Unemployment Benefits on the Way to Self-Employed Tennesseans
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee sparked outrage among Tennessee’s many independent musicians, artists, and self-employed workers on Monday when he said he was undecided if Tennessee would follow federal guidelines to extend unemployment benefits to the state’s self-employed workers as provided for by the Federal CARES Act.
Lee’s indecision lasted less than 24 hours — possibly motivated by a blitz of emails and calls from concerned citizens organized by the Nashville Musicians AFM Local 257. At his Tuesday press conference, Lee said, “Self-employed Tennesseans need this assistance. We’re working with the federal government to make sure that they get it. We are hopeful for a quick resolution to this.”
While some updates have been made to the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development website regarding applications for self-employed workers, further updates are still in the works according to state officials, and claims filed by self-employed individuals that have been denied in the past week will be reviewed under new guidelines. To apply for benefits or to check on your existing application visit jobs4tn.gov. Self-employed individuals should consult this page for additional information on filling out their application. Additional resources and updates can be found at the AFM Local 257website.
COVID-19 Financial Relief Resources – Updates
As we noted last week, applications are now being accepted from small businesses for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), both backed by the Small Business Administration. These loans to small businesses, 1099 contractors, non-profit organizations, and sole proprietors affected by the March 3 tornado or the pandemic can be applied to payroll costs, rent, interest on mortgage debt, and utilities. The application window opened on April 3 for small businesses, sole proprietorships, and non-profits and is opening today, April 10, for independent contractors and self-employed individuals. For more information and to apply, visit the SBA website.
The United Way of Greater Nashville’s COVID-19 Response Fund announced another $520,000 in grants to 27 additional local organizations this week. For a complete list of grants and to make a donation, visit the COVID-19 Response Fund website.
Be Essential and Help Essential Workers!
Stuck at home but looking for a way to help with Nashville’s response to COVID-19? Make masks for Nashville’s essential public workers!
Mayor Cooper is calling on Nashville residents to create and donate homemade masks for essential city employees, including bus drivers, sanitation workers, utility staff, and more. For instructions on how to sew masks visit asafenashville.org/homemade-masks and then drop off your handiwork at:
The Community Resource Center
218 Omohundro Place
Nashville, TN 37210
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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People Supporting Artists Telethon This Weekend
This Saturday, April 11, the non-profit People Supporting Artists will hold their first online telethon in support of the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, benefiting artists, musicians, and music support workers whose income have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Broadcast live out of H.O.M.E. studios in East Nashville and co-hosted by WSM Radio’s Eric Marcum and Lightning100’s Annie Klaver, the event will be directed by acclaimed indie filmmaker Curtis Wayne Millard, with original music composed by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. The line-up will include Rosanne Cash, John Oates, Keb Mo, Los Lobos (David Hidalgo & Louie Pérez), Shovels & Rope, Soccer Mommy, Jonathan Wilson, Hayes Carll, The Lone Below (Zach Williams), Aaron Lee Tasjan, Jay Buchanan (Rival Sons), Molly Tuttle, JD McPherson, Langhorne Slim, Nicole Atkins, Ron Pope, Kelsey Waldon, Andrew Combs, Jamie Kent, Michaela Anne, Brian Wright & Sally Jaye, Blackfoot Gypsies and many more, all performing from their homes or other socially distant safe locations via video streams.
The People Supporting Artists Telethon will take place Saturday, April 11, starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. For more info, to donate, and to tune in via your phone, computer, or smart TV, visit PeopleSupportingArtists.org.
Take Out and Eat In (at Home)
A reminder that we’re continuing to update our page of Restaurants Offering Take Out & To Go. Several restaurants have temporarily ceased operating while others are now offering take-out and delivery menus. Take-out food from restaurants continues to be a great way to support local businesses along while saving some time for other stay-at-home activities. If you have updates or additions for the list, please contact the editor at randy@theeastnashvillian.com.
The East Nashvillian — Delivered to Your Door
Finally, don’t forget our new print issue is now available! It features coverage of the March 3 tornado, focusing on the amazing Nashvillians that came together in the days following the tragedy to help dig out and rebuild our community, along with other great, local stories like a profile of guitar master and East Nashvillian Robben Ford, a behind the scenes look at a new documentary focusing on gay women in Southern music, and much more. For the lowdown on how this special issue came together, check-out this special statement from our editor, Chuck Allen, and check out the online version here.
You can pick up a paper copy of this special issue at any of the outdoor street boxes listed below, and be on the lookout for a special announcement on how you can have The East Nashvillian delivered safely and directly to your front door!
Bongo East — 107 S. 11th St.
The 5 Spot — 1006 Forrest Ave.
Margaret Maddox YMCA — 2624 Gallatin Pike
4 Stop Market — 1401 Woodland St
Rosepepper Cantina — 1907 Eastland Ave.
Vinyl Tap — 2038 Greenwood Ave.
Marathon Village — 1300 Clinton St.
The Arcade — 65 Arcade Alley
Arnold’s Country Kitchen — 605 8th Ave. S.
Bar Otaku — 505 12th Ave. S.
Broadway Brewhouse — 1900 Broadway
Fido — 1812 21st Ave. S.
Noshville Deli — 4014 Hillsboro Circle
