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Govs On Deck – August 24, 2020

Govs on Deck

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It’s Monday and it’s time for another edition of “Govs on Deck!” We’re back to our tri-weekly schedule, so keep an eye out for your favorite newsletter on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 


As always, questions or suggestions? Send me a note at amestoy@dga.net. You can find us all on Twitter too – @A_Tall_Turner, @CEAmestoy, @JerusalemDemsas, and @andersonkayjay.


We want this to be helpful, so let us know what other info/what other formats you’d like to see for these updates.


Dem Govs Get It Done: 


NOTE: This is an overview of recent actions, not a comprehensive roundup of everything our incredible governors are doing. Want more examples? Send me an email and I can help you track down answers.


COVID-19 response:


Legal actions:


  • MICHIGAN Gov. Gretchen WHITMER released a statement praising the Court of Appeals’ ruling to uphold the governor’s emergency powers to protect Michigan residents from the spread of COVID-19.


Business guidance: 


  • CONNECTICUT Gov. Ned LAMONT signed an executive order extending previously enacted provisions regarding outdoor dining through November 12, 2020.
  • CONNECTICUT Gov. Ned LAMONT signed an executive order modifying the period of credit available to certain liquor permittees so that the maximum period of credit shall be 60 days after the date of delivery.


Health care:


  • MONTANA Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney announced $542,000 in grant funding has been awarded to 19 rural and safety net health care providers to assist Montanans in finding and enrolling in affordable and comprehensive insurance coverage.


Worker support:


  • CONNECTICUT Gov. Ned LAMONT announced that the state has submitted its application for federal funding to establish a temporary program that will provide a $300 weekly wage supplement to existing unemployment benefits in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • MICHIGAN Gov. Gretchen WHITMER announced that FEMA has approved her application for an additional $300 per week payment to Michigander’s receiving unemployment benefits.
  • PENNSYLVANIA Gov. Tom WOLF directed the Department of Labor & Industry to submit an application today for President Trump’s temporary Lost Wages Assistance grant funds to provide an additional $300 per week in supplemental payments to some Pennsylvanians receiving unemployment benefits.


Homeowner and renter support:


  • CONNECTICUT Gov. Ned LAMONT signed an executive order extending the previously enacted moratorium on residential evictions to October 1, 2020.
  • CONNECTICUT Gov. Ned LAMONT announced that he is doubling funding for the previously announced rental assistance program for Connecticut residents impacted by COVID-19 from $10 million to $20 million. 


Public communications:


  • COLORADO Gov. Jared POLIS unveiled the state’s new enhanced online data tool.


Other efforts:


  • CONNECTICUT’s Department of Aging and Disability Services released a document providing guidance for senior centers that will allow for the safe reopening of their facilities. The guidance was developed in partnership with senior centers, municipalities, and state and local health representatives. It is intended to provide senior centers with the discretion to expand the virtual programs and services that they have been providing during the pandemic beginning September 1.
  • ILLINOIS’ Department of Public Health announced a top to bottom, independent review of its Bureau of Long-Term Care in the Office of Health Care Regulation, in response to a delay in the investigation of abuse and neglect complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Beyond COVID-19 


Tropical storms:


  • LOUISIANA Gov. John Bel EDWARDS announced President Donald Trump has approved his request for federal assistance related to Tropical Storm Marco and Hurricane Laura. 


Wildfires:


  • CALIFORNIA Gov. Gavin NEWSOM announced that the White House has approved California’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bolster the state’s emergency response to wildfires burning in Northern California and support impacted residents in Lake, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
  • COLORADO Gov. Jared POLIS verbally authorized the Colorado National Guard to assist the State Emergency Operations Center and incident commanders during the wildfires affecting Colorado. 


Climate change:


  • ILLINOIS Gov. JB PRITZKER announced eight principles that will serve as a foundation to begin transitioning Illinois to a clean energy economy. The governor’s principles focus on substantially increasing utility accountability and transparency, creating new clean energy jobs in Illinois, reducing harmful emissions, and maintaining low energy costs for consumers and industrial users.
  • NEVADA Gov. Steve SISOLAK launched the new State of Nevada Climate Initiative to further advance Nevada’s efforts to address climate change. This first-of-a-kind initiative includes the unveiling of the NCI website, ClimateAction.nv.gov, to serve as the State’s official online climate resource providing a Nevada-wide framework for climate action. 


Health care:


  • NEW YORK Gov. Andrew CUOMO announced the award of funding for the purchase and installation of equipment to enhance telepractice addiction services statewide. Expanded telepractice capacity ensures access to critical addiction services for individuals and families who may not otherwise seek out treatment. Funding for this initiative was provided through the federal State Opioid Response Grant and administered by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports via the Requests for Proposals process.
  • VIRGINIA Gov. Ralph NORTHAM announced that Virginia has been approved to proceed with a state-based health insurance exchange. Approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services allows Virginia to take over some functions of its current federal exchange beginning with open enrollment this November and puts the Commonwealth on a path to full control by 2023.


Law enforcement:


  • WISCONSIN Gov. Tony EVERS released a statement regarding the officer-involved shooting that critically injured a Black man in Kenosha.


Other efforts:


  • NEVADA’s Department of Veterans Services Suicide Prevention Program has expanded as cities of Elko and Winnemucca join the coalition of Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenge Teams.


Stay safe everyone, wear a mask, and wash your hands! See you Wednesday!