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April 6, 2020 Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Halting Evictions For Small Businesses And NonprofitsPHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order halting evictions in the state for small businesses and nonprofits that are unable to pay rent due to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The order also encourages commercial landlords to defer rent payments for small business tenants facing economic hardship due to COVID-19 and consider waiving all fees and interest associated with late payments. Under the order, evictions will be halted until May 31, 2020. “Arizona is grateful to the many landlords who are already working as good partners with small businesses during these challenging times,” said Governor Ducey. “This order helps ensure no small business or nonprofit will face eviction due to COVID-19 and that landlords and small businesses work in partnership to make sure we get through this emergency together. There’s more work to do to ensure Arizona’s small businesses can make it through this public health emergency. As we continue to prioritize public health, we will continue to do everything in our power to support those in our small business and nonprofit communities serving us.” Today’s order builds on previous actions to delay the enforcement of eviction action orders for renters impacted by COVID-19. In addition, on March 30, Governor Ducey announced a cooperative agreement with the state’s banks to protect small businesses and families from eviction and foreclosure. Banks also committed to expediting the application and approval of small business loans as part of the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program signed into law on March 27. More information on Arizona actions related to COVID-19 can be found HERE. The Arizona Commerce Authority has gathered resources to support businesses and employees as they help combat the spread of COVID-19. Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can access information on programs including loans to maintain payroll and disaster assistance loans through the Small Business Administration. More information can be found HERE. Read the Executive Order HERE. ### Governor Ducey Signs Legislation To Support Schools, Teachers And Families
3/27/20 PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today signed legislation to support schools during closures, provide clarity and flexibility on statewide testing requirements and school letter grades, give direction on make-up days, require learning opportunities for students to continue, and ensure teachers and staff see no disruption in pay as a result of COVID-19. The legislation, H.B. 2910, was introduced by Representative Michelle Udall and received unanimous support in both the House and the Senate. “During this unprecedented time, parents and educators need certainty so they can plan and make decisions — and this bill provides it,” said Governor Ducey. “It protects our teachers and prioritizes our students, ensuring kids continue to receive instruction even with schools closed. I’m grateful to our education leaders, Superintendent Hoffman, Representative Udall and Senator Sylvia Allen for their leadership, and thank members of both parties for their unanimous support. This is what coming together to support our kids and families looks like, and Arizona is again leading the way.” Under H.B. 2910, public schools in the state are not required to extend the number of school days or add additional instructional hours to make up for the days missed after the statewide closure ends. The testing window for statewide assessments is also extended through May 31, 2020. All school employees—including hourly employees—will continue to be paid during the closures. Additionally, beginning on Monday, March 30, 2020, schools will offer students general education through alternative formats for the duration of the closure. This allows public school employees who are able to perform their tasks outside of school to resume work remotely on March 30. If an employee is unable to perform their work remotely, they will be assigned other tasks. Background: On Sunday, March 15, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Kathy Hoffman announced a statewide closure of Arizona schools from Monday, March 16, 2020 through Friday, March 27, 2020. On Friday, March 20, they announced a two-week extension of school closures through Friday, April 10, 2020. During the closure, the Governor and Superintendent Hoffman request that schools adhere to the following measures:
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Governor Ducey Announces New Dollars For Rental Assistance3/27/20, PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today announced $5 million in new funding to help Arizonans struggling to make rent due to COVID-19. The new dollars will be included as part of a Rental Eviction Prevention Assistance Program being launched by the Arizona Department of Housing and will help families and individuals who are facing a loss of income due to COVID-19 with monthly rent assistance.
“Because of COVID-19, many Arizonans are seeing their hours cut or even the loss of their jobs, and Arizona will be there to support them,” said Governor Ducey. “We want people to be able to continue making rent, while ensuring no one is forced out of their home because they got sick, someone in their family got sick, or they are facing economic hardship. We will continue to make assistance and resources available so families can get through this time and get back on their feet.” “This assistance will provide some measure of relief for many renters, as well as their landlords, during this unprecedented situation that led to an abrupt loss of income,” said Arizona Department of Housing Director Carol Ditmore. Rental assistance may be made available to households:
Additional funding may be identified for the program as the Department assesses program utilization along with need. Application for assistance will be available Monday, March 30 via an online application system accessible from the Arizona Department of Housing’s website at www.azhousing.gov. Interested applicants who do not have computer access can call their local Community Action Agency to initiate an application over the telephone. On March 24, 2020, Governor Ducey issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of eviction action orders for renters impacted by COVID-19. The order applies to renters who are quarantining due to COVID-19 or are facing economic hardship as a result of the outbreak. It will remain in effect for 120 days. ### |
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Governor Ducey Issues Order Delaying Evictions For Renters Impacted By COVID-19
PHOENIX — Governor Ducey today issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of eviction action orders for renters impacted by COVID-19. The order applies to renters who are quarantining due to COVID-19 or are facing economic hardship as a result of the outbreak. It will remain in effect for 120 days. “Nobody should be forced out of their home because of COVID-19,” said Governor Ducey. “This order is about protecting public health and providing relief to families impacted by this virus — whether through sickness or economic hardship. This is the right thing to do to support Arizona families during their time of need and prevent the spread of COVID-19." Today’s action aligns with recent federal actions. On March 18, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a suspension of all evictions for HUD-financed properties. On the same day, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days due to the coronavirus national emergency. The Arizona Department of Housing offers assistance to Arizonans struggling to make mortgage payments. Through the Department’s “Save Our Home AZ” (SOHAZ) program, Arizonans may qualify for:
SOHAZ Program questions may be directed to the Arizona Department of Housing, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. by calling (602) 771-1000 or by visiting housing.az.gov/save-our-home. View information on the SOHAZ program HERE. The Arizona Department of Housing also operates a toll-free hotline staffed with housing counselors to answer questions about housing in Arizona. To reach a housing counselor toll free, Arizonans can call: 1-877-448-1211. |
Governor Ducey Expands Telemedicine Coverage For ArizonansPHOENIX — Governor Ducey today issued an Executive Order requiring health care insurance companies to expand telemedicine coverage for all services that would normally be covered for an in-person visit. The order helps ensure that Arizonans who may be sick or under quarantine can access care from their homes and avoid potentially risky trips to a health care provider. It remains in effect until the termination of the declared public health emergency.
“Access to health care is crucial at a time like this,” said Governor Ducey. “This order will ensure that Arizonans can access care without having to leave home while freeing up much needed capacity for our health care providers and hospitals. It’s commonsense and helps ensure our most vulnerable continue to have access to care in a way that protects them and public health.” Yesterday, Governor Ducey took steps to free up physicians for other needed medical services and ensure access to health care for kids and vulnerable Arizonans receiving care through KidsCare and AHCCCS. Today’s Executive Order prevents insurers from charging more for a telemedicine visit than they would for an in-person visit. In addition, the order:
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Governor Ducey Announces Arizona Together Initiative, Linking Arizonans To Resources During COVID-19 Outbreak
PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today launched the Arizona Together initiative to support Arizonans during the COVID-19 outbreak, connecting individuals and businesses to resources, raising money for community organizations and providing information on volunteer opportunities. A website, ArizonaTogether.org, serves as the centralized location for Arizonans to find help or provide support. “As we work to combat the spread of COVID-19, access to resources that can help support families and businesses in this time of need is critical,” said Governor Ducey. “We’re calling on Arizonans to be informed, get engaged, and support organizations doing important work to keep our communities safe and healthy. Arizona will get through this together.” The AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund, established by Governor Ducey as part of the initiative, will provide financial support to organizations working to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 in Arizona. Initially, the fund will focus on the following immediate needs:
“Like so many in our community, this unprecedented crisis has us asking what we can do to help and what might have the greatest impact,” said Cardinals Chairman and President Michael Bidwill. “We are grateful for the creation of this relief fund, are proud to support its critically important mission and hope that others throughout the community can join this effort in whatever way that they are able. As a team, we will continue to work on additional ways to make a difference and know that as a community we will get through this challenging time together.” The Arizona Together initiative brings together the growing list of resources and information being offered by state agencies and community partners. Individuals who register to volunteer through the ArizonaTogether.org website will be connected with organizations across the state seeking community assistance. “We continue to see a need for donations and volunteers to help Arizona beat this pandemic,” said Dr. Cara Christ, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “Our food banks, hospitals, youth centers, and nonprofits serving the community all need support. We’re calling on Arizonans to come together and help where they can, while continuing to follow safe practices and the guidance of public health.” Please visit ArizonaTogether.org to learn more, donate and find volunteer opportunities. ### |
Governor Ducey Announces Launch Of 2-1-1 COVID-19 Hotline
News Release March 22, 2020 PHOENIX — Today, Governor Doug Ducey announced the launch of a new statewide COVID-19 Hotline through $2 million in funding provided by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. The hotline is administered by 2-1-1 Arizona and the Crisis Response Network and will offer an entry point to field questions and concerns from Arizona residents about COVID-19. “As we continue to combat COVID-19 in Arizona, we want to ensure the public has access to resources needed to stay safe and healthy,” said Governor Ducey. “With this hotline launch, Arizonans can get important COVID-19 related information in English and Spanish by simply dialing 2-1-1. We will continue to work closely with our partners throughout the state to ensure Arizonans can easily reach important information and stay healthy. My sincere thanks to 2-1-1 Arizona, the Crisis Response Network and everyone working to share life-saving information and prevent the spread of this outbreak.” “We are deeply honored that the Governor’s Office and other state agencies have asked us to partner with them in the creation of this new COVID-19 Hotline to aid the residents of our state during the Coronavirus crisis,” said President and CEO of Crisis Response Network Justin Chase. “With calls coming through our 2-1-1 Arizona program, we look forward to fulfilling our company’s mission of inspiring hope in those we serve during these trying times.” The hotline is a result of a partnership between 2-1-1 Arizona, the Crisis Response Network, the Governor’s Office, the Arizona Department of Economic Security and the Arizona Department of Health Services. The line will respond to calls in English and Spanish and will provide important information, including: How to prepare for and prevent COVID-19 spread, Testing information for COVID-19, What populations are at higher risk from the COVID-19, What to do if an individual gets sick, COVID-19 and animals, And a list of websites with accurate, reliable and up-to-date information. The line will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day of the week and can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 while an individual is located in Arizona. Visit the 211 website by clicking here: 211arizona.org. |