, administrative specialist, will be in the office taking calls. You may call our office at 870-584-3013 to contact agents and we will respond to inquiries.

Also for the latest information on Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) topics follow Sevier County Extension on Facebook. Contact Janet Cantrell, FCS Agent in Sevier County, by email at jcantrell@uaex.edu for more information.

uaexMoney Personal Finance Advice and Tips for Arkansans | Setting budgets for Arkansas families

Want to know the best ways to save and earn money? We can help. We provide the latest research-based information about personal finance. Discover ways to increase financial security. Gain skills to build wealth. Use your resources to make your dreams come true.

Message from U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman

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Friends,

President Trump signed the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law on March 27, and I know many of you have questions about what this bill means for you and your families.

I've compiled a list of resources, frequently asked questions, and background information below to help you better understand some of the main portions of the bill. As always, my offices are equipped to answer any additional questions you have - just give us a call at (501) 609-9796. You can also sign up to receive weekly updates here.

We are all in this together.

Bruce Westerman

Arkansas' Fourth District

American Recovery Rebates
Every American with a valid Social Security number is eligible to receive a one-time tax rebate check. The full amount ($1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for couples, $500 for each child under the age of 17) is available for those with incomes at or below $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for heads of household, or $150,000 for joint filers. The credit phases out above those thresholds and will be phased out completely for single taxpayers with incomes exceeding $99,000 or joint filers with incomes exceeding $198,000.

Those who have no income, as well as those whose income derives entirely from non-taxable means-tested benefit programs - such as SSI benefits - may still be eligible for a rebate. However, if a person over the age of 17 is a dependent on someone else's tax return, they will not be eligible for a rebate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I get my check?

If you have already filed your 2019 tax return, your rebate will be based on that information, otherwise it will pull from your 2018 tax return. The amount will come in the form of a tax rebate and will be directly deposited into your bank account, if you included direct deposit information on your tax form. If you did not, your check will be mailed to you.

If you typically do not file a tax return, you must still file one to be eligible for the rebate. More information on free filing is available here.

I changed my banking information since filing my tax return. How will the IRS know where to send my check?

The Treasury Department is creating a website where taxpayers can provide their banking information to receive a direct deposit instead of a check. You will be able to update your information there.

When will I get my check?

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said during a March 25 White House briefing that the department could begin sending payments in as little as three weeks.

Will I get a check if I owe back taxes?

Yes, rebates will not be offset by tax debt or any other federal debt.

I receive Social Security benefits, veteran benefits, or disability. Will I get a check?

Yes. As long as a person has a valid Social Security number, they can receive the credit – so this means workers, those receiving welfare benefits, Social Security beneficiaries, veterans and others are all eligible. However, you must still file a tax return in order to be recorded by the IRS for this rebate.

Small Business Assistance
The CARES Act creates a Paycheck Protection Program for small employers, self-employed individuals, and “gig economy” workers, with $350 billion to help prevent workers from losing their jobs and small businesses from going under due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Paycheck Protection Program provides 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance through 100 percent federally-guaranteed loans to small employers who maintain their payroll during this emergency.

If the employer maintains payroll, the portion of the loans used for covered payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations, rent, and utilities would be forgiven. This proposal is retroactive to February 15, 2020, to help bring workers who may have already been laid off back onto payrolls. Some businesses that employ more than 500 employees across multiple locations are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program at each individual location.

The CARES Act also institutes an employee retention credit, providing a refundable payroll tax credit equal to 50 percent of up to $10,000 in wages per employee (including health benefits) paid by certain employers during the COVID-19 crisis. This credit is available to employers:

Whose operations were fully or partially shut down by government order limiting commerce, travel, or group meetings due to COVID-19, or
Whose quarterly receipts are less than 50 percent for the same quarter in the previous year.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What businesses are eligible?

Businesses and entities must have been in operation on February 15, 2020.
Small business concerns, as well as any business concern, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(19) veterans organization, or Tribal business concern described in section 31(b)(2)(C) that has fewer than 500 employees, or the applicable size standard in number of employees for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industry as provided by SBA, if higher.
Individuals who operate a sole proprietorship or as an independent contractor and eligible self-employed individuals.
Any business concern that employs no more than 500 employees per physical location of the business concern and that is assigned a NAICS code beginning with 72 (Accommodation and Food Services sector), for which the affiliation rules are waived.
Affiliation rules are also waived for any business concern operating as a franchise that is assigned a franchise identifier code by the Administration, and company that receives funding through a Small Business Investment Company.
Where can I get this loan?

Through any existing Small Business Administration lenders and any lenders that are brought into the program through the Treasury Department. Talk to your preferred financial lender to see if they qualify.

What can the loan be used for?

Payroll costs
Costs related to the continuation of group health care benefits during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums
Employee salaries, commissions, or similar compensations
Payments of interest on any mortgage obligation (which shall not include any prepayment of or payment of principal on a mortgage obligation)
Rent (including rent under a lease agreement)
Utilities
Interest on any other debt obligations that were incurred before the covered period
When can I apply?

Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. The Treasury Department encourages people to apply as quickly as possible because there is a funding cap.

When is the application deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program?

Applicants are eligible to apply for the PPP loan until June 30, 2020.

How do I receive loan forgiveness?

You must apply through your lender for forgiveness on your loan. In this application, you must include:

Documentation verifying the number of employees on payroll and pay rates, including IRS payroll tax filings and state income, payroll and unemployment insurance filings.
Documentation verifying payments on covered mortgage obligations, lease obligations, and utilities.
Certification from a representative of your business or organization that is authorized to certify that the documentation provided is true and that the amount that is being forgiven was used in accordance with the program’s guidelines for use.
Unemployment Insurance
The CARES Act expands current unemployment benefits to individuals who are not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits: self-employed, independent contractors, individuals with limited work history, gig workers and others.

Federal funding is now available for states to provide the first week of unemployment benefits to eligible individuals immediately. This allows individuals to apply and receive unemployment benefits as soon as they become unemployed, instead of waiting one week after becoming unemployed to apply for and receive benefits. This legislation also provides an additional $600 per week to each recipient of unemployment insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for up to four months.

The CARES Act authorized a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance of an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits for individuals who remain unemployed after state unemployment benefits are no longer available.

These provisions sunset on December 31, 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I file for unemployment?

You can file an unemployment insurance application online here, call the hotline at 1-844-908-2178 or 501-534-6304, or file a claim at any Arkansas Workforce Center office. A valid government ID is required (driver’s license or passport). Due to an increased volume of applications, the online process is recommended.

Once you finish the application, you may need to call your local unemployment office to complete the process. Keep in mind that many others are doing the same thing, so expect longer wait times as local offices rush to catch up with the high demand.

My child's daycare closed/I'm taking care of a family member with COVID-19/I'm experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and need to quarantine, am I still eligible for unemployment insurance?

Yes, if these circumstances are preventing you from working, you will be eligible for coverage.

I quit my job. Can I still receive these additional benefits?

It depends. If you were forced to quit your job because of daycare closures or COVID-19 exposure, you should still be covered under the bill. However, you cannot voluntarily opt-in by quitting for reasons unrelated to COVID-19. You must be laid off by your employer.

I'm already receiving unemployment benefits. Will I still be eligible for the additional coverage?

Yes. Even if you're already receiving unemployment benefits, your state-level benefits will be extended by 13 weeks. You'll also be eligible for the additional $600 weekly federal payment.

Message from the Office of U.S. Senator Tom Cotton Regarding COVID-19

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I wanted to flag several key questions that Senator Cotton’s office has been hearing from constituents. Please feel free to use the information below however you see fit to help spread the word to Arkansans.

I’m on social security. Do I need to file a tax return to receive my benefits?

No. If an individual has not filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, the government will use an individual's 2019 SSA-1099 Social Security Benefit Statement or 2019 RRB-1099 Railroad Retirement Benefit Statement to advance payments to individuals who receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits. All Social Security beneficiaries-retired workers, disabled workers, eligible family members, and survivors-receive a Form SSA-1099. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are not provided a Form SSA-1099. SSI recipients who also receive Social Security benefits will be automatically forwarded a payment. SSI recipients who do not receive Social Security benefits will need to file a 2019 tax return to receive a payment if they are otherwise eligible. If an individual started receiving Social Security payments in 2020, they will need to file a 2019 tax return to be eligible. Adults who are claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer's return are not eligible for a payment.

What do I need to do about my federal student loans?

Federal student loan borrowers do not need to take any action to suspend payments. Your federal student loan servicer will suspend all payments without any action from you. You do not need to contact your student loan servicer. While federal student loan payments are suspended, the loans shall not accrue any interest and the month of a suspended loan payment will be treated as if a loan had been made for purposes of loan forgiveness and loan rehabilitation. The suspension period will result in no negative credit reporting and also involuntary collection of the loan will be suspended—no wage garnishments, tax intercepts, offset of federal benefits, or any other collection activity. These protections do not apply to borrowers with Perkins Loans and borrowers whose FFEL loans are held by banks or guaranty agencies. If you have a Perkins Loan or an FFEL loan that is privately owned, you should contact your loan servicer to explore options they may be offering.

When will I get my check and how much will it be?

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said he expects most people to get their payments within approximately three weeks.

For Individual Filers: Americans who file their taxes as individuals will receive up to $1,200 in assistance. If your income was less than $75,000 in 2019, you will receive the full amount of $1,200. For those making above $75,000, reduced checks on a sliding scale will be paid. For every $100 you make over $75,000, your assistance will be reduced by $5.

For Married Couples Filing Jointly: Americans who file taxes jointly will receive up to $2,400 plus $500 for every dependent under the age of 17. If your joint income was less than $150,000 in 2019, you will receive the full amount of $2,400 plus $500 for every dependent under 17. For couples making above $150,000, reduced checks on a sliding scale will be paid. For every $100 you make over $150,000, your assistance will be reduced by $5.

I just lost my job. What are my options in terms of unemployment benefits?

Congress recently passed a new program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance which will make certain Arkansans who lost their jobs due to the public health emergency are eligible for unemployment insurance, provided an additional 13 weeks of unemployment insurance, and provided an additional $600/week in unemployment insurance through July 31. Arkansas normally offers 16 weeks of unemployment insurance; because of the new program, Arkansans will be eligible for a total of 29 weeks.

Individuals Eligible for Normal Unemployment Insurance: Unemployed workers who are eligible for traditional unemployment insurance will receive their normal income-based payment plus $600 a week until July 31st. If an individual is still unemployed after July 31, their payment will revert down to the traditional payment they would have received before the crisis.

Individuals Newly Eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: Unemployed workers who wouldn’t typically qualify for unemployment benefits but are now unemployed as a result of the pandemic will receive $600 a week plus an amount that the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services determines until July 31. After July 31, their payments will revert down to the amount that ADWS determines. Self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and “gig economy” employees will all be covered. However, to qualify, an individual must have lost their job or income due to the virus, tested positive or exhibited symptoms of the virus, or be caring for a member of your household or family who has been diagnosed with the virus.

Individuals who have had their hours cut: Arkansas offers partial unemployment benefits to certain individuals who have had their hours cut. Please contact the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services to determine if you are eligible.

James Arnold

Press Secretary

Senator Cotton (Arkansas)

Cell: (202) 734-0430

Tax Changes and Stimulus Payments due to COVID-19

New information is coming at an alarming rate! Please contact your tax preparer if you have questions. We will be glad to help just give us a call at 870-642-5900. While 2019 tax returns for Federal and AR now have a July 15 deadline,2020 estimated tax payments have earlier deadlines.

The stimulus payments do NOT require that your 2019 tax return be filed. The payment is figured an adjusted gross income from 2019 if filed, 2018 if the 2019 return has not been filed, and, if it wasn’t necessary for a return to be filed, other government payments such as social security will be used. I am attaching some additional information that was provided to me.