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Dear John:
With the outbreak of COVID-19, I’ve been working full time to support Governor Bullock, not campaigning. This has been a challenging time, but one where we’re seeing Montanans pull together and make sacrifices to help their communities stop the spread of COCVID-19.
I want to give you important information on the actions the Governor took this week to increase social distancing and help for workers and businesses impacted by the spread of COVID-19, which is also summarized in a message from Governor Bullock published in newspapers this morning:
CLOSURE OF CERTAIN BUSINESSES: On Friday, Governor Bullock announced the closure of dine-in food service, alcoholic beverage businesses and other activities that pose increased health risks. The following places are closed to occupancy by the public:
- Restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses, and other similar establishments offering food or beverage for on-premises consumption.
- Alcoholic beverage service businesses, including bars, taverns, brew pubs, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, tasting rooms, special licensees, clubs, and other establishments offering alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
- Health clubs, health spas, gyms, aquatic centers, pools and hot springs, indoor facilities at ski areas, climbing gyms, fitness studios, and indoor recreational facilities.
- Movie and performance theaters, nightclubs, concert halls, bowling alleys, bingo halls, and music halls.
- Casinos.
*Many of these businesses are delivering food and now alcoholic beverages. I supported two local businesses today by ordering growlers and dinner. Please support your local business community and check to see if your favorite places are delivering.
TRAVEL ADVISORY: Governor Bullock issued a travel advisory for Montanans who traveled internationally. If you have traveled internationally, please self-quarantine for 14 days and contact your local health department HERE.
TESTING ASSISTANCE and TELEMEDICINE: Bullock announced the State of Montana will pay for COVID-19 tests and treatment for all uninsured Montanans. Access to telemedicine services are also expanded to Medicaid patients. For more information, please call 406-444-7605 or email [email protected]
HELP FOR WORKERS: Unemployment benefits have been expanded to workers laid off, quarantined, or who are caring for a sick family member. The one week waiting period has also been waived. People who are eligible for these benefits can apply online at: www.montanaworks.gov or contact the Unemployment Insurance Division at: (406) 444-2545.
HELP FOR BUSINESSES: Montana small businesses in all 56 counties can apply for emergency loans through the federal Small Business Administration (SBA). Businesses can apply directly to the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
TAX FILING EXTENSION TO JULY 15: Montana’s filing deadline for 2019 individual income taxes has been extended to July 15 in accordance with the new federal tax deadline. Tax resources are available at: https://mtrevenue.gov/taxes/
Thanks again for your help to share the word about these actions and the resources available to impacted Montanans. Social distancing is the most important action Montanans can take to stop the spread of this disease.
Please follow these measures, for your friends, family, and neighbors. We all have the power to stop the spread of infection by practicing social distancing, washing our hands, not touching our faces, and being extra careful around our friends, neighbors and colleagues who are over 60 or have compromised immune systems.
Together, we will get through this and protect Montanans from a serious public health crisis across our state.
Thanks again for your support during this challenging time. Together, we can overcome this and protect Montanans.
Sincerely,
-Raph Graybill
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