At the end of July (July 25 in Montana, July 31 elsewhere) a significant benefit extended to independent contractors will end.  The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) which has provided an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) will terminate. Even though many independent contractors have been able to return to work fully, many have not or have found that they have decidedly less work. The loss of this additional income will prove critical to many who work as independent contractors, the self-employed, gig workers, and the like.  

As Congress considers new relief, including the extension of FPUC, we encourage you to reach out to your Senators (and others if you wish) urging them to support the extension until January 2021. It could be because you need the extension beyond July 25th.  Perhaps you won't need it right away, but in passing, will ensure that you will receive this benefit in the event it's needed. And in doing so, you will support your fellow guides who are in need of this funding. 

Below find information on how to contact Montana Senators Tester and Daines. Direct links will be the most effective in which to reach out. You will also find talking points on FPUC, guide specific points, and suggestions on how best to write your letter.  It's important to stay focused and clear on your messaging.  Also, don't be fearful of making it personal. This is very personal to you and your colleagues.

If you are a guide or independent contractor from a state other than Montana, click here to find the Senators in your state.

We encourage you to reach out to us if you should have any questions or need assistance.  info@guiderelieffund.com

 1. Fill out the form with information needed. Name, address, etc.
          a. www.tester.senate.gov/?p=email_senator

• Topic: Labor
• Message subject: Extension of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation

          b. www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve

• How can I help you:  Share your opinions or comments…
• Message topic: Labor
• Subject:  Extension of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation

2. Message bullet points.

• As part of the CARES Act that passed on March 27, 2020, unemployment compensation was extended to independent contractors and other workers who are ordinarily ineligible for unemployment benefits. 
• States were then permitted to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to individuals who are self-employed, including independent contractors.
• In addition to unemployment benefits, the new law created the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program (FPUC), which has provided an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting PUA. 
• FPUC benefits will end on July 25.
• As an independent contractor whose livelihood has been impacted by COVID-19, these additional funds are critical and have proven to be a major component of many people's financial lifeline.
• While many independent contractors are able to return to work fully, many continue to struggle with lack of work and income.

3. Guide specific bullet points. (Choose one or two that may resonate with you. Feel free to expand on it and give personal examples.)

• Many have lost a substantial percentage of their income for 2020 and even though their trips coming in, it will take many guides and independent contractors years to recoup the loss.
• Moving forward, with the state open again, in many cases there are more cancellations than booking coming in for many for the remaining season to salvage.
• For those guides who serve as independent contractors, guiding is their main source of income and many do not have options to fall back on.
• The initial cost of guiding, for many this year, may outweigh the benefit of working.
• With the uncertainty of what the rest of the season or summer may look like, many guides will not be able to fill their calendars.  Montana's season was cut in half, it is not feasible to make up the lost revenue.
• Many guides are at the mercy of the government. Reopening the state allowed for our industry, that is tourist based, to resume business.  With that said, many are still struggling to fill days and we are caught in a catch-22.  We want to keep our communities safe, but our clientele is overwhelmingly from out of state.  We are not only putting ourselves at risk but also all customers we interact with.  And potentially more so than other tourist-based industries due to our close and intimate interactions with each person.
• Without the PUA/FPUC assistance, our industry will suffer as many guides will be forced to look for work outside of the industry.
• Now, more than ever, is not the time to remove vital assistance to those that need it most.  

Hints and tips on putting your email together
You know why you’re writing and what to write, but just how should you write it? Here is some advice on giving your letter the right tone and approach.

• Get to the point quickly--don’t ramble in your email. Your senator and their staff are short on time, so keep everything crisp and clear.
• Create a connection—explain who you are and why this particular topic matters to you. Tell them any impact it’s likely to have.
• Stick to one issue, and one issue only—we get that you might have plenty of things to write about but keep it simple and focused. One issue, concern, idea, or opinion per email is what you need.
• Be respectful—if you’re angry, this can be tough, but write with respect. Keep your tone even, you’re more likely to be taken seriously.
• Keep emotion out of it—you may be upset, stressed, extremely concerned, or raging. While it’s fine to mention this in the email, don’t let your emotions drive your writing.
• Don’t threaten, ever—this really goes without saying, but avoid anything that could be considered anything other than you simply airing an opinion, idea, or concern.
• Proofread your message—it’s irrational, but a wrongly spelled word can be irritating. Avoid problems in your email by reading it through a couple of times and checking for punctuation, spelling, typos, and grammar.  

If you, as an independent contractor, have not yet filed for unemployment, a site has been created specifically for those who work as independent contractors, self-employed, or gig workers.  Before you file, have the following items prepared:

• Social security number, date of birth, driver license or state ID, and, if you're not a US citizen, your USCIS Issued Identification number.
• Home address and your mailing address, if different than your home address.
• Cell phone to receive SMS updates and phone calls or home phone number.
• Email address for electronic communication and account access.
• 2019 wage records which may include your W2s, 1099s, K-1s related to partnerships, Pay Stubs, or Bank Statements.
• Bank account and routing numbers if you want to use direct deposits for benefit payments.

Once you have gathered these items, register on the site and file for unemployment benefits.

If you have questions or need assistance, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) office can be reached at  406-444-3382  or PUAClaims@mt.gov

If you have filed for unemployment and haven't received your benefits and/or are unsuccessful in speaking with someone at Montana Works or the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), we encourage you to call or email the Montana Citizens' Advocate.  Their job is in the name - they work to advocate on behalf of Montanans and offers direction and assistance within state government.

Montana Citizens' Advocate Office can be reached at (855) 318-1330 or (406) 444-3468 or by e-mail at citizensadvocate@mt.gov.