By the Numbers:

Pennsylvania

• 133 confirmed cases, 1,187 tested negative

Cases by county in the 10-county region per Pennsylvania Department of Health

Allegheny: 11
Armstrong: 0
Beaver: 2
Butler: 0
Fayette: 0
Greene: 0
Indiana: 0
Lawrence: 0
Washington: 2
Westmoreland: 0

State Updates

• This afternoon Governor Wolf officially requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) implement an SBA disaster declaration to provide assistance in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses and eligible non-profits in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.  Some additional information on what SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer includes:
  • Up to $2 million in assistance for economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
  • The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
  • The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
  • Loans are offered with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
  • The application process will be facilitated online. Details on how to apply, as well as deadlines, will be established once the governor’s request is granted.
• The Wolf Administration is also working with the General Assembly to make sure state funding is available for small business assistance too.  A reminder that earlier today the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) authorized the transfer of $40 million to the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA), as a first step in providing relief to Pennsylvania small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
• As anticipated, the PA Senate adopted temporary emergency rules this afternoon to be able to continue to operate during the current COVID-19 mitigation.  The resolution will ensure the Senate can continue voting even when Senators cannot be physically present at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg due to coronavirus mitigation efforts.  The resolution creates a mechanism for members to file bills electronically and to participate in committee meetings and session through the use of communications technology. The emergency powers are scheduled to expire July 31, 2020 or 10 days following the expiration of the governor’s emergency order, whichever is sooner.

Local:

• Allegheny County

• County Council will host regular council meeting at 5pm today, public discouraged to attend and watch via livestream

Federal:

• **Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed the US Senate – 90-8** Headed to POTUS for signature….next step will be Phase 3 which is the large stimulus package**;
• U.S. Navy Hospital Ships to deploy to off New York, West Coast

• • Despite differences Leader McConnell believes the Senate will vote on H.R. 6201 today.
  • Leader McConnell intends to introduce additional legislation in the Senate to provide additional aide, this legislation would serve as Leader McConnell’s opportunity to address issues he has with H.R. 6201.
  • Minority Leader Schumer has introduced a framework on behalf of the Democrats that will serve as a starting point from that caucus.