Allison Laflamme

This session provided a weekly pandemic update for Vermont businesses, featuring representatives from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and the Department of Health (VHD). Key discussion topics included protocols for businesses upon learning of a positive COVID-19 case, clarification that proof of a negative test is not required for returning to work after diagnosis or quarantine, and guidance on quarantine requirements for employees living with quarantined or isolating household members. The session also clarified travel quarantine requirements, noting that travel to/from Vermont requires quarantine unless it is essential travel for work, and outlined definitions for key terms such as close contact, infectious period, isolation, and quarantine.

The meeting focused on discussions related to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and recovery efforts. Key topics included an overview of restart activities, financial assistance measures being developed by the Economic and Financial Mitigation Action Team, and consumer stimulus and marketing strategies, with an emphasis on leveraging local Vermont consumers first. The restart discussion involved input from various sector representatives, particularly regarding hospitality and outdoor recreation reopening plans which were subject to review by the Department of Health and Public Safety. The financial mitigation efforts considered tools such as potential direct cash disbursements based on look-back gross revenues (rooms and meals tax) and a potential state loan/grant program modeled after the federal IDLE program. The council also addressed the need for technical assistance support for small businesses adapting to operational changes like low-contact or outdoor seating.

The council meeting included discussions on legislative updates, federal relief, restaurant and lodging, ski and ride reports, and a 2021 legislative preview. The meeting covered topics such as President Biden's American Rescue Plan, grants to small businesses, government funds to leverage small business lending investments, direct checks to individuals, unemployment insurance benefits, extension of eviction and foreclosure moratoriums, and a national vaccination program. Updates on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Employee Retention Tax Credits (ERTC) were also provided.

This document details the Vermont Economic Recovery Package, a $400 million initiative designed to mitigate the economic impact of a crisis. The plan is structured into 'Survive' and 'Thrive' phases, focusing on immediate and long-term recovery. Key components include significant financial assistance through grants and loans for businesses, technical support, a marketing campaign to stimulate local economic activity, and housing assistance to prevent homelessness. The package aims to stabilize the state's economy, support businesses and residents, and foster long-term resilience through investments in areas such as broadband and workforce retraining.

The meeting included discussions on tourism funding, short-term rental regulations (S79), and the extension of alcoholic beverage sales for off-premise consumption. Updates were provided on the limitation of liability for agritourism activities, unemployment insurance, and various grant programs including the vorak grant . The situation at the Canadian border was discussed, highlighting the differing policies between the US and Canada. Additionally, there were reports on the lodging industry's current state, the impact of the pandemic, and workforce challenges.