Morning Scoop – Stay At Home Order extended to May 15

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from … The Morning Scoop – Downtown Council of KCMO, April 17, 2020

 

 

Mayor extends Stay-At-Home Order to May 15

Mayor Quinton Lucas extended his “Stay at Home” Order, on Thursday, requiring Kansas Citians to stay at home except for “essential activities,” to Friday, May 15. Prior to his announcement yesterday, the stay-at-home order was due to expire next Friday, April 24. Click here to view the full text of the order.

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Federal Reserve launches Employer Laptop Challenge

Employers are invited to join forces with the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank to get used laptops into the hands of people who need them. It has never been more critical to get people connected.

Closing the digital divide was serious work before COVID-19. It is imperative now. While the effects of the coronavirus may be seen for some time and Americans isolate themselves at home, those without computers and internet are cut off from essential services, from learning, from family and friends. The need is extreme.

Nonprofit refurbishers, usually a source of free or low-cost computers for nonprofits and lower income families, are unable to meet the current demand.

Every day, good, used laptops end up in the landfill or languish in warehouses as businesses and government upgrade. There are many big, vexing, complicated issues related to COVID-19. This is not one of them. This, we can fix.

To learn more and to accept the challenge, the Fed suggests you:

  • Fill out this form to report the number of computers you wish to donate.
  • The Fed will connect you to a qualified nonprofit refurbisher that will accept your computers and get them to those in need.
  • Share your donation on social media. Include a photo and use #LaptopHero so the Fed can acknowledge your donation.

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Sales tax break  on appliances returns Sunday

If you’re thinking of upgrading to a state-of-the-art refrigerator or energy-efficient washer & dryer, then April 19-25 may be the best time to make your move.

KCMO residents can save money and stimulate the economy by participating in Missouri’s Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday. ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances purchased next week within KCMO will be exempt from state and city sales tax.

In fact, purchases made in the portions of KCMO located in Clay, Platte and Cass counties also will be exempt from city, state and county sales tax.

The Sales Tax Holiday exempts state sales tax on retail sales of qualifying ENERGY STAR®-certified new appliances, up to $1,500 per appliance, from Sunday to midnight next Saturday.

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‘The Weekly’ – News to Use

Chris Hernandez, KCMO communications director and a former broadcast journalist, is the featured host of the City’s weekly video series, The Weekly Report. Check it out…

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