This week's legislative news
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COVID-19 MSCPA Legislative Brief
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In early March, the MSCPA launched the Coronavirus Resource Center for CPAs and provides you resources, upcoming CPE offerings, legislative updates and more.  

The MSCPA Legislative Brief offers you information and resources available through federal and state governments regarding business loan programs, Department of Labor (DOL) and Department of Health (DOH) updates, and news as it relates to the impacts of COVID-19 on our profession, the economy and our Society.  

We're working to keep you informed in a world that changes by the minute. If you have anything you'd like to share, or if we can help you in any way, please reach out to Zach Donah at zdonah@mscpaonline.org or 617.303.2411, or Larry Liuzzo at lliuzzo@mscpaonline.org or 617.303.2405.

License Renewal Extension Reversed 
During their March meeting, the Board of Public Accountancy voted to extend the June 30 license renewal and CPE requirement deadlines by 90 days after the end of the State of Emergency. Now, there is a discrepancy between that vote and the language in a subsequent Executive Order stating that only licenses that expire during the State of Emergency will be granted an extension. The Division of Professional Licensure (DPL) surmised that because of the possibility the State of Emergency ends before June 30, no extensions will be granted for CPAs. We were surprised and are frustrated with this regulatory reversal and have contacted the Board to share our deep concerns.   
The DPL encourages CPAs to renew before June 30 and to take online CPEs where and when available. Several of our spring seminars and conferences are now virtual events using the same speakers scheduled for our live programs, and we offer hundreds of webinars on a variety of topics. 
 
Check them out here.

The MSCPA is in contact with DPL staff to see that the Board's original vote to extend the license renewal and CPE requirement deadlines is reinstated. We will be in touch once we have clarification.  

To read our letter to the Board urging them to uphold its original vote to extend the deadlines, click here
DOR & IRS Updates
Senate Approves Additional $310B for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
On April 21, the U.S. Senate voted on a $484 billion relief package that includes an additional $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The House is expected to vote on the package by the end of this week.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Links 
Massachusetts Relief Programs
Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund
The relief fund is dedicated to supporting healthcare workers, first responders, frontline essential employees and our most vulnerable neighbors. To learn more, click here.
 
Small Business Relief & Assistance
Some local banks and municipalities may be providing relief for residents and small businesses that are experiencing issues making rent or mortgage payments. Call your city or town hall to inquire. Click here to view a list of available programs.

Safely Support Those in Need during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Many firms and companies are giving back to their communities in a number of creative ways, and the Society would love to highlight your efforts. Please take this brief survey so we can learn how you are (or planning to) give back during this pandemic. Also, please check out this list of Massachusetts organizations you can give back to as an individual or as a firm/company. 
DPH Updates
Click here to read updates from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) regarding COVID-19.
DOL Updates
The Department of Labor (DOL) is now processing Unemployment Insurance (UI) applications for self-employed individuals. To apply, click here.
Massachusetts Health Connector Enrollment Period Extended
The Health Connector extended its enrollment period through May 25, 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. If you've lost your health insurance due to a job loss and want to see if you qualify for health coverage, click here
Connect with Your Peers on The HUB
To ask questions and share resources with your fellow CPAs in Massachusetts, you can always head to our online community. New posts and information are being added every day. Head to The HUB by clicking here.
Don't Miss Our May Issue of SumNews
We know that many of our members get their editions of SumNews delivered to the office. We want to make sure you are staying informed with our magazine, so please take a moment to make sure your home address is updated in your member profile. You can make any updates here.

For additional information, helpful toolkits and resource links, please visit our Coronavirus Resource Center.

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