Updates On The Coronavirus Aid, Relief And Economic Security Act

Words: Dan Kamys

Stimulus Checks
Good news! Those on Social Security who don’t file tax returns (because their income is too low) will indeed get stimulus checks. 

  • How much money will you get? Use this simple calculator to find out. 
  • On disability or getting veteran's benefits? As of now, if you didn't file in 2018/2019 because your income from SSDI or veteran's benefits was too low to owe income tax, you should file for 2019 right now in order to get a check. You obviously won't owe money in taxes, and it's a one-page form for most people in that situation. 

SBA Paycheck Protection Loans
Today is the day to apply! Last night, we received the new SBA guidance for their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). That guidance is 31 pages long and hopefully helps move some loans out the door today. But we’ve heard your concerns about the program.

Know that the goal of PPP is for the government to pay for your business’s key expenses till June 30th, so long as you qualify and keep your payroll intact. The notion is that if the government is going to pay, better to keep people attached to their current employers and keep those employers solvent.

  • All of the PPP docs can be accessed through this link. Forms for both lenders and borrowers are attached. 

Unemployment Insurance Changes

Here is an overview of who is now eligible, how much they'll receive, and for how long. 

Remembering Paul Odom
December 2025

The masonry industry lost a true titan and a dedicated leader with the passing of Paul Odom. Known for his unwavering commitment to his craft and his community, Paul leaves behind a legacy defined not just by the structures he helped build.

Managing the Modern Jobsite: How MSV Helps Crews Do More with Less in 2026
December 2025

On today’s jobsites, efficiency is becoming as essential as craftsmanship. Crews are working with fewer hands, tighter schedules, and greater pressure to deliver high-quality results without increasing costs. It’s a reality affecting everything from resid

A Free Resource for Contractors: The Block Design Collective
December 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff has launched the Block Design Collective (BDC), a national resource that provides fast, reliable guidance for anyone designing or building with concrete masonry. For contractors, the benefit is straightforward: better informa

The Hidden Forces That Build America: Arching Action and the Tools We Trust
December 2025

Most people at World of Concrete can identify a CMU block from 50 feet away. Some can even smell Type S mortar curing from across the hall. But mention the phrase “arching action,” and you will see a surprising number of boots shift and eyes drift toward