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N.Y. Gov. Cuomo Announces Event, Arts and Entertainment Venues Can Reopen at 33% Capacity Beginning April 2
ALBANY, New York, March 4 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following transcript on March 3, 2021:
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Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that beginning April 2, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of negative test prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing and face coverings will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health
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ALBANY, New York, March 4 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following transcript on March 3, 2021:
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Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that beginning April 2, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of negative test prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing and face coverings will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Healthguidance.
The Governor also announced domestic travelers to New York State who have been vaccinated no longer have to quarantine or test out within 90 days of their full vaccination.
Governor Cuomo also announced that beginning March 22, residential gatherings of up to 25 people can be held outdoors. Indoor residential gatherings remain capped at 10 people to reduce the continued risk of spread. Also, non-residential social gatherings of up to 100 people can occur indoors and up to 200 people can occur outdoors.
Good afternoon. From my far right, we have Ms. Kelly Cummings, Director of State Operations, to her left, Beth Garvey, special counsel, to my right, Dr. Howard Zucker, Commissioner of the Department of Health, to my left, Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor, to her left Robert Mujica, Budget Director of the State of New York, MTA Board Member, CUNY Board Member, many hats.
Good news today - overall state positivity rate 3.53, 75 statewide deaths, still after all this time we still have New Yorkers dying, 75, those families are in our thoughts and prayers. Statewide hospitalizations are down 46, ICU down 29, intubations down 12. This is great news.
Remember what happened - we hit the holiday season. We talked about it, Thanksgiving, holiday season, 37 days, Kwanza, Hanukkah, Christmas, more social gatherings, the number would go up, the number did go up, January 4 it peaks, when you think about it, holiday season is over, New Year's Day, New Year's Eve, it peaks and it has continually dropped. But it has dropped to a level below where it was before it started to peak. So, Christmas, a little bit after Thanksgiving, but before we saw any big increase, about 6,600, go up to 8,000, and now we're down to 5,400. So we've really made tremendous progress and this is really, really good news. It's not over and we have to continue, but this is very, very good news.
Percent of hospitalized is down across the state and that's all good news. New York City is the highest at .04. COVID positivity which plus or minus relates to the hospitalization, Long Island, New York, Mid-Hudson.
What people should get from these slides or these numbers, ask yourself, why is there such a variance within one state? Why is there such a variance in demographic areas that are basically very similar? Why is Central New York, Mid-Hudson, why is Mid-Hudson four times higher than Central New York? These areas, same state, same basic demographics - it is about behavior. It is about behavior. It's about what we do. You take Western New York, 1.9, Western New York for weeks was a trouble area and now it's 1.9 because the community changed. The community adapted. The community heard and this is a function of personal behavior and that's why you're seeing these variances across the state.
You look at New York City, the Bronx is down where it was but 5 percent. It's double Manhattan. Staten Island which was an aberration is now more in line but Staten Island, Bronx, Queens, are all about the same. It is about behavior.
Vaccines, we have big news - just under 5 million vaccines done overall, really good news. We had a White House call yesterday. Johnson & Johnson vaccine has arrived in New York. This is from a practical of view, not a medical of view much easier than the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. It's one shot. You don't have to come back for a second shot. You don't have to schedule a second shot. It doesn't take a second appointment and there is no cold storage for the Johnson & Johnson. Soit's a very big deal.
We are expecting an initial tranche each of about 164,000 doses and I'll explain in a moment what I mean by first tranche.
This first tranche which is large will be administered by radically ramping up the vaccination system. We had the Pfizer and Moderna. We were scaled to the Pfizer and Moderna. On top of that the federal government then adds about 160,000 doses which is a lot of doses for the state, so we needed extra ramp up of actual vaccination operations because of this Johnson & Johnson influx. It's good news but we have to then get it in arms as soon as possible. We've taken a number of measures but among them are mass vaccination sites, Yankee Stadium, Javits, State Fair, they're going to go to 24/7 and we want to thank the staff very much that is going to do that because that is a big deal and these are staff that are stretched to begin with. But they'll go to 24/7. You can make an appointment.
That will only last for the duration of that initial first large tranche of Johnson & Johnson. After that first tranche of Johnson & Johnson the production is actually going to slow and lag and then build back up again. So we have this one-time blip, one-time large tranche, good news, then it will slow, then it will ramp up again, but I'll ask Kelly Cummings who has been doing a great job getting these mass vaccination sites to transfer to 24/7 and ask Kelly if she has any additional comments.
Kelly Cummings: Sure. Yankee Stadium will begin operations tomorrow night, Thursday night. The appointments opened this morning. It will be operating with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine during the overnight hours, as the governor said, as the supply lasts. The Javits Center in New York City and the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse will begin operations on Friday night and appointments will open tomorrow, Thursday at 8 a.m. for those two sites.
Governor Cuomo: How many nights will these sites open 24/7 we're not clear yet. It's going to depend on how many people come in for the vaccine. I know there is a pent-up demand. I believe people will show up in the middle of the night to get the vaccine but we're talking several days to a week in that range and then once we run out of the initial tranche of Johnson & Johnson, then it will basically scale back down. We're also using other mechanisms to get out the additional doses: pharmacies, FQHCs, local health departments and hospitals because remember on top of the Johnson & Johnson, we also have an increase in Pfizer/ Modernavaccines. The Biden administration has increased the percentage of vaccines about 70 percent since they've taken office. It's really amazing what he has done, but again, the Johnson & Johnson increase is a one-time infusion, then a brief lag in production, then an increase. The overall picture is that President Biden says they'll be a vaccine supply for all Americans by the end of May. Now, that was the -- it was the end of July. He is now moving it up to the end of May and that is a very significant increase. Apparently using the Defense Production Act, they have accelerated the production of the vaccine and Johnson & Johnson and Merck have formed a partnership, so Merck is going to help produce a Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Normally, drug companies don't play nice like this, but the President used the Defense Production Act. This is going to dramatically increase the production. This is what's allowing them to move up the schedule until May. The President also says prioritize teachers and he wants the states, and then the local governments directed by the states, to prioritize teachers. I believe President Biden is right. We need children back in classrooms. Children not in classrooms hurts the child, it hurts their socialization, it puts additional stress on the family. Every expert will say it: as soon as you can get children back in the classroom, get them back in the classroom. We have classrooms where the infection rate is much lower than the surrounding community. The teachers need and deserve a right to feel safe. They do, and even before President Biden said this, I said last week local governments must report on how many teachers are vaccinated and coordinate with the school districts to report how many teachers are in the classrooms. In other words, I believe a teacher could say, "I want a vaccine before I go into to the classroom." OK, how many teachers have we vaccinated and how many are in classrooms? For cities, this information is easy to gather because the city is coterminous with the school district. Other areas, you'll have school districts overlapping counties, so they'll have to call the school districts and get the data. But this is President Biden's point. He wants a prioritization of vaccination for teachers because he wants teachers in the classroom. Now, you have a lot of prioritizations going on in this vaccination process. Nursing home residents were prioritized. Nursing home staff was prioritized. Hospital staff was prioritized, police, teachers, school teachers, so we have a long priority list but I think the President is right. This is about getting kids back into the classroom.
Overall, COVID rates are down as we just went through. Vaccine rates are up, so we continue the smart reopening, right? The graphic that nobody likes. What we have done which has been very smart from day one: report, reopen based on science and data. "I feel this, I feel that." Feelings are nice; facts are better. And we have been calibrating by the science and the data.
On the COVID emergency powers, we worked with the legislature. We have an agreement on a bill, where the legislature can repeal any Executive Order that I issue with over 50 percent, both houses. The COVID emergency powers continue past April 30. When we first did this, we thought the pandemic would be open over April 30. This is a year ago -- we said about a year. At that time, it was implausible to think it was going to go beyond the year. It's gone beyond the year and it's not going to end by April 30, so they're going to extend, the legislation extends the emergency power to the point where the federal government declares an end to the pandemic, which the federal government does, it controls funds etc. We have more time in this situation, by and large. We'll give the legislature notice of any changes that we're making five days prior to effect. if it is an emergency change as determined By Department of Health, then it will be a shorter period of time. I don'tremember exactly what it was. Do you remember what it was, Beth?
Beth Garvey: [inaudible] We will give notice as soon as possible.
Governor Cuomo: OK, and during the five days, there will be legislative consultation and on the change orders that we make during the five days. And again, whatever order I put in place, the legislature can repeal it in 24 hours or whenever they choose and that's always been the way.
Travel guidance: domestic travelers are no longer required to quarantine or test out within the 90 days of full vaccination. International travelers, you have to continue to follow the CDC quarantine guidelines. Gathering limits, we're going to change and let me go to Rob, who's done a lot of work on this.
Rob Mujica: So, beginning March 22 for residential gatherings, the indoor limit remains the same. The outdoor limit goes from 10 to 25 outdoor, which is consistent with some of the states around us. The social gathering limit for public spaces on indoor events goes from 50 to 100, and then for outdoor events, it will go from 50 to 200, so all of those will still also require social distancing as well as mask requirements. And then beginning on April 2, we started up with opening large event spaces, which was 10,000 or more for arenas starting with the Buffalo Bills. Subsequent to that, last night, the Rangers had a couple thousand people at their game. That's last Saturday, also held a basketball game using those guidelines that we got from the Buffalo Bills. So, following from that for event spaces that are less than 10,000 -- those can begin reopening at 33 percent capacity with up to 100 people indoors and again 200 people outdoors. Again, there still will be guidance for social distancing and masks. If we want to go above those limits, you can go up to 150 people indoor with testing requirements for, going from 100 to 150, and then for outdoor events, up to 500 people outdoors with testing. And again, social distancing and face covering will be required by all the attendees.
Governor Cuomo: Rob, can you please mention the Empire Pass program?
Robert Mujica: So on the Empire Pass program, so we have an app that we have been working with IBM on that app, when you get tested, if with your consent the results of that test can be reported automatically to the app and then you can then show proof of a negative test upon entrance to any of these events that require testing. That app has been tested right now, both at Barclays and Madison Square Garden, and those tests have been successful. So once we get the approvals, the app will be available for download on both platforms, on Google, on Apple platforms, people download to their smartphones. And that will allow someone to show the result of their test, whether it be a PCR test, which we valid for up to 72 hours, or rapid test, which will be valid for six hours. In addition, thought, if you don'twant to use an app, you will be able to download a paper result of your test that you can then print out and use that to demonstrate your negative test. So again, this is all tested, started with the Bills games, it has been tested at two events recently, the most recent one as early as last night, and that will be available and we'll start rolling that out, again, beginning within a week, and you can use that to go to some of these events when we want to get to the larger numbers, like I said, to go to 250 for indoor events, or up to 500 people for outdoor events.
Governor Cuomo: Great. Thank you very much, Robert. Foundation to reopening, we talk a lot about reopening, and the values, and getting the economy back. Foundation to reopening is public safety. People don't think of it that way, but a community is not going to thrive if people don't feel safe. After the George Floyd murder, we have had localities working on reforming their public safety plans. Mr. Floyd's death was really just a point where there was an explosion of frustration, and we said to every local government we're not telling you what to do, but if you have a public safety department, you have to put everyone at the table, have a collaborative come up with a reform public safety plan.
Cities are doing fantastic work, and creative work. But, not all of them are doing it. If they don't do it and we get to the budget, then they're going to be significant sanctions on the city. Please, you have 29 days, I know it's a hard topic, I know people would rather stay away from it, but public safety is one of the top priorities, for any mayor, for any county executive, any supervisor, public safety's a top priority. Yes it's hard, yes it's sticky, yes it's controversial, but, it's also the job.
The light at the end of the tunnel is in sight, but we can't stop driving now. We'vehad critical moments all through this period, but this is one of the most critical moments, in my opinion. We have a number of things going on. We have a massive ramp-up of the vaccine operation by May. When President Biden says, oh by the way, I've found a way to produce million more doses, that's great news. But, now you have to ramp up a vaccination operation that goes from the end of July to May, in a very large state, which is what New York is. That's a challenge. The variants are still here. Don't think that there isn't an ever-present danger. And these variants are not just here. The variants are created all the time. The virus mutates all the time. And it's very possible that there's a mutation to the virus that is going to require a different type of booster shot. That's why this is so important to get all those vaccines done now, because the vaccines can protect you from the variant. But that is a lingering danger we're dealing with. And then you have the New York recovery, rebuilding, and finances. You know, when you deal with a storm, the first step is the emergency response to the storm. There's a hurricane, keep everybody safe, get people in out of the cold. Second step is, the water recedes and now you see the damage that you have to rebuild. The damage to this state, to this city is extraordinary, and we're going to have a lot of work to do. And this is all happening at the same time. Environmentally, we can't relax too soon. I get it - COVID fatigue. Everybody wants all restrictions gone. Everybody does. Yes, but you also have to be smart about the reopening. In my opinion, some states are going too far too fast and that is a danger because COVID is still a risk and you relax those restrictions too far, you will see the beast rise up again.
Smart. New York tough, smart, united, discipline, loving.
Let me make an unrelated announcement if I can. I want to address the recent allegations that have been made against me. As you probably know, the Attorney General is doing an independent review and I will fully cooperate with that review. Now, the lawyers say I shouldn't say anything when you have a pending review until that review is over. I understand that, I'm a lawyer too, but I want New Yorkers to hear from me directly on this.
First, I fully support a woman's right to come forward and I think it should be encouraged in every way. I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable. It was unintentional and I truly and deeply apologize for it. I feel awful about it and frankly, I'm embarrassed by it, and that's not easy to say but that's the truth. But this is what I want you to know, and I want you to know this from me directly - I never touched anyone inappropriately. I never touched anyone inappropriately. I never knew at the time that i was making anyone feel uncomfortable. I never knew at the time that I was making anyone feel uncomfortable. I certainly never, ever meant to offend anyone or hurt anyone or cause anyone any pain. That is the last thing I would ever want to do.
I ask the people of this state to wait for the facts from the Attorney General's report before forming an opinion. Get the facts please before forming an opinion and the Attorney General is doing that review. I will fully cooperate with it and then you will have the facts and make a decision when you know the facts.
I also want you to know that, I have learned from what has been an incredibly difficult situation for me as well as other people, and I've learned an important lesson. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for whatever pain I caused anyone. I never intended it um and i will be the better for this experience. Thank you.
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VIDEO of today's remarks is available on YouTube here (https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=2688b646-79138f5d-268a4f73-0cc47a6d17e0-0b77cc049775b60b&q=1&e=ed16c59a-c593-497e-bf3d-bf43937478f1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2F5i7aoY5th0o) and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here: https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=e2222a85-bdb9139e-e220d3b0-0cc47a6d17e0-a2f73ade33f0ebce&q=1&e=ed16c59a-c593-497e-bf3d-bf43937478f1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fspaces.hightail.com%2Freceive%2FbX4qhRB99K
AUDIO of today's remarks is available here: https://soundcloud.com/nygovcuomo/governor-cuomo-updates-new-yorkers-on-the-states-covid-19-response-and-makes-an-announcement-030321
PHOTOS will be available on the Governor's Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/governorandrewcuomo/albums/
N.M. Gov. Grisham Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses and $600 Rebate for Individuals
SANTA FE, New Mexico, March 4 -- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill 3 into law, a pair of economic measures that earned broad bipartisan support in the Legislature and will deliver additional stimulus and relief for businesses and individuals across New Mexico.
In addition to legislation the governor has already signed into law that will provide for $200 million in small business grants, the economic relief measures signed Wednesday will deliver a $600 personal income tax rebate
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, March 4 -- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill 3 into law, a pair of economic measures that earned broad bipartisan support in the Legislature and will deliver additional stimulus and relief for businesses and individuals across New Mexico.
In addition to legislation the governor has already signed into law that will provide for $200 million in small business grants, the economic relief measures signed Wednesday will deliver a $600 personal income tax rebateto hundreds of thousands of front-line and low-wage workers, provide for a four-month tax holiday for food and beverage businesses hit especially hard by the economic effects of the pandemic, and make up to $500 million available to New Mexico small businesses seeking loans at a discounted borrowing rate.
"Dollar for dollar, I would put New Mexico's direct stimulus efforts up against any other state in the country," said Gov. Lujan Grisham. "We have provided hundreds of millions in unemployment support; small business grants, loans, tax holidays; and now direct rebates for the front-line workers who have continued to show up to support themselves and their families, and who deserve all the support that their government can provide. This pandemic has been devastating for everyone, but the pain has been spread unequally. My hope is these economic relief efforts reach those who need them most, and my commitment is New Mexico will continue to step up and support those who need it now and in the future as we build out a successful and sustainable recovery."
"Small businesses have fought long and hard to keep their doors open and people employed throughout this pandemic," said Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. "Paired with the recently enacted $200 million in LEDA grants of HB 11, these measures provide a crucial suite of tools for economic recovery."
Senate Bill 1 grants a personal income tax rebate of $600 to families and individuals claiming the Working Families Tax Credit - individuals who earn $31,200 or less; and heads of household, surviving spouses or those married filing jointly who earn up to $39,000. Roughly 200,000 New Mexicans claimed the Working Families Tax Credit in 2019, according to the Taxation and Revenue Department.
Taxpayers who believe they are eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit and the new income tax rebate are urged to file their 2020 Personal Income Tax returns as early as possible. The state Taxation and Revenue Department urges all taxpayers to file electronically, which expedites processing and puts refunds and rebates into taxpayers' hands more quickly.
"We know many New Mexicans have been hit hard this past year, so we will get this money out to taxpayers as quickly as possible," said Taxation and Revenue Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke.
Senate Bill 1 also provides for a four-month gross receipts tax holiday for food and beverage establishments, including restaurants, bars, food trucks, small breweries, wineries and craft distilleries, which have been financially impacted by the pandemic. The Taxation and Revenue Department will soon issue instructions to businesses on how to claim this credit. The bill holds local governments harmless by creating a distribution equal to the amount of revenues that would have otherwise been due.
Senate Bill 1 was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill, Sen. Jacob Candelaria and Rep. Javier Martinez. It was approved by the Senate unanimously and by the House of Representatives 66-1.
Senate Bill 3 will allow more businesses to tap into what is now a $500 million pool of loan money at a discounted borrowing rate. The bill extends the Small Business Recovery Loan Fund created by the Legislature last year and makes funds available from the Severance Tax Permanent Fund. The new bill substantially eases eligibility standards so more businesses can connect with the financial assistance they need. Under the previous program approved by legislators in special session last year, 890 businesses received $40.5 million in loans.
The New Mexico Finance Authority will manage the SB3 loan fund and an announcement will be made when the application is available.
New Mexico Finance Authority CEO Marquita Russel said the loan requirements for revenue losses and documentation have been eased, and the changes in SB3 will allow more of the 160,000 small businesses in the state access to the low-interest lending.
"The Small Business Recovery Loan Fund has already supported more than 5,000 jobs in the state. It has been a lifeline for many small businesses and now many more will be able to participate," Russel said.
Senate Bill 3 was sponsored by Rep. Marian Matthews and Sen. Jacob Candelaria. It was approved by the Senate 35-3 and by the House of Representatives 51-17.
Minn. Gov. Walz: Minnesota Ranks First in the Nation for Children Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, March 4 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news:
A recently published study from Save the Children finds that over the last four months of 2020, Minnesota consistently ranked first in the nation for children amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Using four months of data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, the Save the Children's COVID Child Protection Ranking identifies where children have been most and least protected during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that Minnesota has continually ranked first in protecting children from hunger, learning loss,
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, March 4 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news:
A recently published study from Save the Children finds that over the last four months of 2020, Minnesota consistently ranked first in the nation for children amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Using four months of data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, the Save the Children's COVID Child Protection Ranking identifies where children have been most and least protected during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that Minnesota has continually ranked first in protecting children from hunger, learning loss,and financial stress.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of Minnesotans across the state, but it has hit our working families and their children the hardest," said Governor Tim Walz. "While we are proud that in this report Minnesota has consistently ranked first in the nation for families during the pandemic, we have work to do. We know that Minnesota children still face unacceptably high disparities in race and income. Our children are our future, and we must continue to invest in their success to emerge from this crisis stronger than before ."
" There is no more important investment than in our children," said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. "Supporting our littlest Minnesotans and their families with a focus on equity has been foundational to our COVID-19 response and remains our top priority."
Recognizing the realities iterated in the report that lower income and BIPOC families have been hit hardest by the pandemic, the Walz-Flanagan Administration has provided state and federal resources to increase student access to technology and summer school; support the mental health needs of children, youth, and families; provide resources for Minnesotans struggling to afford nutritious food for themselves and their families; provide financial support and flexibility to child care providers; prioritize testing and vaccine access for child care programs and educators; and help working families experiencing financial losses due to COVID-19. Additionally, Minnesota's COVID-19 Recovery Budget prioritizes working families and students, confronting the challenges Minnesota children and families face today while investing in the future.
According to Save the Children's study, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a bi-weekly Household Pulse Survey to understand the social and economic effects of COVID. Save the Children analyzed this data, focusing on households with children under the age of 18, or families. To access the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children, the COVID Child Protection Ranking uses three indicators: food scarcity, lack of access to tools for remote learning, and difficulty paying for household expenses. Save the Children assessed where children have been most and least protected during COVID-19 to illustrate how disparate the effects of COVID-19 have been on families. They also evaluated how racial and income inequality impacts families nationally and within each state.
Iowa Gov. Reynolds: Iowa Launches Improved Reinstatement Process to Aid Small Businesses
DES MOINES, Iowa, March 4 -- Gov. Kim Reynolds, R-Iowa, issued the following news release:
Governor Kim Reynolds and Secretary of State Paul Pate announced a new interagency partnership with Iowa Workforce Development to assist Iowa businesses with the reinstatement process through the Iowa Secretary of State's Fast Track Filing system. Business owners whose companies have been dissolved are now able to utilize an online system that is shared by the Secretary of State's Office and Iowa Workforce Development. This will reduce the reinstatement period from 2-4 weeks to just a few days.
"Iowa small
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DES MOINES, Iowa, March 4 -- Gov. Kim Reynolds, R-Iowa, issued the following news release:
Governor Kim Reynolds and Secretary of State Paul Pate announced a new interagency partnership with Iowa Workforce Development to assist Iowa businesses with the reinstatement process through the Iowa Secretary of State's Fast Track Filing system. Business owners whose companies have been dissolved are now able to utilize an online system that is shared by the Secretary of State's Office and Iowa Workforce Development. This will reduce the reinstatement period from 2-4 weeks to just a few days.
"Iowa smallbusinesses always look for ways to be innovative and dynamic in how they serve their customers, and state government should be no different," said Gov. Reynolds. "This partnership makes the reinstatement process more accessible, efficient, and significantly reduces wait times from 2-4 weeks to just 1-2 business days. I commend Secretary of State Paul Pate and IWD Director Beth Townsend for their collaborative approach to improving the reinstatement process."
"This is another important step in providing Iowa's business community with the service it deserves," Secretary Pate said. "Our Fast Track Filing System has greatly reduced processing time for businesses filing with our office. Now, by partnering with other state agencies, we can help entrepreneurs cut through the red tape even faster. This will help more businesses succeed."
The Secretary of State's Office collaborated with Iowa Workforce Development to develop the interagency system. Both agencies must review and approve applications to reinstate Iowa businesses. Under the previous system, reinstatements were processed solely on paper, which necessitates data entry, cashiering and correspondence be handled manually by State of Iowa staff in separate agencies. Now those functions are handled jointly online and correspondence is via email instead of postal mail.
"Iowa businesses will benefit greatly from the new system because reinstatement applications will be processed in just a few days compared to several weeks under the old paper-based process. With reinstatement wait times significantly reduced, businesses can re-open their doors faster, which is good news for employers, employees, and Iowans across the state," said Beth Townsend, director of Iowa Workforce Development.
The two agencies process about 2,500 reinstatements per year. Reinstatements are required when an Iowa business entity is dissolved after missing a deadline for a required filing or failing to maintain a registered agent.
The Secretary of State's office worked with a local vendor, QCI, to bring Fast Track Filing online in 2018. Since its inception, more than 500,000 filings have been processed through Fast Track, including nearly 57,000 new Iowa business formations.
Colo. State Rep. Roberts: Takeout Alcohol Extension is on Its Way
DENVER, Colorado, March 4 -- The Colorado House Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Colorado State Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon:
A bipartisan bill to support small businesses by extending the period of time during which restaurants and bars can offer takeout and delivery of alcoholic beverages passed the Business Affairs and Labor Committee today by a vote of 13-0.
"Offering alcohol for takeout and delivery during this pandemic has been a crucial lifeline for restaurants and small businesses in my community and around the state," said Rep. Dylan Roberts, (D-Avon).
"The hospitality
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DENVER, Colorado, March 4 -- The Colorado House Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Colorado State Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon:
A bipartisan bill to support small businesses by extending the period of time during which restaurants and bars can offer takeout and delivery of alcoholic beverages passed the Business Affairs and Labor Committee today by a vote of 13-0.
"Offering alcohol for takeout and delivery during this pandemic has been a crucial lifeline for restaurants and small businesses in my community and around the state," said Rep. Dylan Roberts, (D-Avon).
"The hospitalityand service industries were among the hardest hit by this pandemic and I'm determined to give them as many tools as possible to keep their doors open and employees working. We know for a fact that this privilege has been a crucial lifeline for many restaurants - it works and it's just common sense to let them continue these sales for a few more years."
Under a current law also sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, certain liquor licensees like bars, restaurants, and gastropubs may sell alcohol as part of takeout and delivery orders through July 1, 2021. HB21-1027 allows these establishments to continue using this critical tool for an additional five years.
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Federal Approval of Medicaid Funding for Expanded COVID-19 Testing for Low-Income Students
SACRAMENTO, California, March 4 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 3, 2021:
On the heels of announcing a $6.6 billion school reopening agreement with the Legislature, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that the Biden-Harris Administration has approved California's request to utilize Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) funding to provide voluntary COVID-19 testing for low-income students covered by the program, further supporting schools in underserved communities to reopen for in-person instruction.
"I am grateful to our federal partners for approving
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SACRAMENTO, California, March 4 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 3, 2021:
On the heels of announcing a $6.6 billion school reopening agreement with the Legislature, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that the Biden-Harris Administration has approved California's request to utilize Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) funding to provide voluntary COVID-19 testing for low-income students covered by the program, further supporting schools in underserved communities to reopen for in-person instruction.
"I am grateful to our federal partners for approvingour request to expand testing for low-income students to ensure schools can reopen safely in underserved neighborhoods that are bearing the brunt of pandemic hardships," said Governor Newsom. "Our top priority is getting students back in the classroom to not only meet their learning needs, but also their mental health and social-emotional needs."
Given the unprecedented nature of the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, on December 24, 2020, the California Department of Health Care Services requested permission, using the federal demonstration authority, to provide COVID-19 testing in schools for Medi-Cal children in grades transitional kindergarten through 12. This request to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has been approved retroactive to February 1, 2021, and will continue for 60 days after the end of the federal public health emergency.
Medi-Cal is the primary health care system for more than half of the state's population under the age of 20. For schools electing to implement COVID-19 testing as an additional mitigation layer - especially those serving communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic - the state and federal governments will now shoulder much of the costs. Medi-Cal provides coverage to 50-55 percent of school-aged children in California.
"As a pediatrician and father, I know schools are a vital place for our kids where in-person learning has a positive impact on their overall health and well-being," said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. "Further leveraging our state Medicaid program to increase access to testing will not only help us to reopen schools, but also ensure that testing becomes even more accessible for underserved students."
The Governor, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon on Monday announced a $6.6 billion budget package to accelerate the safe return to in-person instruction across California and empower schools to immediately expand academic, mental health and social-emotional supports, including over the summer. The package builds on the state's ongoing efforts to accelerate safe school reopenings, which have included the delivery of three months of PPE and safety supplies to all schools at no cost, direct support to over 1,000 schools in 41 counties to implement COVID-19 testing and direct technical assistance to over 300 school districts.
Ariz. Gov. Ducey Issues Executive Order Requiring Schools to Offer In-Person Learning
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 4 -- Gov. Doug Ducey, R-Arizona, issued the following news release:
Following discussions with public school leaders, and in accordance with new guidance from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor Doug Ducey today issued a new Executive Order returning schools to in-person, teacher-led instruction.
According to metrics developed by the CDC, 12 of Arizona's 15 counties are in phases where all schools are safe to open, including in the state's two largest counties, Maricopa and Pima.
"Arizona's students need to be back in the classroom. More than
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PHOENIX, Arizona, March 4 -- Gov. Doug Ducey, R-Arizona, issued the following news release:
Following discussions with public school leaders, and in accordance with new guidance from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor Doug Ducey today issued a new Executive Order returning schools to in-person, teacher-led instruction.
According to metrics developed by the CDC, 12 of Arizona's 15 counties are in phases where all schools are safe to open, including in the state's two largest counties, Maricopa and Pima.
"Arizona's students need to be back in the classroom. More thanhalf of Arizona's schools are open and offering in-person options. More schools need to follow their lead, and pave the way for equitable education options for every Arizona student," said Governor Ducey. "The CDC and numerous health officials have said time and time again that schools are safe and kids can go back to the classroom. We prioritized teachers in our vaccine distribution, and many have already received their second dose. The science is clear: it's time all kids have the option to return to school so they can get back on track and we can close the achievement gap."
Under the order, schools are to return to in-person learning by March 15, or after Spring Break. An exception is made for middle and high schools located in counties with "high" transmission of COVID-19, as defined by the CDC -- which currently includes just three Arizona counties: Coconino, Yavapai, and Pinal. However, CDC is clear that there is a safe pathway for all schools to open at any transmission level, and to stay open if they implement proper mitigation strategies. A student may continue participating in virtual instruction if their parent or guardian chooses so.
The Governor's order is being enthusiastically welcomed by champions of education in the Arizona state legislature.
"Arizona's kids and families have undergone a tremendous amount of stress throughout the pandemic," said Senator Paul Boyer of Glendale, Chairman of the Arizona Senate Education Committee."I'm glad to see more students going back to the classroom, and today's guidance from the Arizona Department of Health Services will help ensure families that are ready to send their kids back can do so."
This sentiment is echoed by Mesa Representative Michelle Udall, Chairman of the House Education Committee.
"The data is clear -- kids can go back to school," she said. "Many students have fallen behind, especially those in low income communities. The Governor's order will protect students' needs, while following CDC guidance."
Today's order updates school reopening benchmarks developed and announced in August 2020, with the metrics recently developed by the CDC. The metrics define "low", "moderate", "substantial" and "high" transmission levels with operational strategies for schools to reopen at all transmission levels. The Arizona Department of Health Services released the latest county-by-county information based on the CDC metrics.
National Public Health Experts Agree
A recent report from the Journal of the American Medical Association note that schools are safe for students and faculty:
"As many schools have reopened for in-person instruction in some parts of the US as well as internationally, school-related cases of COVID-19 have been reported, but there has been little evidence that schools have contributed meaningfully to increased community transmission...
"In the fall of 2020, 11 school districts in North Carolina with more than 90,000 students and staff were open for in-person education for 9 weeks. During this time, within-school transmissions were very rare (32 infections acquired in schools; 773 community-acquired infections) and there were no cases of student-to-staff transmission."
Prominent health officials also have consistently stated that students can go back to the classroom.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, said on February 3:
"There is increasing data to suggest that schools can safely reopen and that safe reopening does not suggest that teachers need to be vaccinated. Vaccinations of teachers is not a prerequisite for safely reopening schools."
"I want to be very clear about schools, which is: Yes, ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) has put teachers in the 1b category, the category of essential workers," she said. "But I also want to be clear that there is increasing data to suggest that schools can safely reopen and that that safe reopening does not suggest that teachers need to be vaccinated in order to reopen safely."
Arizona included teachers in the 1B priority group for vaccination, meaning many have already received their second dose.
On January 28, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci said:
"It's less likely for a child to get infected in the school setting than if they were just in the community."
In November 2020, former CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said:
"The truth is, for kids K-12, one of the safest places they can be from our perspective is to remain in school."
The Arizona Department of Health Service's web dashboard will be updated to reflect these new criteria, and will still share all relevant data. According to the CDC's benchmarks, grades kindergarten through sixth should be open for hybrid learning, no matter the infection rate in the community. For middle and high school, the CDC also recommends hybrid in all Arizona counties. Under these criteria, schools must offer in-person learning.
View the updated CDC guidance here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/operation-strategy.html
View the Governor's Executive Order here: https://azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/eo_2021-04.pdf
