Extra time: People who lost jobs or income because of the flooding across south Louisiana have more time to apply for disaster unemployment assistance, The Associated Press reports. The Louisiana Workforce Commission announced today that it was extending the application period to Oct. 14 in the 20 parishes that were part of the federal disaster declaration. The unemployment assistance is available from Aug. 14 through Feb. 18. The aid is available to people who can’t work because of flooding damage to their job site or an injury from the flooding—and who don’t qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Applications can be filed online or by phone at 1-866-783-5567. The workforce commission is encouraging people to apply through the website, warning that delays are likely if someone tries to file by phone.
Raising funds: ESPN Radio’s Ryen Russillo and Danny Kanell are using their national radio show to raise funds to support the Capital Area United Way’s flood relief efforts. Through the course of the show today and through 1:30 p.m. Friday, donors who give $10 or more to the relief efforts can qualify to win a gameday package for the LSU-Alabama home game on Nov. 5. The package includes two game tickets, sideline passes, airfare for two, Friday night dinner for two, hotel accommodation, a pregame tailgate, VIP seating at a live broadcast as well as a meet and greet with Ryen Russillo and Danny Kanell. The Russillo & Kanell Show airs daily from noon to 3 p.m. on 104.5 FM and on ESPN Radio stations across the country. Donations can be made by texting LAFLOOD to 313131.
Around the table: Louisiana Economic Development has launched a diversity committee for small business growth. According to a news release, the goal of the Diversity Committee on Small Business is to identify, align, strengthen and connect specific programs and resources to women- and minority-owned businesses. The committee also will allow the state to build interconnected systems to provide opportunities and resources through diversity, the release says. In addition, it will seek to identify gaps not addressed by existing programs and find ways to fill gaps to provide better assistance to businesses. The group will initially focus on providing assistance to women- and minority-owned businesses impacted by the August flooding.
