U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced Monday the creation of a Coronavirus Response Portal on his website to help Kentuckians who may have questions related to how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will help their families, organizations, small businesses, and communities take advantage of the provisions in the legislation.
The portal can be accessed by Kentucky families and small businesses owners who may have questions related to unemployment insurance, low-interest federal loans, federal taxes and relief checks, federal grants, and assistance for Kentuckians traveling or living abroad.
The Coronavirus Response Portal link: www.mcconnell.senate.gov
Kentucky Workers
Have you recently been laid off and need to file for unemployment insurance?
- General information: educationcabinet.ky.gov
- To file an unemployment insurance claim visit kcc.ky.gov; or call one of Kentucky 12 Work Centers to file your claim https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/Locations.aspx
- Questions about new federal paid leave requirements related to the Coronavirus?
- The U.S. Labor Department’s Fact Sheet for Employees www.dol.gov/ffcra-employee-paid-leave
- Questions and Answers www.dol.govffcra-questions
Kentucky Employers and Small Businesses
Need help to make payroll or to keep the lights on?
- The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance
- The IRS is extending payroll tax credits to eligible small and midsize businesses www.irs.gov
Questions about unemployment benefits?
- General information: educationcabinet.ky.gov
- Questions about new federal paid leave requirements related to the Coronavirus?
- The U.S. Labor Department’s Fact Sheet for Employers www.dol.gov/ffcra-employer-paid-leave
- Questions and Answers www.dol.gov/pandemic/ffcra-questions
- Field Assistance Bulletin on the Labor Department’s 30-day non-enforcement policy. www.dol.gov/field-assistance-bulletins
- Required Poster for Employers to Fulfill Notice Requirement www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non-Federal.pdf
Federal Taxes and Rebate Checks
Questions about how Coronavirus affects your federal incomes taxes?
- General information: www.irs.gov/coronavirus
- The IRS delayed Tax Day until July 15 www.irs.gov/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed
- Questions about the immediate cash relief Kentuckians will receive?
- The IRS will send recovery rebate checks to eligible Americans www.irs.gov/coronavirus
Competitive Federal Grants
How will this affect federal grant applications and awards?
- Check the awarding agency website for announcements and reach out to the agency regarding extensions and other inquires
- For example, NIH will be accepting late applications for grants due between March 9, 2020 and May 1, 2020 grants.nih.gov
- Visit Senator McConnell’s grants website to request support for your competitive federal grant application www.mcconnell.senate.gov/grants
Kentucky Education
What resources are available to help students, graduates and schoolsrespond to the Coronavirus?
- General information: www.ed.gov/coronavirus
Kentuckians Living or Traveling Abroad
Need individual assistance?
- Contact Senator McConnell’s casework staff at (502) 582-6304
- Are you abroad and need assistance from the U.S. State Department?
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) step.state.gov
- Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or call 1-888-407-4747 (U.S. & Canada) or 1- 202-501-4444 (from overseas) travel.state.gov/covid-19-information
Thinking about international travel?
- The U.S. State Department has issued its highest level advisory, urging all U.S. citizens to avoid international travel travel.state.gov/travel-advisory-alert-global-level-4-health-advisory-issue
Thinking about traveling in the U.S.?
- The CDC has issued guidance to consider before domestic travel www.cdc.gov
Kentucky Volunteers are Part of the Solution
Looking to help your neighbors during the Coronavirus crisis?
- Kentucky Emergency Management is seeking companies to sell or produce personal protective equipment (PPE). Fill out this form if you can help survey123.arcgis.com.
- If you would like to donate, sell, or produce medical supplies and other goods for the federal government visit www.fema.gov/how-to-help
- Kentuckians looking for volunteer opportunities and ideas can also visit /www.usa.gov/volunteer
From U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell
