Recent state and federal actions have expanded eligibility and benefit amounts for Arizona workers impacted by COVID-19. On March 20, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order, later followed by the signing of legislation, ensuring those who are out of work or facing a loss of hours because of COVID-19 have access to unemployment benefits. The order: Waived the one-week waiting period after an employee loses a job before they apply for unemployment benefits; and Temporarily suspended work … [Read more...] about How Arizona Workers Impacted By COVID-19 Can Access Unemployment Benefits
McSally, Brnovich Update Arizonans on COVID-19 Scams, Resources
U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich spoke with over 16,000 Arizonans this afternoon about how to identify and report coronavirus scams during McSally’s fifth telephone town hall since the coronavirus outbreak. During the over hour-long call, Brnovich shared scams Arizonans should avoid including people selling “miracle cures and treatments,” people posing as government agents asking for personal information regarding relief checks, and unknown people … [Read more...] about McSally, Brnovich Update Arizonans on COVID-19 Scams, Resources
Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Providing Flexibility On Packaging And Labeling Rules For Local Restaurants
Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order allowing Arizona restaurants to repackage and sell grocery items they have on hand, including items not normally packaged and labeled for resale. Governor Ducey’s order comes in the wake of the Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to provide temporary flexibility for nutrition labeling of packaged food. “Even with dine-in and carry-out options still available to patrons, many Arizona restaurants are struggling due to COVID-19,” … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Providing Flexibility On Packaging And Labeling Rules For Local Restaurants
New Assistance Available To Support Arizona Small Businesses
Arizona small businesses adversely impacted by COVID-19 have limited time to benefit from important benefits passed along with the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, small businesses can apply for 100% federally guaranteed loans for an amount up to 2.5 times their average monthly payroll expenses for the prior year. Funds provided in the form of loans will be fully forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for … [Read more...] about New Assistance Available To Support Arizona Small Businesses
Arizona Department Of Insurance Seeks Insurance Extensions For Arizona Customers
The Arizona Department of Insurance is urging insurers across the state to work with Arizonans to ensure their coverage continues, providing much-need support to the individuals, families and businesses facing financial challenges because of COVID-19. “Arizona is working to ensure those facing financial hardship because of COVID-19 get the support they need to get through this,” said Governor Ducey. “We have called on insurers across the state to work with consumers during this health … [Read more...] about Arizona Department Of Insurance Seeks Insurance Extensions For Arizona Customers
Governor’s Executive Order Permits Food Trucks At ADOT Rest Areas
To help the long-haul truckers keeping Arizonans supplied with food and essentials, Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order allowing food trucks to operate at eight Arizona Department of Transportation rest areas. While commercial activity is ordinarily prohibited at federally funded rest areas, the Federal Highway Administration recently permitted states to allow food trucks at rest areas while the national emergency declaration remains in effect. “We want to ensure we’re doing … [Read more...] about Governor’s Executive Order Permits Food Trucks At ADOT Rest Areas
Payment Protection Program
Probably the biggest economic news right now is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the pool of almost $350 billion in forgivable small business loans that is one of the main components of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Today's bulletin will be a little different as we do a deeper dive on this one topic - what the PPP is supposed to do, the hurdles and hiccups it has faced in its first week, and how the government and financial institutions are … [Read more...] about Payment Protection Program
Ivy Foundation Makes Multi-million Dollar Contribution To AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund
Governor Doug Ducey announced today the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation has contributed $5 million to the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund. The fund, established by Governor Ducey as part of the Arizona Together initiative, supports Arizona organizations working to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and provide assistance to families, individuals and businesses. The contribution will support the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, gowns and more for doctors, … [Read more...] about Ivy Foundation Makes Multi-million Dollar Contribution To AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund
Governor Ducey Announces Nearly $10 Million For Meals For Low-Income Arizonans
Governor Doug Ducey today announced the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) was awarded $9.8M in funding from the federal government for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAP is a federally funded program that provides emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost to low-income individuals, including seniors. “At a time when many Arizonans are out of work or underemployed due to COVID-19, these dollars will help ensure low-income individuals, families and seniors … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Announces Nearly $10 Million For Meals For Low-Income Arizonans
Earth Day Cyber Celebration
While COVID-19 is shutting down many Earth Day events, you can still participate in a celebration on April 22nd. The Northern Arizona Climate Change Alliance (NAZCCA) is hosting a Cyber Celebration for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and we hope to “see” you there. Mayor Coral Evans and other elected officials will speak about Earth Day and climate change at this event that will be hosted by Flagstaff historian and long-time resident Jim Babbitt. The Earth Day Network … [Read more...] about Earth Day Cyber Celebration