Letter to Maine Horsemen & Women
Maine Horsemen & Women
Like every other family in the world, Maine's harness racing families are trying to cope through this pandemic, Covid-19. Yesterday Major League Baseball's opening day came and went without a ceremonial first pitch thrown. Unfortunately the same will be said for Maine's unofficial first day of spring, opening day at Scarborough Downs a week from today. Under the directive of Governor Janet Mills, the state is in a partial shutdown that limits large gatherings, with the exception of "essential businesses".
The MHHA & MSBOA have been in communication with Scarborough Downs, Penn Gaming and the Maine Racing Commission. The MHHA, MSBOA and Scarborough Downs have been working together trying to iron-out a Risk Management Plan in preparation of getting us back to work as quickly and safely as possible for patrons, horses & horsemen. We will communicate information to the membership as quickly as possible.
We urge our members to heed the directives of President Trump and Governor Mills. Under the blanket of Agriculture it is clear that we can leave our homes to take care of our horses wherever they are currently safely sheltered. They depend on our love and attention. We ask that only the essential number of caretakers as needed, maintain social distancing and deny any unnecessary visitors. Please respect the wishes of the property owners where your horses currently resides, as they are providing shelter for our beloved horses during these trying times.
The Association operates on a strict budget in the best of times, but are now facing a considerable loss in revenue. Despite that fact we intend to continue to serve our members. We are eager to be at the negotiating table when we get through this. We are currently exploring ways to assist our membership during these trying times. The recently passed stimulus package passed by the federal government provides grants, 0% to low interest loans, and unemployment compensation designed to help the self-employed, independent contractors, proprietors, and agricultural businesses. Please navigate the links below, as they pertain to people like you and me.
We will get through this together. Please follow Federal & State directives. Stay home whenever possible. Take care of your family, your horses and yourself.
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has developed interim guidelines to help answer owner and employee questions about essential agriculture, horticulture, and animal care operations (links below). The department’s website containing a broad range of COVID-19 resources is also available @ https://www.maine.gov/dacf/covid19/
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Because Governor Mills acted quickly, Maine is now declared eligible for assistance. Businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals seeking assistance may apply on the SBA website:https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Federal Disaster Loans Assistance for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renter
The main page for all information copy and paste this link: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
For a list of Eligible Disaster Areas; copy and paste this link:
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Declarations/Index
✓ COVID-19 Relief Business Direct Loans: FAME will make special terms available to Maine-based businesses providing loans of up to $50,000 to Borrowers that experience interruption or hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and cannot obtain a loan from a lending partner. Interest rate will be Wall Street Journal Prime minus 1%, currently (2.25%), fixed at commitment with a term no longer than 12 months, and flexible amortization and a lower commitment fee. These special terms are available only on application submitted via the FAME Direct Loan Program on or after March 20, 2020.
How to apply: Application forms and required personal financial statements can be found on the FAME website. Applications, along with required supporting documents, should be emailed to business@famemaine.com. Eligible borrowers will be approved using a streamlined process. For more information on this program see: www.famemaine.com
I will update the links list as I research more avenues of assistance. If you need help in utilizing some of these programs please don't hesitate to call the office 623-6442 or 485-2446.