$1.5 billion for constructing electric charging and hydrogen fueling stations and subsidizing purchases of zero-emissions cars by low-income individuals. Other eligible expenditures include the purchase of clean trucks, buses, and off-road freight equipment and “Clean Cars 4 All programs.”
$777.5 million for job creation and retention, regional development, small businesses and climate innovation, including increased funding for:
$430 million for the California Competes Tax Credit, including a new grant component dedicated to job creation and investments in infrastructure
$100 million to extend the Main Street Small Business Tax Credit, which supports the hiring new employees and rehiring former employees
Mitigating the SALT deduction limitation for S-corporation shareholders
$35 million to expand the California Dream Fund, which was authorized and appropriated $10 million as part of the 20-21 budget deal. This program is intended to provide seed grants to social entrepreneurs and small businesses in underserved communities
$50 million to expand the small business loan and disaster loan guarantees offered through the Small Business Finance Center at the IBank. The $50 million can leverage up to $250 million in loans
$62.5 million to the California Rebuilding Fund, which offers blended loans through mission driven lenders, including community development financial institutions. The Fund was initially authorized and funded as part of the 2020-21 Budget ($25 million). An additional $12.5 million in capitalization was announced in November 2020 and is included within the proposed $62.5 million
$100 million to expand the sales tax exclusion program administered by the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority. The program is intended to reduce the cost of manufacturing equipment in order to promote innovation and meet the state’s climate goals
$575 million in small-business grants ($500 million was allocated by the Governor in consultation with the Legislature on November 30, 2020)
$500 million to the Infill Infrastructure Grant Program to fund the development of 7,500 new permanently affordable homes. These funds will help defray the costs of sewers, roads and site preparation, while also supporting construction jobs. $250 million of these funds are proposed for early action
$353 million in one-time and ongoing investments to support workforce training, including apprenticeships, High-Road Training Partnerships, and demand driven workforce partnerships, such as those offered through the Employment Training Panel. These funds are intended to “encourage greater collaboration and coordination among California’s institutions of higher learning and local workforce partners.”
$300 million one-time General Fund for deferred maintenance of state properties, including the greening of state properties and instillation of electric vehicle charging stations at state-owned facilities
$70.6 million for fee waivers for businesses and individuals impacted by the pandemic, including barbers, cosmetologists, manicurists, bars and restaurants
Response by Legislative Leaders to Business and Jobs Recovery Plan: Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon responded to the Governor’s proposal: “A unified effort is critical to success, and we look forward to working with the governor on the specifics of his, and legislative, proposals to take early action in providing meaningful additional relief.”
Governor’s Proposed 2021-22 Budget: On Friday, January 8, 2021, Governor Newsom released his proposed budget for 2021-22. You can access the budget through this web site: http://www.ebudget.ca.gov/. According to the Legislative Analysts’ Office, the state will have a one-time $26 billion surplus (https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4305), based on revenue projections at the time the 2020-21 budget was approved last year. The Governor has released several previews including:
Small Business Funding: $325 billion in funding to support small business, including additional Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds
$284.5 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Reduces the maximum loan amount to $2 million. Allows small businesses to receive a second PPP loan if they have less than 300 employees and can demonstrate a revenue reduction of 25%. Allows businesses to take a tax deduction for expenses covered by forgiven loans. Expands PPP to include nonprofits, including destination marketing organizations, and local newspapers and radio. https://www.sba.gov/document/policy-guidance-ifr-paycheck-protection-program-ppp-amended-economic-aid-act
$20 billion for new Economic Injury Disaster Loan Grants for businesses in low-income communities.
$15 billion in funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions.
$3.5 billion for continued Small Business Administration debt relief payments.
$2 billion for enhancements to Small Business Administration lending.
$12 billion for Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions that provide credit and financial services to low-income and minority communities.
Re-Open Schools: $82 billion Education Stabilization Fund and $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.
Vaccine Deployment: $4.5 billion for State, local, Territorial, and Tribal Public Health Departments.
Families Food Box Program: $1.5 billion to purchase fresh produce, dairy products, fluid milk and meat products, and seafood products which are then distributed to low-income families. https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/usda-000221
Payroll Tax Deferral: Workers whose payroll taxes have been deferred since September would be given until Dec. 31, 2021, to pay back the government, instead of through April 30, 2021, as originally directed by the Treasury Department.
Paid Leave Credits: Extends tax credits for paid sick and family leave provided under the second coronavirus relief package through March 31, 2021.
Tax Credits for Wages Paid in Disaster Area: Provides a 40% tax credit of wages (up to $6,000 per employee) to employers in disaster zones.
Broadband: $7 billion to expand broadband access for students, families and unemployed workers, including a new $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit that will provide $50 per month for broadband for low-income families; $300 million for rural broadband; $250 million for Federal Communications Commission’s telehealth program; $1.9 billion for “rip and replace” efforts related to Huawei and ZTE equipment in U.S. networks; $1 billion in grants for tribal broadband programs; $65 million to improve broadband mapping.
Transportation: $45 billion for transportation-related issues, including $9.8 billion is allocated to state departments of transportation; $2 billion for airports (mostly large commercial airports); $15 billion for airlines to support payrolls; and $15 billion in transit aid.
USPS: $10 billion for the US Postal Service without requiring repayment
Key Economic Development Issues Discussed, but Not Ultimately Included:
Liability Waiver: A six-month moratorium on coronavirus-related lawsuits.
State and Local Funding: $160 billion+ in funding for state and local governments.
Look for Economic Impact Payments in the Mail: The US Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced that they will now be sending the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to some individuals by prepaid debit card in an attempt to get funding to people more quickly. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-issues-millions-of-second-economic-impact-payments-by-debit-card The IRS began issuing the second round of EIPs through direct deposit on December 29, followed by the mailing of paper checks. According to the January 7 announcement, individuals who do not receive a direct deposit should watch their mail for either a paper check or a prepaid debit card.
Families Food Box Program: The US Department of Agriculture announced that it will purchase an additional $1.5 billion worth of food for nationwide distribution through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/usda-000221 Funding for this program was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed Dec. 21, 2020. “The solicitation will be issued to over 240 organizations that have previously received Basic Ordering Agreements (BOA). Solicitations to existing BOA holders are expected to be issued by the end of the week, with contract awards expected to be made by January 19. Deliveries will begin shortly after awards are issued and continue through the end of April. Additional BOA proposals will not be reviewed nor accepted at this time. A complete list of BOA holders can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/RoundFourBOAHolders.pdf.”
Workforce Training Enhancements: The US Department of Agriculture announced a final rule relating to the employment and training opportunities for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/usda-000121 Under the new final rule, SNAP participants will have exclusive access to training and support services to help them enter or move up in the workforce through state SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs. Other changes include authorizing workforce partnerships as an eligible way for SNAP participants to meet their work requirements, requires state agencies to re-direct individuals who are determined ill-suited for an E&T program component to other more suitable activities, and modifies the policy pertaining to able bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Final Rule: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fr-01042021
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and Mixed earner Unemployment Compensation: The US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration issued new and updated guidance to states on the implementation of the unemployment insurance programs included contained in the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act of 2020, which is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021:
Initial overarching guidance is issued to states regarding a range of unemployment insurance programs, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides UI benefits to individuals who are not generally eligible for traditional unemployment benefits, including gig workers. https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=3831
Updated guidance is released for the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) and Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) programs. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20210105 The initial FPUC program provided $600 a week in supplemental compensation and expired July 31, 2020. The FPUC reauthorization provides $300 per week beginning after Dec. 26, 2020, and ending on or before March 14, 2021. According to the announcement, the FPUC is not payable during the gap in authorization, that is, weeks of unemployment ending after July 31, 2020, through weeks of unemployment ending on or before Dec. 26, 2020. Guidance: https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?docn=6122
Federal Small Business Programs: Information on the implementation of small business loan programs authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 can be found in the section, STATUS REPORTS ON SMALL BUSINESS LENDING (below).
GOOD NEWS ABOUT JEDE FRIENDS
Guzman Potential Top Choice to Lead the SBA: The Walls Street Journal is reporting that President-elect Joe Biden will select Isabel Guzman to lead the Small Business Administration (SBA). https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-taps-isabel-guzman-to-lead-small-business-administration-11610044839 Guzman currently serves as California’s Small Business Advocate, a post she has held since April 2019. Prior to her appointment by Governor Newsom, Guzman served as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to the SBA Administrator. Congratulations Isabel – You are going to be great! On learning of the appointment, there have been many well wishes. Here a just a few that made the deadline for day’s JEDE Update. We will publish more in our next edition.
Governor Newsom: “Isabel Guzman embodies the story of the California and American Dream. As the daughter of a small business owner, Isabel was raised witnessing the power and opportunity of American entrepreneurism. With Isabel’s appointment, President-Elect Biden has chosen a true champion for small businesses to be our country’s next SBA Administrator. For almost two years, she has worked tirelessly as part of my Administration to ensure California’s small businesses have a seat at the table. Her leadership has been fundamental in guiding this state through the ongoing economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As an entrepreneur and Governor of California, which is home to 4.1 million of America’s small businesses, I thank and congratulate President-Elect Biden on Isabel’s nomination. She will lead our country’s small business recovery with the same grace, dignity and inclusive mindset that she did for California.”
John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority: “We are thrilled with President-Elect Biden’s nomination of Isabel Guzman to lead the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Ms. Guzman’s distinguished career, which includes serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for the SBA under President Obama followed by her current leadership as the Director of California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate, demonstrates her passion and commitment to ensuring that small businesses are central to a thriving and inclusive economy. We have worked closely with Ms. Guzman nationally and in California and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with her…Ms. Guzman’s proven track record as a champion for small businesses will be a valuable asset during this challenging time. In her current role, Ms. Guzman has provided steady leadership throughout the pandemic by overseeing critical loan and grant programs for California's struggling small businesses, and we expect the same level of dedication in her new role. Ms. Guzman understands how vital small businesses are to our nation’s economy and communities. We urge the U.S. Senate to confirm her nomination swiftly.”
DATA, SURVEYS, AND ANALYSES
December US Employment Data: US Bureau of Labor Statistics released national-level employment data for December 2020. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm According to the report, total US nonfarm payroll employment declined by 140,000 jobs in December, reflecting a 6.7% unemployment rate (down 8% since the high in April 2020). In releasing the data, the BLS stated: “The decline in payroll employment reflects the recent increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and efforts to contain the pandemic. In December, job losses in leisure and hospitality and in private education were partially offset by gains in professional and business services, retail trade, and construction.”
November California Employment Data (most recent): The Employment Development Department released state-level data for November 2020, December data will not be available until January 2021. https://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/Publications/Labor-Market-Analysis/calmr.pdf According to the announcement, California’s unemployment rate was 8.2% in November. Nonfarm payrolls gained 57,100 jobs in November with Leisure and Hospitality reporting the largest gains (up 27,800 from the prior month). Jobs in the Government sector were reported as having the largest loss (down 10,200 from the prior month). Unemployment among Blacks and Latinx remained above 11%. https://www.edd.ca.gov/newsroom/unemployment-december-2020.htm
State Unemployment Benefit Data: The Employment Development Department (EDD) released new unemployment insurance data for California on December 26, 2020. https://www.edd.ca.gov/newsroom.htm Among other information, the weekly Unemployment Benefits report for the period prior to the shutdown states:
43,261 initial Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PAU) claims were filed for the week ending December 26, 2020.
Over 10.4 million initial unemployment benefit claims have been filed with EDD between March 14 and December 26, 2020.
LAO Assessment Framework on Green Stimulus: The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) released a report proposing a framework to assess state-level "green stimulus" proposals. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4308 “During economic downturns such as the one California and the United States are currently experiencing, governments often seek to help the economy recover through various initiatives—such as targeted expenditures—referred to as economic stimulus. When such initiatives also have an environmental benefit, they sometimes are labeled as green stimulus. This report is intended to provide guidance for the Legislature on how to evaluate the merits of state-funded green stimulus proposals, including the degree to which they are likely to provide significant (1) economic stimulus and (2) environmental benefits.”
Equity in Action: The Greenlining Institute issued an end of year blog post highlighting key 2020 activities, including the establishment of a People of Color Small Business Network in Oakland and launching Towards Equitable Electric Mobility, a multi-state “community of practice” linking advocates from five states (including California) who will work together to advance clean and equitable transportation policies. https://greenlining.org/blog-category/2020/impact-report-racial-equity/
GRANTS
Emergency Rental Assistance Funds: The US Department of the Treasury announced the launch of the $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Under the ERAP, funds are awarded directly to states, local governments with more than 200,000 residents, and tribally designated housing entities. https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares/emergency-rental-assistance-program Funds are intended to be used in new and existing programs to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Announcement: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1228
EDD Receives Federal Funds: The US Department of Labor awarded $25 million to the California Department of Employment Development under its Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant program. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20210104 The funding is intended to support the creation of jobs to address debris cleanup and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the September 2020 wildfires.
CURRENT GUIDANCE ON STATE COVID-19 AND RECOVERY ACTIONS
[This is a “quick-source” section that includes new and previously provided information.]
Regional Stay at Home Orders become effective within 48 hours and remain in place for at least three weeks. Supplemental Guidance to the Regional Stay at Home Order. Under the Regional Stay at Home Order:
Gatherings of any size are prohibited and all operations must close except for critical infrastructure and retail.
There are also requirements for 100% masking and physical distancing.
Existing state guidance regarding K-12 schools is not impacted by Regional Stay at Home Orders. The Order does not add, modify, or subtract from the school operation guidelines.
The Regional Stay at Home Order serves as an overlay to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and is designed to intercede quickly to avoid a health disaster.
Regional Status Report: Currently four of the five regions are under the Regional Stay at Home Order, which is triggered when ICU capacity is less than 15%. Northern California (25.4% ICU capacity), Bay Area (3.5%), Greater Sacramento (9.2%), San Joaquin Valley (0.0%), and Southern California (0.0%).
The five regions are designated as follows:
Northern California: Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity
Bay Area: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma
San Joaquin Valley: Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
Southern California: Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura
Blueprint for a Safer Economy: Businesses can check out the status of the reopening of their county through the Blueprint for a Safer Economy (https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/). This is the state’s four tier reopening plan. Tier 1 (purple) has the most restrictions and Tier 4 (yellow) has the fewest.
Regional Stay at Home Order is an overlay to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Currently, only the Northern California Region is exclusively operating under the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
Equity Metric Added to Blueprint for Re-Opening: The Blueprint for a Safer Economy was expanded on October 6, 2020, to include a health equity metric. This information will be used in combination with the county’s case rate and test positivity rates to determine a county's tier. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/CaliforniaHealthEquityMetric.aspx The purpose of this new metric reflects the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on certain population groups, including rates of hospitalizations and death.
Shop Safe Shop Local: GO-Biz is leading a campaign to remind Californians to shop local and help small businesses prepare for the business realities of COVID-19. The #ShopSafeShopLocal website highlights free / discounted resources to help small businesses get digital, find e-commerce tools, learn more about industry guidance, locate small business centers, and access PPE. https://business.ca.gov/shopsafeshoplocal/
Safely Making Web Platform: California manufacturers who produce PPE, including face masks and gloves, can advertise their wares on https://www.safelymakingca.org/. The website is a joint effort by the California Manufacturers and Technology Association (CMTA) and the State of California. A manufacturer does not have to be a member of CMTA to participate. To apply, manufacturers should complete this form. At his September 9, 2020, press conference, Governor Newsom announced that the web platform currently included 450 California manufacturers.
STATUS REPORTS ON SMALL BUSINESS LENDING
[This is a “quick-source” section that includes new and previously provided information.]
California Small Business Grants: The Office of the Small Business Advocate has launched its Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant program, which will be providing $500 million in grants to small businesses and small nonprofits that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first round of applications are currently open and applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on January 13, 2021. Free one-on-one technical assistance is available through a wide range of nonprofit reserve providers, including SBDCs and ethnic chambers of commerce. www.CAReliefGrant.com
COVID-19 Payment Protection Program: The Payment Protection Program (PPP) was closed to new applicants until the HR 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, was enacted in December 27, 2020. As of August 8, 2020 (most recent), 5.2 million PPP loans have been approved in the US for a total of $525 billion. In California, 623,360 PPP loans have been approved for a total of $68.6 billion (https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/PPP_Report%20-%202020-08-10.pdf). Many businesses are in the process of applying for and waiting for approval on forgiveness.
PPP Expenses are deductible: The US Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service issued guidance regarding allowable deductions for the payments of eligible expenses when such payments would result (or be expected to result) in the forgiveness of a loan (covered loan) under the Paycheck Protection Program. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-21-02.pdf This guidance reflects changes to law contained in the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020, enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Act), Public Law 116-260, which was signed into law on December 27, 2020.
COVID-19 EIDL Aggregate-Level Data Update: The US Small Business Administration released program utilization information for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). As of November 23, over 3.6 million EIDL loans have been approved in the US for a total of $194.3 billion. In California, 60,893 EIDL loans have been approved for a total of $34.5 billion. Link to a PowerPoint displaying data for loan activity through 11/23/2020: https://www.sba.gov/document/report-covid-19-eidl-loans-report-11-23-20.
CA Small Business Loans Addressing the Wildfires: The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services received updates from the US Small Business Administration on small businesses that are utilizing the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Home Loans.
Small Business Disaster Loan Guarantee Program: The Small Business Finance Center at the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank administers a credit enhancement (loan guarantee) as a way to encourage traditional and mission-driven lenders to loan money to small businesses who have been impacted by a disaster. https://cdn.ibank.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/JLBC-12.30.2020.pdf Below is the most recent program activity.
State Small Business Disaster Loan Guarantee Program (December 2020)
Conditionally Approved
Loan Amount
Guarantee Amount
Amount Encumbered
Employees
Total
939
$35,653,203
$33,710,725
$16,855,362
4689
The IBank provides the Joint Legislative Budget Committee an update monthly.
SBA Weekly Lending Report on Race and Ethnicity of Clients: The US Small Business Administration’s most recent weekly lending report for its core SBA products is for the week ending January 1, 2021. Information includes race, ethnicity, gender, and veteran participation in the SBA 7(a), 504, and Advantage Loan Programs. https://www.sba.gov/document/report-2021-weekly-lending-reports
Tracking UI Benefits: The California Employment Development Department (EDD) launched identity verification technology to help address the backlog of unprocessed unemployment benefit applications, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. On December 11, EDD released this report on the status of addressing the backlog: https://www.edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/pdf/CUIC_337_Legislative_Report_121120.pdf Progress in eliminating the backlog are also tracked through these two data dashboards:
Unemployment Initial Claims Backlog Dashboard: As of December 30, 2020, 468,149 individuals have been waiting more than 21 days for an initial payment or to be notified that they do not qualify for benefits.
Unemployment Continued Claims Backlog Dashboard: As of December 30, 2020, 309,611 individuals received at least one payment and are now waiting more than 21 days for further processing of payment or disqualification in this week-by-week eligibility based program.
