Opinion
Economic Effects
From unemployment to small business in crisis. By Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins.
This past month has been a whirlwind as the public health crisis of COVID-19 descended upon Miami-Dade County. Since day one, the District 5 team has been working hard to make sure that residents, businesses, and vulnerable populations have the information and resources needed to get through these challenging times, while still operating as normal. It’s been tough, but I want to thank you for doing your part — staying home; social distancing; and wearing face masks or coverings when in public. It’s your sacrifices that are helping our community get through this more quickly than expected.
I also want to recognize our frontline responders who selflessly leave their homes every day to serve us. To all the doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery store employees, bus drivers, librarians, food delivery workers, and more — you are our heroes who bring us hope.
Unemployment Support
The virus has, in particular, impacted vulnerable groups like the elderly, local business owners, and many residents who are now left without a job. The Florida Reemployment Assistance Program received a tsunami of applications that its system was not prepared for. I have heard your stories of website crashes, waking up at 3 AM to submit an application, and 3–4 hour waits on the phone. That’s why I’ve advocated alongside our state and congressional representatives to pressure the Governor to improve our state’s broken system.
Some improvements have been made including rule changes to the program and a new mobile friendly website which allows“gig workers,” part-timers, and contractors to apply. But, the system is still failing. In fact, Miami-Dade County stepped up to fill the void left by the state by opening 26 libraries so that the unemployed without internet access or a home printer, or that had trouble with the website, could pick-up and drop off paper applications at no charge. In just one day, the Hispanic Branch Library in Little Havana distributed almost 4,000 applications. Applications can also be picked up and mailed out at the Downtown Fedex stores located at 200 South Miami Avenue and 200 South Biscayne.
Small Business Support
Local businesses are suffering too, and our neighboring restaurants need our help. That’s why the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has launched a “Go Local” Program to promote restaurants open for business and to encourage residents to order takeout or delivery. Residents receive 10% off their order by contacting the restaurants directly to place the order instead of ordering through an app. If you have the means and can take a break from cooking, order in and help out. In addition, there are many resources and programs launched by all levels of government to support struggling small businesses.
I encourage all small business owners to apply for the State and Federal disaster relief programs that are available, including the Paycheck Protection Program, the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan, and the State of Florida Disaster Bridge Loan. There are many local organizations that have staffed up and are ready to assist business owners in applying for these programs, such as the Small Business Development Center at FIU. Individuals and small businesses can also visit Axishelps.org for information and assistance with applying for the disaster relief programs.
District 5 Work Continues
Amidst this crisis, rest-assured that District 5’s regular day-to-day work continues.Over the past four weeks alone, we have held virtual meetings with County staff to discuss street and road improvements, facilitated Zoom meetings for neighborhood associations, hosted a webinar for airport concessionaires to learn more about the small business disaster loan programs, and participated in the first ever virtual Board of County Commissioners meeting.
We also took a moment to celebrate National Census Day, and continue to educate our residents on the importance of the once-a-decade survey. If you have not filled out the 2020 Census, please do so today at my2020census.gov. Miami-Dade missed out on a lot of federal funds for roads, schools, and public health when only 76% of households completed the Census in 2010. We need 100% this time around.
What’s Next
While District 5 continues to learn and adapt to existing circumstances, what I know for certain is that our constituents continue to be served and we will keep on working. As the County moves into discussions around recovery and we begin to think about what it will take to bring our community and economy back, I encourage you to continue to stay home and stay healthy.
If you need any assistance from my office, whether it be connecting you to services or someone to talk to, please reach out at 305–375–5924 or District5@miamidade.gov. We will get through this.
