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Policy Areas

Tablet on a desk - Questions and Answers

ODP Announcement 20-043 shares a Tool Kit for Communication and COVID-19 developed by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), Special Populations. It is important that everyone has

access to information on the novel Coronavirus and what is happening in their communities. Effective communication is essential for sharing symptoms people may be having, as well as for complying with medical treatment. The Coronavirus has many people feeling anxious and scared, too; it is important for everyone to have equal access for communicating those feelings.

The Tool Kit is available, as well as two webinars that ODP is hosting, to review each element of the Tool Kit and how to use it most effectively. Please note that each session will be in both English and American Sign Language. To register for a webinar, please use one of the links below.

ODP Announcement 20-042 is to communicate that a public notice will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin Volume 50, Number 15 on Saturday, April 11, 2020. The notice informs stakeholders of the final Fee Schedule Rates for Transportation Trip services funded through the Adult Autism Waiver. The title of the notice is Final Fee Schedule Rates for Transportation Trip Services Funded Through the Adult Autism Waiver. You can obtain the public notice by following this link.

From ACCSES:

The Federal Reserve made an announcement today that it would provide up to $2.3 trillion in loans to boost the economy. One of the loans they are creating is the Main Street Lending Program, which the Fed says “will enhance support for small and mid-sized businesses that were in good financial standing before the crisis by offering 4-year loans to companies employing up to 10,000 workers or with revenues of less than $2.5 billion. Principal and interest payments will be deferred for one year.

Firms seeking Main Street loans must commit to make reasonable efforts to maintain payroll and retain workers. Borrowers must also follow compensation, stock repurchase, and dividend restrictions that apply to direct loan programs under the CARES Act. Firms that have taken advantage of the PPP may also take out Main Street loans.”

The Federal Reserve announcement went on to say, “The Federal Reserve and the Treasury recognize that businesses vary widely in their financing needs, particularly at this time, and, as the program is being finalized, will continue to seek input from lenders, borrowers, and other stakeholders to make sure the program supports the economy as effectively and efficiently as possible while also safeguarding taxpayer funds.” Comments may be sent to the feedback form until April 16. The feedback form is here.

The next Community HealthChoices (CHC) Third Thursday webinar has been scheduled for April 16, 2020 at 1:30 pm. This webinar will focus on COVID-19 updates from the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Deputy Secretary, Kevin Hancock.

In order to receive the call information, members must register prior to the start of the webinar.

Questions regarding the webinar should be directed to the OLTL Bureau of Policy Development and Communications Management at 717-857-3280.