The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is pained by the violent acts against the AAPI community witnessed this week.  When a minority community is impacted by acts of hate, all minorities feel the sting of intolerance.  It is why we must unite our voices, work together to bring about understanding, embrace our differences, and create change for the better. 

We stand in solidarity with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

Tax Day for individuals extended to May 17: Treasury, IRS extend filing and payment deadline

 
IR-2021-59, March 17, 2021
WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. The IRS will be providing formal guidance in the coming days.
“This continues to be a tough time for many people, and the IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic, while also working on important tax administration responsibilities,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Even with the new deadline, we urge taxpayers to consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds. Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to get refunds, and it can help some taxpayers more quickly receive any remaining stimulus payments they may be entitled to.”
 

PIMA COUNTY, March 16, 2021 – The Pima County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $8 million for the Eviction Prevention/Emergency Rent and Utility Relief Program.

The program, administered by the Community Investment Corporation, is a partnership between the County and the City of Tucson, using funds from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

Tenants impacted by COVID-19 can receive up to 15 months of rent and utilities – 12 months in arrears and three months in advance. For eligibility requirements, more information and to apply, go to tucsonpimaep.com.

The $8 million in funding comes from Pima County’s allocation of $15,188,622.60 from the United States Treasury in this round of rental and utility assistance, with the remaining $7 million being used by the County’s Community Action Agency (CAA) to process claims. The CAA has about 15 trained temporary workers to help get assistance out as quickly as possible, while exploring options to train other County employees in order to ramp up capacity.

President Biden recently signed into law a $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill—the American Rescue Plan Act—which includes long-awaited targeted aid dedicated specifically to the restaurant industry, new provisions for small businesses across other industries, and more money for the Paycheck Protection Program.

Last week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted a Small Business Update with special insights from U.S. Chamber executive vice president and chief policy officer Neil Bradley, CO— content director Jeanette Mulvey, and National Restaurant Association executive vice president Sean Kennedy about the new bill and what it means for small businesses and restaurants.
Click here to watch video and access their website.

Mayor Romero along with City Manager Ortega launched a series of town halls hosted by the City of Tucson.  The first was held March 11th. to provide a platform for community members to voice their priorities for the next fiscal year budget, which begins on July 1.  

Additional dates -
Climate Action and Adaptation Town Hall 
Saturday, March 20th at 10:30 A.M.  
Link to register: To Be Announced

Community Safety Town Hall
Saturday, March 27th at 10:30 A.M.
Link to register: To Be Announced

Resilient Recovery Town Hall 
Thursday, April 8th at 5:30 P.M.
Link to register: To Be Announced