Update: SBDC UNM-LA Operations; Loan Programs Available
SBA News:
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
In its concerted efforts to help US small businesses in these difficult and challenging times, the SBA has introduced the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program with a deadline for the application of Dec. 17, 2020.
The following are the main points of the EIDL program:
- Loans are up to $2 million.
- Collateral is required for loan applications above $25k but loans will not be turned down for lack of collateral.
- These loans are extended by the SBA and do not go through commercial banks.
- Duration is up to 30 years and there is a one-year deferment that
DVS Field Office Assisting Veterans Exclusively Via Telework
DVS News:
SANTA FE — Effective March 24, all field offices of the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (DVS) will temporarily postpone in-person office visits by veterans–and will instead provide veterans’ benefits assistance via telephone, video conference, or e-mail.
All previously-scheduled in-office visits will be rescheduled.
The move is to comply with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s statewide directive this afternoon directing state agencies to further help minimize the spread of the COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus.
Veterans or widows of veterans can work with Read More
Early Childhood Education Department Offers Guidance To Child Care Providers Amidst ‘Stay At Home’ Order
STATE News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky commented Monday on Gov. Lujan Grisham’s “stay at home” order.
The order, which goes into effect at 8 a.m. today, March 24, requires all non-essential businesses to close and limit activities for New Mexicans outside of their homes. The goal of the order is to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“The Governor understands that child care providers are front-line, essential workers. They are first responders. Without them, our public health workforce couldn’t contain the virus or care for the sick. Read More
New Mexico Courts Increase Restrictions And Public Health Precautions To Guard Against Spread Of COVID-19
NMSC News:
SANTA FE — Additional restrictions and public health precautions at New Mexico courthouses were ordered Monday by the State Supreme Court to guard against the spread of COVID-19.
“Courts recognize that extraordinary steps are necessary to protect public safety and the health of New Mexicans. Our courts must continue to provide essential services in the justice system,” Chief Justice Judith K. Nakamura said.
Under the Supreme Court’s order:
- While limits on “mass gatherings” established by the state public health order do not apply to courthouses because courts provide essential
Congressional Delegation Urges State Department To Quickly Repatriate New Mexicans Abroad Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
New Mexico Congressional Delegation News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján, Deb Haaland, and Xochitl Torres Small today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging the Department of State to take immediate action to repatriate New Mexicans living, working, and traveling abroad and to provide these same New Mexicans with all necessary medical care while these plans are being executed.
“As the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis continues to evolve, our offices have been contacted by numerous Read More
Heinrich Update: New Mexico Offices Go Fully Remote
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) Monday announced that for the health and safety of both staff and visitors and to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19, his New Mexico-based offices will operate on a remote-basis effective today, March 24.
This is in coordination with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s stay-at-home order for the state of New Mexico.
Heinrich will continue to keep New Mexicans informed of any changes to the operations of his offices and encourages residents to contact him for assistance Read More
Enterprise Bank Launches Multiple Loan Relief Programs
Enterprise Bank & Trust News:
Additional offerings focus on continuing virtual Enterprise University courses and best practices for business owners
ST. LOUIS – To provide relief for customers during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, Enterprise Bank & Trust has launched programs to provide temporary relief for those hit hard by the pandemic.
The bank has moved some existing programs, such as Enterprise University and client networking, online to continue providing ongoing business education, while avoiding the risks associated with COVID-19. Additionally, in an effort Read More
IHM Parish Statement Of Response To Covid-19 Crisis
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church at 3700 Canyon Road. Courtesy/IHM
To Members of the Los Alamos Community:
Recently the New Mexico Department of Health issued “Stay at Home Orders” for all of us living in New Mexico, due to the Covid-19 crisis.
In this challenging time know that the Priest, Deacons and Staff of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish keep everyone in our prayers. We are providing through our website, WWW.IHMCC.org:
- Sunday and Daily Mass;
- Holy Hour;
- Religious Educational opportunities;
- Face Book;
- Flock Notes (Parish Communication Program);
- Covid-19 Crisis Prayer; and
New Mexico March 24, 2020 Public Health Order: FAQs
From the Office of the Governor:
New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel today announced a new public health emergency order effective at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, closing all businesses and nonprofit entities except for those deemed essential, and further restricting mass gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All New Mexicans must immediately heed the directive to stay home except to maintain continuity of functions critical to public health and safety.
Read the Executive Order here.
See the full list of what businesses and services are deemed essential here.
Find the
Chart 8: COVID-19 Daily Cases By County In New Mexico
Chart shows between March 11 and March 23 the daily cases of COVID-19 by county in New Mexico. Courtesy/Eli Ben-Naim
Chart shows the cumulative cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico. Courtesy/Eli Ben-Naim
Chart shows number of cases per 100,000 residents. Courtesy/Eli Ben-Naim
Read More
New Mexico COVID-19 Cases Now At 83
STATE News:
SANTA FE – New Mexico state health officials announced today 18 additional positive tests for COVID-19.
Per the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the most recent cases are:
Four new cases in Bernalillo County:
- A female in her 30s.
- A male in his 70s.
- A male in his 30s.
- A female in her 50s.
Four new cases in Chaves County:
- A female in her 20s.
- A male in his 50s.
- A male in his 20s.
- A female in her 60s.
Six new cases in Doña Ana County:
- A female in 30s.
- A female in 20s.
- A male in his 50s.
- A female in her 50s.
- A female in her 20s.
- A female in her 20s.
Two new cases in San Juan County:
- A female in her 70s.
- A
LAPS Update On COVID-19 Resources
Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus
This is the next in a series of information Los Alamos Public Schools Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus is sending to parents and staff about COVID-19 and the schools closure for the next three weeks.
Dear LAPS Parents and Families,
Here is an Update for Monday March 23.
- The health and safety of our staff and families comes first.
- In a press conference earlier today, the Governor stated:
- “It is possible that the school closure will be extended;” the return date for students and teachers is currently listed as Monday April 6, 2020.
- Beginning tomorrow, spas, gyms, and
New Mexico Enacts Further Restrictions To Stop Spread Of COVID-19, Including Stay-At-Home Instruction
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announcing the latest update on the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and detailing statewide stay-at-home instructions. Screenshot/LADP
From the Office of the Governor:
- Essential Functions To Continue
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced this afternoon additional restrictions to disrupt the spread of the COVID-19 virus in New Mexico and instructed New Mexicans to remain in their homes or places of residence except for outings absolutely necessary for health, safety and welfare.
The order – to be issued by Secretary of Read More
Three Confirmed COVID-19 Cases On Kirtland Air Force Base
Kirtland AFB News:
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE – There are three positive adult cases of COVID-19, two military members and one spouse at Kirtland Air Force Base.
These cases are associated with out-of-state travel and the individuals are in self-isolation.
To mitigate and manage the risks associated with COVID-19, Team Kirtland continues to implement proactive measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among our base population and to ensure continuation of our no-fail missions.
Team Kirtland is in HPCON B-Plus, which dictates maximum use of telework for non-essential personnel. No additional Read More
NMVC: New Mexico Partially Prepared For Recession
NMVC Executive Director James Jimenez
NMVC News:
ALBUQUERQUE—New Mexico Voices For Children (NMVC) reports that New Mexico is among seven states that are fairly well prepared for America’s recession, according to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
NMVC is partnering with CBPP to release this report.
New Mexico ranks in the top 10 of all states on two of the four measures of preparedness for the economic slowdown, which is taking hold amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Having adequate budget reserves and accessible Medicaid coverage are the two policy areas where New Mexico Read More
USDA: New Mexico National Forests Begin Orderly Closure Of Developed Recreation Sites; Visitors Still Welcome
View of Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the Carson National Forest, which is one of the five national forests in New Mexico to begin the orderly closure of developed recreation sites. Courtesy photo
USDA News:
SANTA FE – The five national forests in New Mexico, including the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF), will begin the orderly closure of developed recreation sites as early as today, March 23, to protect public health and safety and align with state and local measures already in place to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
Although campgrounds, day-use sites, restrooms and other developed recreation Read More
Letter To The Editor: Concern For Families Of Lab Workers
By ISAAC GALLEGOS
Los Alamos
I’m concerned about the families of those employees being forced to work at the Lab.
Many come from Bernalillo and Sandoval County where the coronavirus is spreading and increasing daily.
All craft workers are being forced to work and that includes electricians, iron workers, teamsters and operators, pipe fitters and plumbers. They have children at home – it’s not fair.
Many employees are afraid to say anything because they worry that they might be fired. If anyone does get sick the Lab will lose more money in lawsuits than letting us stay home.
The Lab needs to follow Read More
RTD: 8 Routes Suspended/Modified Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
RTD will temporarily suspended or modified eight routes beginning Wednesday, March 25. Courtesy/RTD
RTD News:
While continuing to provide an essential service during the COVID-19 outbreak, the North Central Regional Transit District (RTD) has identified eight of its 29 routes that will be temporarily suspended or modified beginning Wednesday, March 25.
The changes will be in effect until further notice.
Suspended Routes:
- 400 Los Alamos;
- 290 Edgewood; and
- 305 Taos Express.
Modified routes include the 800 Angel Fire route, which will operate Monday through Friday only, no weekend service. Read More
Libertarian Party Addresses Congressional Paralysis
By DANIEL FISHMAN
Executive Director
The Libertarian National Committee
The Libertarian Party calls on the Republicans and Democrats to become aware of the tremendous changes Americans are dealing with in their lives, and to make a similar change in the way Congress operates.
Firstly, it is critical that Congress allow remote voting immediately. In the absence of a functioning congress, the Executive branch has too much power. With members of both the House and Senate stricken, the need is urgent and logical. There are no technical issues that could not be overcome.
Secondly, Congress must Read More
New Mexico Delegation Urges Nuclear Regulatory Commission To Extend Holtec Public Comment Period
New Mexico Delegation News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján, Deb Haaland, and Xochitl Torres Small have sent a letter to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Kristine L. Svinicki, to urge the NRC to delay any public meetings and extend the 60-day public comment period regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Holtec’s proposed spent nuclear fuel storage facility in southeast New Mexico.
The recent guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is that public gatherings should Read More
