General News & Updates
COVID-19 Updates
To date, CEMA has issued information and guidance on the state gouging laws that have been triggered, information on how to protect your employees and customers from the spread of the virus, and now information on unemployment.
We will continue to keep you up to date on state and federal actions that may impact your business.
If you need anything please let us know. Chris Herb can be reached at chris@ctema.com or 860-613-2041.
Business Assistance and Relief
Connecticut has a one-stop resource to help your business rebuild and grow during the State’s COVID response. Including information on - Medical leave reimbursementSmall business loansDisaster assistanceCARES ActPPPExtended tax deadlinesBusiness interruption insurance...
COVID Update May 4
On May 1st Connecticut began to lift some COVID restrictions including - All restaurants, entertainment, recreation, and theaters will be subject to a 12:00 AM closing time.Food Service continues to be required with alcohol service indoors–indoor bars that only serve...
Vaccine Update IX
Vaccine Update IX Accelerated Vaccine Schedule Announced Connecticut announced that the age-based rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine will proceed on a quicker schedule than originally anticipated when it was announced last month. The revised schedule (see below), which...
PPP 2.0 Update – SBA Issues Application Forms
New guidance was released by the Small Business Administration (SBA) today, including new application forms to be submitted to your financial provider. These forms come in two varieties - one for first time applicants, and one form for companies that previously...
CT Minimum Wage Increases September 1
As a reminder, the Connecticut minimum wage will increase on September 1, 2020, from $11 per hour to $12 per hour. There is a helpful document to reference "A Guide to Wage and Workplace Standards Division and Its Laws" found...
Self-Serve Beverage & Revised Facemask Rules Announced
Self-serve Beverage & Revised Facemask Rules Announced New Restroom Signage Recommendations The Department of economic and Community Development (DECD) released guidance on self-serve beverages like coffee and soda fountains, along with revisions to the face...
Business Exemptions for Coronavirus Emergency
Connecticut Exempts Oil, Propane, HVAC and Gasoline Stations/C-stores
DECD List of Essential Business to Operate during COVID-19 Emergency
THE ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES DESIGNATED IN THIS GUIDANCE are not subject to the restriction set forth in Executive Order 7H that will require non-essential businesses to close at 8:00pm tonight (3/23/20).
• Commercial trucking
What if My Employee is Questioned about Travel During the Emergency
Several members have asked CEMA what happens if an employee is pulled over by law enforcement during the shutdown of non-essential businesses.
Who Should Work from Home
DECD and the Governor are asking that to the extent possible, employees of Essential Businesses whose duties are not critical to an Essential Business function should telecommute or utilize any work from home procedures available.Essential Employer & Employee Information COVID-19
While CEMA is waiting for the Department of Labor (DOL) to answer specific questions that our members have asked, we wanted to provide you information that has been issued on a number of unemployment issues that you should be aware of.
Here is some general information covering taxes, DMV, utility shutoff moratorium, unrelated to labor issues that you should be aware of:
- Governor Lamont has ordered that all public schools close starting Tuesday – ENTECH will follow suit and close until March 30th.
- The Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) is ordering the gas, electric, and water utilities to implement a Shut-off Moratorium from terminating service to residential customers.
- The CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) in coordination with the Small Business Administration will be providing small businesses with disaster loans up to $2 million.
- The Connecticut General Assembly has suspended all legislative business until March 30th.
- CT DMV issued a driver hours of service waiver for fuel deliveries in direct assistance to the emergency.
- DMV has extended expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits. March 10, 2020-June 8, 2020 are automatically covered by this extension. No late fees will be assessed for eligible credentials.
- The Governor has ordered that there will be no shutoffs or late fees associated with overdue cable and phone bills.
- The governor banned gatherings larger than 10 people and is working with other states in the region to close restaurants and bars
- CT has reduced the train schedule for the Shore Line East and Hartford lines, with both operating on a weekend schedule Monday-Friday
- Extensions were granted for the Pass-Through Entity tax (a levy for limited liability corporations and other small businesses not subject to the state Corporation Tax).
- Extensions also were granted for the Connecticut Unrelated Business Income Tax. Charitable organizations, social clubs, trade associations and certain other groups that are exempt from the corporation tax pay this other levy if that receive business income that is unrelated to their tax-exempt mission.
- Lamont announced he’s directed the Department of Revenue Services to extend tax return filing and payment deadlines for the state’s corporation tax. Returns for these taxes, which face deadlines between March 15 and June 1, all are extended for 30 days. Their respective payment deadlines also are extended for one month.
This is an unsettled situation for DOL and they are struggling to better respond and adapt to unemployment issues related to laid off employees
The latest guidance we are getting from our contacts at CT DOL is that everyone should file for unemployment, regardless of their current status and eligibility, in order to get their claims into the system. At some point in the future, they will be going into the system and assessing and evaluating each situation on a case-by-case basis.
- FOR WORKERS:To apply and file for unemployment Insurance benefits or get more information about the process and requirements please go to: filectui.com
- FOR EMPLOYERS & WORKERS:For more information about COVID-19 and federal FMLA from USDOL Wage and Hour Division go to: dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/pandemic
Latest Employer/Employee Updates
Business Assistance and Relief
Connecticut has a one-stop resource to help your business rebuild and grow during the State’s COVID response. Including information on - Medical leave reimbursementSmall business loansDisaster assistanceCARES ActPPPExtended tax deadlinesBusiness interruption insurance...
COVID Update May 4
On May 1st Connecticut began to lift some COVID restrictions including - All restaurants, entertainment, recreation, and theaters will be subject to a 12:00 AM closing time.Food Service continues to be required with alcohol service indoors–indoor bars that only serve...
Vaccine Update IX
Vaccine Update IX Accelerated Vaccine Schedule Announced Connecticut announced that the age-based rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine will proceed on a quicker schedule than originally anticipated when it was announced last month. The revised schedule (see below), which...
Federal Regional Hours of Service Waiver Feb 17 – Mar 4
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the Department of Transportation, issued a regional Hours of Service waiver, including Connecticut and surrounding states, effective upon issuance, yesterday, February 17, and valid through 11:59...
Revised Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers Issued
Governor Lamont signed an Executive Order that builds upon his efforts to encourage mitigation strategies that slow down transmission of COVID-19. In addition to the Governors order the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has revised their Safe...
Safe Store & Workplace Rules Update
Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 7BB which goes into effect on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 8:00pm. The Order requires the following - Cloth face coverings or higher level of protection required in public wherever close contact is unavoidable Any person in...
CARES Act Overview
As we've reported, Congress passed and the president signed into law the CARES Act last Friday. While we issued guidance on one part of the law yesterday, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that allows for forgiveable payroll loans, there are actually many more...
Apply for Free Money from the Feds
There are several key takeaways to this program. First, this is free money from the federal government and you should be applying for it. It's a loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) through your local bank that can be forgiven in part or totally. But...
Travel Restriction Advisory Essential Employees
On 3/28, President Trump stated that he may order an "enforceable" quarantine in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey to prevent the spread of the virus. While no federal order has been issued as of 8:00pm this evening, CEMA would like to update you on some important...
Update 2: Law Requiring Small Businesses to Provide Paid Leave Due to Coronavirus
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) that we reported on earlier now goes into effect on Wednesday, April 1 according to the U.S. Department of Labor's website here. There is also a component of family leave to care for a child whose school has closed,...
C-Store Guidance
Our partners at the National Convenience Store Association have a website dedicated to resources that you can use to help C-store owners deal with the coronavirus.
This website contains information on how to conduct a risk assessment, emergency planning and response, and safety precautions & employer guidance.
Safety Precautions & Employer Guidance
NACS encourages C-store owners to become familiar with safety precautions from the CDC and WHO:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water (scrubbing for at least 20 seconds) and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue—discard tissue immediately into a closed bin
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Stay home if you have a fever
- Be vigilant in cleaning common surfaces in the workplace.
The CDC suggests that employees with confirmed cases of COVID-19 or a family member with a confirmed infection should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance on how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance to assess their potential exposure.
Latest C-Store Updates
Revised Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers Issued
Governor Lamont signed an Executive Order that builds upon his efforts to encourage mitigation strategies that slow down transmission of COVID-19. In addition to the Governors order the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has revised their Safe...
Safe Store & Workplace Rules Update
Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 7BB which goes into effect on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 8:00pm. The Order requires the following - Cloth face coverings or higher level of protection required in public wherever close contact is unavoidable Any person in...
CT Fuel Waiver-RVP and ASTM Requirements
Connecticut has waived the fuel volatility standards that are required by state regulation to shift on April 1st to a lower volatility to comply with ASTM Designation D-4814-19a. The state said that the waiver is justified due to unexpected oversupply of higher...
CT Gouging Statute Triggered
The Governors deceleration also triggers Connecticut General Statutes Section 42-230, the state law prohibiting profiteering (gouging) during emergencies. Attorney General William Tong has issued guidance on the states price gouging laws and how they may be impacted...
CDC Recommendations
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides specific recommendations for cleaning and disinfection of community facilities
The CDC also has guidance on Disinfecting Your Facility if Someone is Sick
Connecticut Local Health Department Issue Guidances
The Pomperaug District Department of Health issued a document that details on food service. The guidance is based on Gvoernor Lamont’s Executive order 7D.
CEMA recommends you consult with you local health district on any directives they have issued.
To locate your local health district go to – CT Local Health
National Industry Association Resources
The following websites are maintained by CEMA and our industry partners to help keep our members up to date on COVID-19.
Local Coronavirus Resources
Updates from the State on COVID-19
Updates from CT Dept. Public Health
Below is one of the most comprehensive websites providing information on the virus to keep you informed about its local spread and preparedness.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Resources
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a website for businesses and employers to help them plan, prepare and respond to the coronavirus. Click below –
All Coronovirus News & Updates
Business Assistance and Relief
Connecticut has a one-stop resource to help your business rebuild and grow during the State’s COVID response. Including information on - Medical leave reimbursementSmall business loansDisaster assistanceCARES ActPPPExtended tax deadlinesBusiness interruption insurance...
COVID Update May 4
On May 1st Connecticut began to lift some COVID restrictions including - All restaurants, entertainment, recreation, and theaters will be subject to a 12:00 AM closing time.Food Service continues to be required with alcohol service indoors–indoor bars that only serve...
Vaccine Update IX
Vaccine Update IX Accelerated Vaccine Schedule Announced Connecticut announced that the age-based rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine will proceed on a quicker schedule than originally anticipated when it was announced last month. The revised schedule (see below), which...
Federal Regional Hours of Service Waiver Feb 17 – Mar 4
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the Department of Transportation, issued a regional Hours of Service waiver, including Connecticut and surrounding states, effective upon issuance, yesterday, February 17, and valid through 11:59...
CDL License Renewal Extended to Feb. 28
Report by Rick Schweitzer, NEFI Regulatory Counsel (rpschweitzer@rpslegal.com) The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended its waiver on the validity of expired CDLs and Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs) through February 28, 2021. The waiver...
PPP 2.0 Update – SBA Issues Application Forms
New guidance was released by the Small Business Administration (SBA) today, including new application forms to be submitted to your financial provider. These forms come in two varieties - one for first time applicants, and one form for companies that previously...
CT Minimum Wage Increases September 1
As a reminder, the Connecticut minimum wage will increase on September 1, 2020, from $11 per hour to $12 per hour. There is a helpful document to reference "A Guide to Wage and Workplace Standards Division and Its Laws" found...
Self-Serve Beverage & Revised Facemask Rules Announced
Self-serve Beverage & Revised Facemask Rules Announced New Restroom Signage Recommendations The Department of economic and Community Development (DECD) released guidance on self-serve beverages like coffee and soda fountains, along with revisions to the face...
Governor Lamont’s Executive Order
Rebuttable Presumption of Workers Compensation Eligibility Against the objections of dozens of trade associations and hundreds of businesses including CEMA and our members, Governor Lamont decided to issue an Executive Order (EO) to allow employees who contracted...
PPP Update: Loan Forgiveness Application
Authored by Michael F. Maglio, Endicott Peabody, Taylor A. Shea, Jeffrey L. Volpintesta, and Barrett P. Wilson-Murphy On May 15, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury (Treasury), released the Paycheck...
May 20th Reopen Information
Last week, we shared with you Governor Lamont's reopening plan that businesses who fall in to Phase I must follow. The first phase – which includes restaurants; offices; hair salons and barbershops; retail stores; and outdoor museums and zoos – is scheduled to take...
May 20th Reopen Plan Released
During Governor Lamont's news briefing yesterday, the Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman outlined some of the details for Phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening plans on May 20. This morning, documents containing guidance for...
RVP Waiver Extension
As you are aware, CEMA has been negotiating with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Consumer Protection for weeks about clarifying and extending the RVP waiver already proposed by the federal government. The waiver language was...
CEMA’s COVID-19 Heroes Nominations Now Open
We would like to thank all of our members for the important role you are playing during this public health crisis. As an essential business, you and your employees bravely face the public every day to make sure that they can fill up their cars, ensure that their...
Revised Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers Issued
Governor Lamont signed an Executive Order that builds upon his efforts to encourage mitigation strategies that slow down transmission of COVID-19. In addition to the Governors order the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has revised their Safe...
DEEP Issues Policy on Enforcement Discretion
The Department Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced a new enforcement policy that will provide broad leniency to regulated entities that encounter "extenuating circumstances" associated with the COVID-19 emergency that would prevent you from fully...
Safe Store & Workplace Rules Update
Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 7BB which goes into effect on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 8:00pm. The Order requires the following - Cloth face coverings or higher level of protection required in public wherever close contact is unavoidable Any person in...
CARES Act Overview
As we've reported, Congress passed and the president signed into law the CARES Act last Friday. While we issued guidance on one part of the law yesterday, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that allows for forgiveable payroll loans, there are actually many more...
Apply for Free Money from the Feds
There are several key takeaways to this program. First, this is free money from the federal government and you should be applying for it. It's a loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) through your local bank that can be forgiven in part or totally. But...
Tax Deadlines Extended – Sales, IFTA, Income, Business…
Connecticut Filing & Payment Deadlines for Sales Taxes Extended The Department of Revenue Services (DRS) announced that it is providing immediate tax relief to Connecticut small businesses. What small business taxpayers qualify for this relief? Taxpayers that...
Travel Restriction Advisory Essential Employees
On 3/28, President Trump stated that he may order an "enforceable" quarantine in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey to prevent the spread of the virus. While no federal order has been issued as of 8:00pm this evening, CEMA would like to update you on some important...
CT Fuel Waiver-RVP and ASTM Requirements
Connecticut has waived the fuel volatility standards that are required by state regulation to shift on April 1st to a lower volatility to comply with ASTM Designation D-4814-19a. The state said that the waiver is justified due to unexpected oversupply of higher...
Update 2: Law Requiring Small Businesses to Provide Paid Leave Due to Coronavirus
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) that we reported on earlier now goes into effect on Wednesday, April 1 according to the U.S. Department of Labor's website here. There is also a component of family leave to care for a child whose school has closed,...
DECD to Close Bridge Loan Application Today (3/27/20) at 6:00pm
At 6 p.m. today, DECD will stop accepting applications for the Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan program. We have seen significant demand for the program, receiving over 4,000 applications since the program went operational yesterday morning. Within the last 24 hours,...
My Employee Tested Positive for COVID-19. Now What?
There are two things you can consider: your employee's employment status, and his or her health and medical status. The employment status is relatively straightforward in comparison. 1] You pay them not to work and they stay home. Then as of April 1, the paid federal...
New 0% Bridge Loan Program Just Announced – Act Now!
High Demand Expected - Get In Early! ACT NOW!!! First come first serve! The Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program is now live (March 25th 10:00pm) on the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) website. Click here to go to the DECD page:...
Governor Lamont and DECD Address Small Businesses
Last week, Governor Lamont and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner(DECD) David Lehman held a conference call with over 2,000 business owners addressing the many challenges businesses are facing during this unprecedented pandemic. Below are...
List of Essential Workers Released
On Friday, CEMA reported that oil, propane, gasoline/c-store and HVAC businesses were included on the list of essential workers. Tonight, the Department Economic and Community Development (DECD) released a more detailed list of industries'/workers that will be allowed...
Congressman Larson holds Town Hall Teleconference
On March 22, Congressman Larson updated Connecticut residents of what Connecticut's congressional leadership is doing amidst the Pandemic. As of 3/23/2020 there has been 72,000 unemployment claims ith 10-16k applications being filed daily through filectui.com If your...
Governor Issues Executive order 7H
ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE At 8:00pm this evening (Fri. March 20th), Governor Ned Lamont issued Executive Order 7H that will require all non-essential businesses and not-for-profit entities to reduce their in-person workforces...
Guidance on Panic Buying
We’re seeing the panic begin to set in with the Governor’s announcement today of shutting down non-essential businesses (but not you) – run on the banks, empty bread aisles at grocery stores, and now homeowners asking you to top off their fuel. If your customer is on...
CT Orders Non-essential Workers to Stay Home During Public Health Emergency
Governor Ned Lamont just announced that he will order all workers at “non-essential” businesses to stay home during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. CEMA members have been asking if oil, propane, gasoline/c-stores, and HVAC are exempted from this order. While the Order...
Revised Bill Signed into Law Requiring Small Businesses to Provide Paid Leave Due to Coronavirus
The following information is provided by Adams and Reese LLP Adams and Reese LLP provides leadership strategies and proactive legal solutions to clients by assembling teams of attorneys and advisors to identify issues, solve problems and maximize opportunities. This...
Connecticut Issues Hours of Service Waiver
The State of Connecticut has issued a driver Hours of Service waiver for motor carriers who are involved in the direct assistance of the emergency. “Direct assistance” means transportation and other relief services provided by a motor carrier or its driver(s) incident...
Federal Help
Following agreement by President Trump and Congressional House Democrats early this morning, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a massive coronavirus spending bill that will give Connecticut more than $400 million in additional funding and guarantee all...
Business Assistance (CT DECD and US SBA)
CT DECD has begun rolling out support for Connecticut small businesses in a number of programs and will be expanding these in next few days. If you have an existing Small Business Express Loan (SBEx) loan with DECD, they will defer loan payments immediately for the...
Additional CT Department of Labor Information
Unemployment benefits will now be available to workers whose employer needs to temporarily shut down or slow down business. Employees who are furloughed by the emergency, but expect to return to work can access up to at least 6 weeks of benefits. Employers reducing...
Service Tech & CSR Recommendations for COVID-19 Prevention
Michael Sanzo of Imperial Oil (South Windsor) and Chairman of CEMA's Next Generation Leadership Council, recently reached out to his State Senator, Saud Anwar, (who happens to be physician who specializes in pulmonary issues) about the COVID-19 virus. Michael asked if...
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont Declares Public Health Emergency
Connecticut has followed suit, after several states in our region have acted to prevent the spread COVID-19 coronavirus, by declaring a civil preparedness and public health emergency. Although there have been only two confirmed cases in the state, recent action by New...
Civil Preparedness and Public Health Emergencies Declared
Today, Governor Lamont signed declarations invoking both a civil preparedness emergency and a public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The emergency declarations provide the Governor with the authority to take actions determined necessary to...
CT Gouging Statute Triggered
The Governors deceleration also triggers Connecticut General Statutes Section 42-230, the state law prohibiting profiteering (gouging) during emergencies. Attorney General William Tong has issued guidance on the states price gouging laws and how they may be impacted...