COVID-19 impacted our circumstances in a profound way. First, Kilgore Economic Development Corp. hopes you are well. We also want to support the community and employers in Kilgore. That is true always, but especially when our circumstances are rapidly changing. Be assured that KEDC has the tools and capability to rise to this challenge and help the community. KEDC was created in response to crisis in the 1980s and has responded through the years by nurturing a cohesive and successful economic strategy. Below please find sources of support and relief:
Kilgore Support
To address the effects of COVID-19, Kilgore Economic Development Corporation established Kilgore Cares, a COVID-19 Crisis Program that addressed the needs of various Kilgore businesses impacted by the adverse economic impacts of the novel coronavirus.
The COVID-19 Crisis Economic Development Performance Agreements for industrial employers provided financial relief to approved applicants. The program was structured as a forgivable loan, for a term of one year. All agreements were compliant, and Kilgore's existing industry base remains strong.
Business Resources
Steps to Reopen Texas: Individuals, employers, employees, and customers are encouraged to review, print out, and follow the MINIMUM health protocols recommended by DSHS in the checklists located in the Governor's Strike Force to Open Texas in addition to federal and state employment laws and workplace safety standards. The DSHS minimum recommended health protocols are subject to change based on new and evolving information.
Information for Employers
The Texas Workforce Commission is a great source that can assist small businesses during these turbulent times. Visit the TWC website for resources available to employers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19.Services include:
Assisting businesses with managing and preventing lay-offs
Available statewide network of Workforce Solutions Offices
Continuation of job matching and training services
Ongoing communication with employers to provide information and updates about services and resources
Find more Resources for Employers: The Commissioner for Employers legal team is available Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to answer employment law questions.
TWC has launched an Unemployment Insurance document portal so employers can now submit requested claim documents or provide important benefits information through the online portal. Click here to go to the Employer UI Submission Upload portal.
Information for Job Seekers
Update 01.05.2021 - Emergency Coronavirus Relief to Further Extend Unemployment Assistance to Texans
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued guidelines to assist the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) in the implementation of the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act of 2020 (CAA). Payments under this legislation are authorized for the payment week ending January 2, 2021. The act will provide up to 11 additional benefit weeks to Texans on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).
CAA extends the unemployment benefits claim programs created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Key provisions of the act include:
The Dec 26, 2020 deadline for expiration of CARES Act benefits has been extended to March 13, 2021.
The legislation includes an extra $300 per week for eligible claimants who are unemployed and receiving benefits during the covered weeks.
TWC will automatically enroll all Texans who are eligible for benefits under the act. There is no need for people to call or reapply. For individuals unable to request payment due to having exhausted their claims in advance of the previous December 26 deadline, TWC will send them updated information.
For more information on COVID-19 and unemployment benefits, visit: https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-job-seekers.
Workforce Solutions East Texas: Contact career advisers at 1-844-ETWORKS (844-389-6757) for individual assistance or visit www.WorkInTexas.com. Workforce Solutions East Texas had created a free series of webinars to assist East Texans manage their time and maximize their skillsets while they are home or working reduced hours. These are free to attend you just need to register your attendance in advance. View the full list of webinars and register here.