Update from Governor Ducey's Office
You can also find a link to the Governor's newsroom on the homepage.
Today, Governor Ducey announced Executive Order 2020-18 that institutes a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” policy.
Begins at 5pm tomorrow; ends on April 30, unless extended.
This morning, Dr. Cara Christ sent a letter to Governor Ducey recommending enhanced physical distancing measures based on the latest data from her epidemiologists, and following President Trump's announcement yesterday that federal distancing guidelines are being extended until April 30. I encourage you to reach her letter along with the EO to get a sense of why the "stay connected" component is so critical for public health.
If you have questions regarding the Executive Order, please contact CSA who is compiling questions for us to address.
Earlier this morning, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman announced the extension of school closures through the end of the school year.
Reminder: Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman launched Arizona’s Enrichment Centers to provide childcare for first responders, critical healthcare workers, and essential public sector workers.
Over the weekend, Gov. Ducey signed a bipartisan state budget agreement that adds $50 million for Arizona’s COVID-19 relief package: these dollars are to assist Arizonans needing rental/eviction assistance, struggling small businesses, food banks, and homeless population
An initial $6.7 million was announced earlier today for Arizona food banks, nutrition programs and programs that serve the homeless.
Cooperative Agreement with the State’s Banks
Earlier this morning, Governor Ducey announced a cooperative agreement with the State’s banks to protect small businesses and families from eviction and foreclosure.
Banks committed to expediting the application and approval of small business loans as part of the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program passed by Congress and signed into law last week.
Banks are also suspending evictions and foreclosures for at least 60 days, with the potential to extend that period for the duration of the state’s emergency declaration.
Additionally, most banks have adopted a payment deferral program for business loans under guidance from banking regulatory agencies, and many banks are working directly with consumers on payment deferrals for certain consumer loans.
Federal Funding
CARES ACT - Funding Available
Arizona Allocation:
$2.82 billion State Allocation
$1.27 billion to local governments and municipalities with populations >500k (Maricopa County, Pima County; Cities of Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson)
Allowability of Funds:
Necessary expenditures incurred due to COVID-19
Not accounted for in the most recently approved budget (supplement vs. supplant)
Incurred between 3/1/2020-12/30/2020
We are developing policy plans for the State allocation, and are looking for your input to identify potential valuable uses. We will plan to work directly with CSA to compile priority uses for our cities and towns