Nya:wëh sgë:nö’ gagwe:göh,
These are definitely uncertain times for our Nation. The worldwide pandemic, created by novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has created a whirlwind of change of our daily lives. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all our community members. With this, I’d like to express the importance of following the recommendations given by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). These precautions can protect you, your families and our communities. For more information see www.cdc.gov. or www.sni.org.
The limitations created by stay home orders throughout the state and with our economic enterprises closed, the Nation made the difficult decision to implement temporary layoffs. Federal and State Governments have made drastic moves to hold all impacted by COVID-19 waving waiting periods and increasing amounts of benefits in the short term to those. The Nation took many things into consideration during this decision, primarily the long term health of the Nation personally and financially. Be assured that direct benefits such as annuity and elder payments as well as the disability benefits will remain in place through April. During the layoff period the Nation hopes to ease the burden by allowing employees to carry their existing health coverage while waiving employee contributions to health, dental and Life Insurance programs.
The President has also issued an Executive order giving waivers and deferred payment options for Housing renters, buyers and Mortgage participants. However, home owner insurance payments must continue to be made for home protection. The Seneca Nation Economic Development company (SNEDC) will also defer payments through April as well as waive the deferment fee. These steps are taken to help accommodate those who have been financially impacted by this pandemic.
Once our economic engines get back on-line the Nation leadership will work quickly and efficiently on all steps moving forward. This will be dependent on the National, regional, and local landscape on when this will occur. We will continue to be positive, cautious and forthcoming with any information to our community members and workforce. This is a world-wide phenomenon and we are all making the best decisions we can to preserve our health. Please stay home, be safe and stay informed.
