COVID-19 Update – Part 2

06 May COVID-19 Update – Part 2

This afternoon, Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Karen Salmon, announced public schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic school year. As a father of two public school students, I understand how much we all wanted to get back to some sense of normalcy. However, the priority is to keep everyone safe and healthy. As a result, the school year will be  completed via online and distance learning . The Maryland State Department of Education is working on releasing a long-term comprehensive plan for education going forward.

Decisions regarding graduation for the class of 2020 will be announced by Montgomery County Public School’s Superintendent Dr. Jack Smith at a later time. The Maryland State Department of Education has been assured by each superintendent in the state that graduating seniors will have the opportunity to be recognized for their exceptional accomplishments.

Governor Larry Hogan also amended his  executive order  to allow the following low-risk outdoor activities to resume starting tomorrow,  May 7, at 7 am : golf, tennis, boating, fishing, and camping. State parks will re-open, including all state beaches for walking and exercise, and playgrounds.

Under this executive order, the Maryland Department of Health will issue guidelines, effective immediately, to allow elective procedures at the discretion of local hospitals and health care providers.

Please keep in mind  this virus is still present in our community . It is vitally important to take personal responsibility by practicing social distancing, and follow CDC guidelines. When appropriate continue to wear a mask and wash your hands.

Senatorial Scholarship

Due to COVID-19, the District 14 Senatorial Scholarship for 2020-2021  deadline has been extended to Monday, May 25, 2020. 
The application is now available to students living in District 14 who will be attending a Maryland College or University for the next school year. If you have yet to submit your application, please submit all required documents via email to Craig.Zucker@senate.state.md.us.
Please click here to fill out the application. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office via email.

Unemployment Insurance

The Department of Labor has now launched their new BEACON One-Stop application for Unemployment Insurance. People who are self -employed, independent contractors, gig workers, or have insufficient work history can now apply online Although you should still anticipate delays, this application is helping to process thousands of applications more per-day. In order to prevent the system from crashing, a virtual queue has been added.

The Department of Labor has started posted BEACON Tutorial Videos – found here – to assist you in activating your account, filing your weekly certification, applying for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

What Days Can You Apply?
Sundays & Mondays – ONLY people filing their weekly claim certifications are able to file. If you are unable to file your certification on Sunday or Monday, you are not restricted from filing it on any other day.
Tuesday-Saturday – Anyone may file new claims as well as complete any other forms.

If you have questions about this new application, please read The Department of Labor’s BEACON One-Stop FAQs . For help with your username and password, visit our  BEACON One-Stop Username and Password Handbook . To directly access the new BEACON One-Stop application, please visit  https://beacon.labor.maryland.gov/claimant/ .

Contacts
If you are having difficulty placing a call or accessing the website, claimants can e-mail questions to  ui.inquiry@maryland.gov . Employers can e-mail questions to  dluiemployerassistance-labor@maryland.gov  or contact 410-767-2412.

Claims may only be filed by phone or online; claims cannot be filed by e-mail.The Department of Labor strongly encourage employers to contact the Division of Unemployment Insurance by emailing  UI.BulkClaim@maryland.gov  or calling 410-853-1700 to initiate the bulk claims process.

Frequently Asked Questions
If you have general questions about filing a claim for unemployment insurance or receiving benefit payments, please visit our  General Unemployment FAQs .

If your employment or business has been impacted by the coronavirus, please read our  COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions .

If you have questions about the work search requirement exemption, please visit the  Work Search FAQs .

If you have questions about filing your weekly claim, please visit our  Weekly Claim Certification frequently asked questions.

If you have questions about the CARES Act, please visit our  CARES Act FAQs .

If you have questions specifically about the $600 weekly payment, please visit our  Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation FAQs .

If you have questions about filing your 1st quarter reports, please read our  1st Quarter Reports FAQs .

If you are an employer interested in the Work Sharing program, please read the  Work Sharing FAQs .

Employers should also read our  Bulk Claims For Frequently Asked Questions  to determine if they are eligible for this service.

Stay in Touch

My staff and I along with the rest of the District 14 Team are continuing to work around the clock to assist constituents that are in need. If we can be of any assistance to you, please email the District 14 team at Craig.Zucker@senate.state.md.us, Eric.Luedtke@house.state.md.us, Anne.Kaiser@house.state.md.us, and Pam.Queen@house.state.md.us for the fastest response.

Best Wishes,

Craig J. Zucker
Maryland State Senate
District 14