CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - More money will be available for New Hampshire’s small businesses and nonprofits in federal coronavirus relief funds than recommended by a legislative advisory board, with a total amount of $595 million going to wide-ranging needs in the state, Gov. Chris Sununu said Friday.
The money will come from New Hampshire’s $1.25 billion in relief aid received last month. About $255 million has already been spent. After the latest amount is distributed, about $400 million would be left to use by the rest of the year.
The legislative board of the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery had recommended $100 million for small and medium-size businesses, particularly those that did not receive federal loans to cover payroll during the pandemic. Nonprofit organizations would get $30 million. Sununu upped the amounts to $400 million for businesses, and $60 million for nonprofits. He said the initial plans were to spread out the money over more time, but the decision was made to front load it.
“The apex of need is now,” he said.
Businesses can fill out pre-grant applications now through May 29 online at revenue.nh.gov or goferr.nh.gov. Those that are approved would have to fill out a second application to get final approval.
An additional $50 million was granted to an emergency Health Care Relief Fund, with $30 million being set aside for long-term health care facilities, and $20 million going to hospitals and health care groups. The board had proposed $100 million for hospitals. Sununu noted that hospitals are receiving nearly $500 million in separate federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Money provided for higher education, child care, the New Hampshire Food Bank and agriculture was along the lines of what was proposed.
Other developments:
LEGISLATURE RETURNS
New Hampshire’s lawmakers say they’re returning for legislative sessions in June, but meeting outside of their respective chambers at the Statehouse - the first time since the Civil War.
Instead of meeting at Representatives Hall, the 400-member House - one of the largest legislative bodies in the English-speaking world - will meet at the Whittemore Center at the University of New Hampshire in Durham on June 11. The arena is home to the UNH Wildcats Hockey and is used for other large events.
“We need a place that is large enough to allow us to socially distance while not being so large as to create its own logistical problems,” Speaker of the House Stephen Shurtleff said in an announcement Friday.
Shurtleff added, “We understand for many of you that coming to a House session in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic can be frightening.”
He said each member will have a temperature check prior to entering the arena. Also, per UNH guidelines, each member will be given an N-95 respirator mask. Members will have to wear them inside, Shurtleff said.
The 24-member Senate will meet in Representatives Hall. Lawmakers are working on a date.
The Legislature suspended activities in mid-March, when state emergency orders went into effect regarding the coronavirus.
Separately, as some New Hampshire communities consider proposals on face coverings in public during the pandemic, members of the Democrat-controlled House are urging Republican Gov. Chris Sununu to issue a temporary order requiring them. They sent him a letter Thursday signed by 178 House Democrats.
Sununu’s spokesman responded: “The governor recommends wearing a mask in scenarios where social distancing cannot be practiced, like when he goes grocery shopping, but does not believe a mandate is needed at this time.”
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THE NUMBERS
As of Friday, 3,464 people had tested positive for the virus, an increase of 88. Eight new deaths were announced, for a total of 159. There was one new outbreak at a long-term care facility, the Villa Crest Nursing Home and Retirement Center in Manchester.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.
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