Insights

Health and compassion for the mind and spirit

• John Cornelison
• 5/3/20

In talking to each other, we can help ourselves and each other, even at a distance.

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King County COVID-19 Resource Guide

• John Cornelison
• 4/30/20

In this time of uncertainty, it may be difficult to find the support you need to take care of your families. Fortunately, many government programs have expanded their eligibility requirements due to the coronavirus pandemic. For a full list of state programs that you may qualify for, fill out this survey on Washington Connection. If you are looking for one of the following specific services, please download the King County COVID-19 Resource Guide which has more detailed resources – and in various languages.

How long before we can hug again?

• John Cornelison
• 4/29/20

From Public Health – Seattle & King County yesterday comes the following insight into our short term future with regards to social distancing.

Vashon Town Hall this Saturday!

• John Cornelison
• 4/22/20

Vashon Town Hall: The next island wide COVID-19 Briefing and Town Hall will be on Saturday April 25^th from 10-11:30am. A live Spanish translation will be available. Work continues on technology to support the town hall online viewing, instructions will be released tomorrow. In advance of the meeting, please send your questions to townhallquestions@vashonbeprepared.org

Chamber Chat-- Grant Writing in a Nutshell

• John Cornelison
• 4/21/20

The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held Thursday April 22^nd from 9-9:45am, the topic will be Grant Writing in a Nutshell presented by Allison Shirk. For more information or to register visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/

Food Service Workers

• John Cornelison
• 4/21/20

Emergency Funds ($500) for Food Service Workers - The Plate Fund is distributing $500 grants to King County food service workers who have experienced a reduction in hours or been laid off.

http://theplatefund.com/apply

Chamber Chat-- Challenges facing Tenants and Landlords

• John Cornelison
• 4/20/20

The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held Tuesday, April 21^st from 9-9:45am, the Chat will be an Open Forum discussion on challenges facing Tenants and Landlords. For more information or to register visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/.

Small Business Administration out of Funds

• John Cornelison
• 4/16/20

SBA announced that it is out funds after only two weeks, and is not accepting applications from small businesses.  1,637,000 applications valued at $339 Billion were accepted.  This affects island business looking for relief through Payroll Protection Program.  Applications for the PPP funds commenced April 3.  Applicants were initially taken only from for profit entities.  Nonprofits applications followed the following week.

Congress continues to debate additional funding.

-- From Sam Williams

Chamber Chats-- New federal Payroll Protection Program and other aid that can help non-profit organizations

• John Cornelison
• 4/16/20

For Vashon Nonprofit organizations: The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held on Thursday April 16th, 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The topic will be the new federal Payroll Protection Program and other aid that can help non-profit organizations with Jay Williamson and Lynn Greiner. For more information or to register visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/.

Should you apply for benefits? When? How? We’ve got answers.

• John Cornelison
• 4/15/20

The following is from the Washington Employment Security Department

1. Find out what you’re eligible for. 

Visit esd.wa.gov/unemployment and download the eligibility checker. 

Eligible for regular unemployment insurance (UI)? Apply as soon as possible! 

Before you apply, go to esd.wa.gov/unemployment, and:

• Download the application checklist, then gather all the info you’ll need for your application. 
• Make sure you read and understand all the materials. 

Can’t get regular UI? You might be eligible for expanded benefits under the federal CARES Act. 

Wait to apply until after April 18. Stay tuned for next steps about how to get ready and what you’ll need.  You can still set up your account any time though - see the next step below.

2. Set up your Secure Access Washington (SAW) account.

If you’re planning to apply for regular or expanded benefits, you’ll need a SAW account.

We know it’s not the most intuitive thing. That’s why we made a video! 

Watching this 9-minute video may save you a lot of time.

Especially if there’s a chance you may already have a SAW account. That can cause issues that are tricky to fix down the road. 

Last but not least, that $600.

Everyone receiving a weekly UI benefit will get the additional $600 included in the federal CARES act.

• Full-time workers. 
• Part-time workers.
• Those already on UI.
• Those who are eligible for expanded benefits under the CARES Act.

Other important info

• $600 payments are retroactive to March 29.
• You do not need to request it. The additional $600 will be added to your benefit after our system is updated on April 18.

(There is one exception: People who receive in-training benefits won’t get it.) 

There's always something new to learn on the COVID-19 page

Take a look at the worker Q&A on our COVID-19 webpage.

We're updating it with new information on the federal stimulus legislation.

Stay tuned

Navigating Tax Stimulus and Unemployment Benefits for Employees and the Self-Employed

• John Cornelison
• 4/13/20

Navigating Tax Stimulus and Unemployment Benefits for Employees and the Self-Employed: April 14th (Tuesday) 9:00 am - 9:45 am

Vashon Island Chamber Chat COVID-19 Business Resource Series

The Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the EOC is hosting a series of webinars focused on issues facing our business community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chamber Chat COVID-19 Business Resource Series #4: Navigating Tax Stimulus and Unemployment Benefits for Employees and the Self-Employed

Deborah Diamond, retired IRS Governmental Liaison, will review the federal Tax Stimulus payments for individuals, provide an overview of unemployment options (standby/furloughed/laid offs) and discuss the employers' role. Review how to prepare an expanded benefit application for self-employed and 1099 workers.

Learn More/Register https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg… .

Chamber of Commerce new webinar series-- Chamber Chat

• John Cornelison
• 4/6/20

The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held on Tuesday, April 7th from 9-9:45am.