Updates from the Governor's Office
IMPORTANT Guidance on Federal Relief: Yesterday the U.S. Department of the Treasury posted important updates on accessing federal relief, which will be critically important to Arizona families and small businesses. Please share with your constituents to make sure they are aware of what's available.
Small Businesses: Starting April 3 small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for low interest loans for payroll, rent, utilities, and other expenses. A portion of these loans are forgivable (program details and the application here)
Individuals: The CARES Act includes direct payment to individuals -- which will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically (details here)
First day of the month: For many Arizonans and businesses this is the day bills are due -- mortgage, rent, utilities, and internet, among others. A few reminders for your residents that may be struggling:
Renters: Eviction orders are halted for anyone quarantined or facing economic hardships due to COVID-19 (link here).
Utilities: APS, SRP, TEP, and six electric cooperatives have agreed that no customer will lose power or assessed late fees or interest due to inability to pay during the COVID-19 emergency (link here)
Banking and mortgages: Arizona banks are suspending home evictions and foreclosures for at least 60 days, with the potential to extend that period for the duration of the emergency declarations. Most banks have adopted payment deferral programs. If your residents -- homeowners, borrowers, small businesses -- are struggling to make payments, they should contact their banks directly to discuss payment deferral plans for the emergency (link here).
Internet: Wireless and wireline internet service providers have committed to not terminating service for any residence or small business because of inability to pay due to COVID-19 as well as waiving late fees for those with COVID-19 economic circumstances (link here). Many internet providers have deals specific for the COVID-19 emergency and special offers for families with K-12 students (those offers are compiled on this page by the Arizona Commerce Authority)
As a reminder, the Arizona Commerce Authority has compiled resources for small businesses and workers facing employment loss on this page.
"Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected" (Link here)
The Policy began yesterday at 5 pm and ends on April 30, unless extended
Thank you to CSA for compiling questions from Supervisors. I will address the questions on our call this afternoon.
Ongoing Recommended Resources · Arizona DHS COVID-19 Homepage: Your go-to resource for Arizona-specific public health guidance (link here). · Arizona Together Initiative: Connect individuals and businesses to resources, raising money for community organizations and providing information on volunteer opportunities (www.ArizonaTogether.org) · 2-1-1 COVID-19 hotline: Information for any Arizonan about COVID-19 is available by dialing 2-1-1. Callers will be able to talk to a live operator during business hours. · Center for Disease Control Homepage: Latest from federal officials (link here) · Arizona Specific Worker and Small Business Resources: the Arizona Commerce Authority has compiled resources for small businesses and workers facing employment loss on this page (www.azcommerce.com/covid-19)