The Labor Department is already being criticized for how it is enforcing unemployment assistance. An Alabama subcommittee is evaluating when to re-open the state’s economy. And the stock markets were closed.

It’s a lot to keep up with. Here’s Alabama’s latest economic news -- good and bad. And a few things to know about how swiftly-changing national policies could affect you.

What you need to know tonight

National:

New Labor Department guidelines could make it harder for gig workers like Uber drivers to benefit from unemployment assistance.

The department, led by Eugene Scalia, says gig workers can claim unemployment benefits only if they are “forced to suspend operations” which would hurt drivers and other gig economy employees if the apps they work for are technically still active. It also states workers may be able to return to work within two weeks of quarantining.

“The Labor Department chose the narrowest possible definition of who qualifies for pandemic unemployment assistance,” Andrew Stettner, a senior fellow at the Century Foundation, told The Washington Post.

That approach seemingly defeats some of the purpose of the economic stimulus package to help unemployed Americans survive a growing economic crisis. Writing for New York, Eric Levitz said, “Trump’s Labor Department has been working diligently to ensure that no U.S. worker has it too easy in the middle of a pandemic and burgeoning economic depression.”

State:

As part of a $30 billion initial offering to help the healthcare system, Alabama hospitals will get nearly a half-billion dollars to help them deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

As AL.com’s John Sharp reports, the $449.5 million is meant to “reimburse providers for COVID-19 care for uninsured Americans” as well as reimbursement for Medicare services. As hospitals around the country become overwhelmed with sick patients, this influx of money should make things easier for all involved.

Elsewhere, Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth announced that a subcommittee on reopening the state’s economy has been created and is expected to report findings to Governor Ivey on April 17.

Alabama, like many other states around the country, has been pummeled with rising unemployment claims as the coronavirus shut down businesses across the state. The purpose of the subcommittee, according to Ainsworth, is to provide a road map for how Alabama can start to work its way out of its recent economic crisis while not endangering the health of its citizens given the ongoing health concerns.

“Reopening Alabama’s economy and getting businesses back to work will not be like flipping a light switch,” Ainsworth said, “but it will more likely be accomplished in stages once the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease,”

Market update:

The markets were closed for Good Friday

In case you missed it:

What we’re watching

What happens when a community rallies around your beloved yet struggling business? AL.com’s Michael Casagrande will have an update with the owner of Rama Jama’s in Tuscaloosa after writing on March 25th how the restaurant was doing only a third of its usual business.

Resources

Coronavirus in Alabama: How many infected; where to get tested; key information you need

Coronavirus in Alabama: How to help, how to get help

What happens if you lose your job due to coronavirus?

What to do if you can’t pay your bills

How much will I get from the coronavirus stimulus?

How do you apply for small business funds from the stimulus package?

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