Senator McConnell Delivers the CARES Act: A Bold Response to the Coronavirus
Please scroll down for information on resources for individuals and small businesses
Everyone is encouraged to follow the facts, listen to the experts, and take smart and calm precautions as appropriate. You can access up-to-date recommendations for your own personal health circumstances at Coronavirus.gov/
A message from Senator McConnell: “Thank you for visiting my website as Kentucky continues fighting the effects of COVID-19. At my direction, the Senate stepped up to face this challenge. We passed a bold plan called the CARES Act to assist families, workers, small businesses and medical professionals. We’ll win this fight against the Coronavirus because Americans continue finding creative ways to stand united—even if we have to stand six feet apart.
“I hope the following resources will be helpful as your family, organization, small business, or community takes advantage of the federal funding I helped make available.”
Stay up-to-date on the Coronavirus in Kentucky
- Find the latest Kentucky news and guidance at https://govstatus.egov.com/kycovid19
- Information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in Kentucky: https://govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-vaccine
- Kentucky’s COVID-19 Hotline: (800) 722-5725
- For information about “essential businesses” in Kentucky, visit https://govstatus.egov.com/kysafer
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released additional advisory guidance for states and local governments https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce#download
- For information about requesting personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Kentucky Department for Public Health, visit https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/covid19/COVID-19PPErequestfactsheet.pdf
- Submit a proposal to re-open your Kentucky business at https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/TeamKentucky/ReopenKY
Senator McConnell wants to help answer your questions
Kentucky Veterans
Questions about VA services, including vaccinations?
- General information: https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/
- COVID-19 Vaccines at the VA: https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/
Kentucky Workers
Have you recently been laid off and need to file for unemployment insurance?
- General information: https://educationcabinet.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
- To file an unemployment insurance claim visit https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
- COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) via the Kentucky Career Center: https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/COVID19-UI-Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx
Kentucky Farmers
- USDA resources: https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus
Questions about Food Assistance?
- General information: https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus/food-assistance
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/nab/Pages/snap.aspx
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 https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
- The CARES Act’s Paycheck Protection Program provides additional relief to eligible small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses https://home.treasury.gov/cares
- The IRS is extending payroll tax credits to eligible businesses who provide paid leave: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/covid-19-related-tax-credits-for-required-paid-leave-provided-by-small-and-midsize-businesses-faqs
How can Kentucky employers keep workers healthy and safe?
- OSHA resources regarding preparing workplaces for COVID-19: http://www.osha.gov/coronavirus
Federal Taxes and Rebate Checks
Questions about how Coronavirus affects your federal incomes taxes?
- General information: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
Questions about the immediate cash relief Kentuckians will receive?
- The IRS will send a second round of recovery rebate checks to eligible Americans: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
- Check the status of your rebate: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
- Per the U.S. Treasury, social security recipients will automatically receive economic impact payments: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-and-irs-begin-delivering-second-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-millions-of-americans
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.
- Visit Senator McConnell’s grants website to request support for your competitive federal grant application. https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/grants
Kentucky Education
What resources are available to help students, graduates and schools respond to the Coronavirus?
General information: https://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). https://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). https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html
Thinking about international travel?
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Effective January 26, all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) must present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html
Thinking about traveling in the U.S.?
- The CDC has issued guidance to consider before domestic travel. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
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 https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/cdbec8a2257c47769d0eb7826d7d6b4f
- If you would like to donate, sell, or produce medical supplies and other goods for the federal government visit www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help
- Kentuckians looking for volunteer opportunities and ideas can also visit https://www.usa.gov/volunteer
