Gov. starts getting Vermonters back to work, promises action on unemployment backlog

MONTPELIER- Gov. Phil Scott announced his first "quarter turn of the spigot" to restart Vermont's economy at his Friday morning press conference.
Gov. Scott said the state's modeling data continues to show a trajectory below earlier projections, and the rate of new cases has dropped from 7% to 4% over the last 12 days. "We're not declaring victory, and we're not out of the woods yet, but we are seeing some daylight," Gov. Scott said. "We'll only continue to see these positive numbers if Vermonters remain committed to social distancing, staying six feet away from others, wearing masks, and washing hands a lot. If we continue to do this we can take small steps to get Vermonters back to work and avoid a spike in cases that would put lives at risk."
Gov. Scott said the first small step toward getting Vermonters back to work will begin next week. "The Agency of Commerce and Community Development has developed a plan to allow certain businesses, such as property management and one- to two-person crews of workers in construction and similar trades, as well as low- or no-contact professional services such as appraisers, realtors, municipal clerks, attorneys, and others to get back to work beginning April 20," he said. "Social distancing is still necessary, so operations are limited to a maximum of two workers at any location, and they must maintain six-foot distances and wear a mask. Like the businesses already operating, they must be sure handwashing and disinfecting procedures are in place, and employees must stay home if they have any symptoms of illness."
Gov. Scott said the administration has also clarified retail guidance, which may allow more stores to open, including, he said, garden supply centers and construction supply stores if they can meet strict safety requirements including taking orders online or by phone only, curbside delivery, and "operating with the minimum number of employees possible." Additionally, Gov. Scott said farmers markets would be allowed to open on May 1, using safety guidelines currently being coordinated by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.
But Gov. Scott cautioned that the return to work would be slow and deliberate, and based on data and science. "This will not be an opening of the floodgates," he said. "Instead, we will slowly turn on the spigot, a quarter turn at a time. In order to win the health and economic battle, each of us, not just me, the government, or the neighbor down the road, has to be smart, and has to be vigilant."
Gov. Scott told Vermonters not to expect a quick return to normalcy. "It's important we don't lose ground and put the same effort into finding ways to work and live with this virus until we find a vaccine. The reality is, until we find a vaccine, we're going to have this virus among us. Vermonters should expect telecommuting and remote work to stay in place for the near future. We still need to reduce contact and contain the spread of the virus." Gov. Scott suggested, however, that each week would bring new plans to open businesses "in a methodical way to protect public health." In other announcements, Gov. Scott said he has given Vermont Labor Secretary Michael Harrington until midnight Saturday to clear the backlog of "flagged" unemployment applications. On Sunday, he said, he would authorize the state treasurer to begin writing $1,200 checks to those who remain on the list, an initial payment of benefits.
Harrington apologized to Vermonters. "I want to tell Vermonters I'm sorry, and we're sorry," he said. "We recognize the situation we're in and the struggle that many are going through. I know that too many are having issues, haven't received any benefits or can't get through to anyone for help. Although we have done a lot to increase our capacity, it simply hasn't been enough to meet the challenges we face. We know that, and we know the pain that too many Vermonters are feeling, and we will get through this. And we know what the governor has said is true, and recognizing the problem doesn't make it any easier. It doesn't put money in the pockets of people who have been waiting for too long, or food on the table for their families or help anyone sleep better at night. That's why we are going to do better."
Harrington said despite expanding call centers, the system was overwhelmed by as many as 700,000 calls per day, as well as an antiquated 1980s mainframe computer system, and rigid federal unemployment regulations that "flag" applications for even minor technical or formatting issues which often require staff to investigate. He said he has sought federal permission to ease the strict guidelines. Harrington didn't say he has received federal backing for faster approvals, but he said the department would begin doing so. "From the start of the emergency, the governor has directed that our department prioritize people over process," Harrington said. "The measures we're taking and will take over the next few days will push and, at times, may even veer aside and outside federal guidelines to help Vermonters and get them help quickly."
Harrington said the department would be ready to begin taking applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for self-employed Vermonters next week.