A few clients are facing new closing orders due to upticks in covid infections. Partly as a result of this, Congress plans on refunding the PPP Loan program but there is no clear statement on whether a business that previously received PPP funds can get another loan. That seems doubtful to me but we shall see.
Additionally, Congress appears near to an agreement that will extend unemployment payments but at a lower amount of $200 rather than $600. The idea is that the $600 made not working more profitable. Duh! Pay people not to work and guess what? THEY DON'T WORK! This brilliance is astounding. Though many clients were able to get back employees but those were highly commissioned employees who could make more that unemployment paid them, had pride in work and had long time clientele they wanted to service and keep for the long haul. Very sensible.
Re- School Reopening
With some small hope that the Teacher's Unions will relent and allow schools to reopen, families where both parents work will get a break and the kids will get back to a somewhat more normal life among learning, friends and routine. Many will get improved nutrition and get watchful eyes over them looking for signs of misuse at home and other difficulties. I think this is a crucial event and from everything I have read and seen, the covid risks are extremely low. My hope is that families can get back to functioning and school is the key.
If anyone has to use additional childcare services, we can use those expenses at tax time to qualify for the Childcare Credit. You must keep receipts to document the expenses and be able to provide detailed information on the care givers whether a business or individual.
Keep at it demanding schools reopen. I'm with you.
Best,
Donn Marier