Daily Business Blog – April 20, 2020

In order to keep you informed on the evolving impact of COVID-19 on our local community, the Plano Chamber will be publishing updates every weekday as the Daily Business Bulletin. We will share the top news items that you need to read to stay up-to-date on important health, community, and business issues as they develop.

April 20, 2020

FEDERAL UPDATE

• Congress is closing in on a deal for another round of federal relief, which would include additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, EIDL, and more funding for testing.  The Senate has scheduled a special session for Tuesday in preparations to vote on this new bill.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will begin offering the Save Small Business Fund to small businesses with between 3 and 20 employees. A short application will go live on this page on April 20, 2020, at 12:00PM PT. If you’d like a reminder, please sign up with your email address HERE.

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STATE UPDATE

• Gov. Abbott announced on Friday, April 17^th, plans to begin slowly reopening the Texas economy.  Highlights of his announcement included:
  • All public, private and higher education schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019/2020 school year. Commissioner Mike Morath will issue guidance on handling graduations for high school seniors shortly, and Commissioner Harrison Keller will do the same for institutions of higher education.
  • All retailers may begin providing “to-go” services to customers beginning 4/24.
  • State Parks will reopen on 4/20, but visitors must wear face masks, maintain social distancing guidelines with non-family members, and in groups no larger than 5.
  • With hospitals under capacity, Gov. Abbott is allowing for some elective surgeries to resume.
  • Gov. Abbott also named a council dedicated to developing reopening procedures that will include Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick, Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen, numerous business leaders from around the state, as well as medical experts.  This council will be tasked with developing a more detailed, phased plan for reopening industries while maintaining the interests of public health.
  • On April 27^th, Gov. Abbott will announce additional new industries that may reopen.  That may include businesses such as restaurants and movie theaters, with new safety precautions put in place.

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REGIONAL/LOCAL UPDATE

• Collin County Judge Chris Hill announced on Monday, April 13^th, that he has formed an Economic Recovery Task Force for a countywide effort to restart and reopen businesses.  The task force is made up of business and community leaders from throughout Collin County.  The task force is charged with developing guidance for elected officials to promote economic recovery, and to return our workforce to their jobs as soon as possible.