States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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Virginia Education Superintendent Issues Memo on Individual Student Alternative Education Plan Program
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 30 -- Virginia Department of Education Superintendent of Public Instruction James F. Lane issued the following memo:
TO: Division Superintendents
FROM: James F. Lane, Ed.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT: Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) Program Application for 2020-2021
The Virginia General Assembly has provided state funding in the amount of $2,247,581 for fiscal year 2021 (SY 2020-2021) to school divisions with ISAEP programs, as set forth in the Code of Virginia Sec.22.1-254.E and approved by the American Council on Education as
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RICHMOND, Virginia, May 30 -- Virginia Department of Education Superintendent of Public Instruction James F. Lane issued the following memo:
TO: Division Superintendents
FROM: James F. Lane, Ed.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT: Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) Program Application for 2020-2021
The Virginia General Assembly has provided state funding in the amount of $2,247,581 for fiscal year 2021 (SY 2020-2021) to school divisions with ISAEP programs, as set forth in the Code of Virginia Sec.22.1-254.E and approved by the American Council on Education asa GED(R) Options Program. Funds will provide services for students 16 years of age and older who meet program provisions established in the Code of Virginia and in the guidelines of the Virginia Board of Education.
Please refer to the application packet for specific instructions about the submission of application materials. If no program is planned, write your school division's name and code, as well as the words "No Program Is Planned," on the face of the cover sheet that is included in the Appendix of the application packet and return to the email address below.
The grant application must be submitted electronically to GEDinfo@doe.virginia.gov. Application materials must be received no later than 4p.m., June 15, 2020.
If you have any questions, please contact Beverly Godwin,Adult Secondary and ISAEP Programs Specialist, at GEDinfo@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 786-7644.
JFL/MFB/GRW/jts
Oklahoma Gov. Stitt: Oklahoma to Begin Phase 3 of Open Up, Recover Safely Plan on June 1
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 30 -- Gov. Kevin Stitt, R-Oklahoma, issued the following news release:
Oklahoma will proceed to Phase 3 of the Open Up and Recover Safely plan Monday, June 1, Governor Kevin Stitt announced Friday.
Oklahoma currently has just 708 active COVID-19 cases out of nearly 4 million residents and 5,236 people have already recovered.
Active cases in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties, the state's two largest, make up less than 0.03% of the population in their respective counties.
As of May 28, 188,665 tests have been performed with just 3.77% coming back positive. Since Phase
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 30 -- Gov. Kevin Stitt, R-Oklahoma, issued the following news release:
Oklahoma will proceed to Phase 3 of the Open Up and Recover Safely plan Monday, June 1, Governor Kevin Stitt announced Friday.
Oklahoma currently has just 708 active COVID-19 cases out of nearly 4 million residents and 5,236 people have already recovered.
Active cases in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties, the state's two largest, make up less than 0.03% of the population in their respective counties.
As of May 28, 188,665 tests have been performed with just 3.77% coming back positive. Since Phase2 of the OURS plan was initiated May 15, 69,914 tests have been performed and just 2.1% have been positive.
"We are making responsible decisions based on the data in our state," said Gov. Stitt. "While cases continue to decline 36 days into our reopening, it is important Oklahomans remember COVID-19 is still in the United States and we must continue to be diligent about washing our hands frequently, maintaining physical distance and protecting our most vulnerable populations."
Under Phase 3, businesses may resume unrestricted staffing at their worksites by observing proper CDC-recommended social distancing protocols and are recommended to continue increased cleaning and disinfecting practices.
Individuals should minimize time spent in crowded environments and continue following CDC guidelines regarding social distancing.
Additionally, summer camps are allowed to open provided they follow safety guidelines. Businesses that had been operating by appointment only may begin accepting walk-in clients at their discretion.
In conjunction with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the statewide medical community, limited visitation to hospitals may be reinstated at the discretion of the facility.
As the data shows COVID-19 has a significantly more profound impact on the elderly and immunocompromised populations, visitation at nursing homes and long-term care facilities will remain suspended except for end-of-life situations until explicitly lifted by a future executive order.
While the data continues to improve on a statewide level, local governments are encouraged to make decisions that best fit their communities.
"Our measured approach to reopening has been a key reason why our data remains trending in a positive direction," said Secretary of Health Jerome Loughridge. "It is vital that communities across the state only move to Phase 3 when their local data supports that decision. The OSDH and the Governor's Solution Task Force are available to consult any local officials on the best practices for their specific areas."
Free COVID-19 testing remains available to all Oklahomans at more than 80 locations across the state. Detailed information is available at coronavirus.health.ok.gov.
"As we enter Phase 3 of reopening, the Oklahoma State Department of Health will be focused on maintaining and expanding trusted partnerships with the public to help us minimize the presence of COVID-19," said interim Commissioner of Health Lance Frye. "We remind Oklahomans they do not need to be experiencing symptoms to get tested for COVID-19 at our more than 80 county facilities. We also encourage Oklahomans to take calls from, and stay in communication with, our growing contact tracing team, which will be a powerful tool in ensuring we can protect public health and the state's economy as we recover."
The Catastrophic Health Emergency declaration will end Saturday, at which time Gov. Stitt will issue a new executive order keeping critical protections in place to allow state agencies to effectively manage the continued impact of COVID-19. This new executive order will encourage elderly and vulnerable Oklahomans to remain Safer at Home.
Industry-specific guidelines for safely reopening are available on the Department of Commerce website.
- You can access the guideline through this link: (https://www.governor.ok.gov/articles/press_releases/oklahoma-to-begin-phase-3-of-open-up-and-recover)
Nev. Gov. Sisolak Health Response Releases Phase 2 Directive, Guidance
CARSON CITY, Nevada, May 30 -- Gov. Stephen Sisolak, D-Nevada, issued the following news release on May 29:
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak released his Phase 2 reopening Directive 021 in alignment with the announcement he made on Tuesday evening.
The directive is set to expire on June 30, 2020. All prior directives referenced remain in effect through the end of June. As previously announced, data trends will be monitored throughout Phase 2 for an estimated period of 2-3 weeks. Should the data trends continue to remain positive, the Governor maintains the ability to enter Phase 3 of reopening prior
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CARSON CITY, Nevada, May 30 -- Gov. Stephen Sisolak, D-Nevada, issued the following news release on May 29:
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak released his Phase 2 reopening Directive 021 in alignment with the announcement he made on Tuesday evening.
The directive is set to expire on June 30, 2020. All prior directives referenced remain in effect through the end of June. As previously announced, data trends will be monitored throughout Phase 2 for an estimated period of 2-3 weeks. Should the data trends continue to remain positive, the Governor maintains the ability to enter Phase 3 of reopening priorto the June 30, 2020 expiration set forth in the latest directive.
Additionally, the Nevada Health Response Center, in coordination with the Local Empowerment Advisory Panel (LEAP) and the Governor's Office, released general guidance for individuals and businesses for Phase 2 reopening, in alignment with the Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery.
Directive 021 also allows for Nevada's gaming establishments to open as of June 4, 2020. Nevada's Gaming Control Board issued an industry notice on Wednesday to restricted and nonrestricted licensees with updated health and safety policies for reopening after temporary closure.
The Gaming Control Board industry notice can be found online at gaming.nv.gov.
Later today, more industry specific guidance will be released in preparation for Phase 2 reopening beginning on Friday, May 29.
The guidance will cover a wide-range of industries and was developed by the Local Empowerment Advisory Panel (LEAP) in conjunction with the Governor's Office, public health officials and local health districts, business leaders, state agencies and state licensing and regulatory boards.
Neb. Gov. Ricketts, DHHS CEO Smith Present Demographic Data on Coronavirus Disease
LINCOLN, Nebraska, May 30 -- Gov. Pete Ricketts, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release:
At an afternoon press briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts shared new demographic data on coronavirus cases and fatalities. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with Local Health Departments, has been working diligently to collect and compile the data.
DHHS CEO Dannette R. Smith joined the Governor to provide coronavirus statistics broken down by race, ethnicity, age, and gender. Additionally, John C. Wyvill, Executive Director for the Nebraska Commission for the
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LINCOLN, Nebraska, May 30 -- Gov. Pete Ricketts, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release:
At an afternoon press briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts shared new demographic data on coronavirus cases and fatalities. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with Local Health Departments, has been working diligently to collect and compile the data.
DHHS CEO Dannette R. Smith joined the Governor to provide coronavirus statistics broken down by race, ethnicity, age, and gender. Additionally, John C. Wyvill, Executive Director for the Nebraska Commission for theDeaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH), took part in today's briefing. He talked about the challenges that deaf and hard of hearing Nebraskans have encountered as more people wear masks.
Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska
* We continue to encourage people to take the TestNebraska.com assessment.
* I want to remind people that Test Nebraska will operate in the following communities next week:
- Chadron, Alliance, Scottsbluff, Sidney, Broken Bow, Burwell, St. Paul, Valentine, O'Neill, Norfolk, Columbus, York, Lincoln, Fremont, Bellevue, and Omaha.
* Additional information on the specific locations of the testing sites will be posted on TestNebraska.com soon.
Dannette Smith: Public Health Data
* Governor Ricketts has ensured that DHHS is committed to serving the most vulnerable residents and providing health access to all Nebraskans.
* We have been hard at work in our efforts to collect demographic data and share it with fidelity. I want to underscore that we will continue to collect, synthesize, and report data in a transparent manner.
* According to the American Community Survey in 2018, Nebraska's demographic make-up is as follows:
- 87% Caucasian
- 5% African American
- 5% Multiracial or Other Race
- 2% Asian
- 1% American Indian or Alaskan Native
* With respect to ethnicity, 89% of Nebraskans identify as non-Hispanic and 11% identify as Hispanic or Latino.
* Data on Nebraska's coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities--broken down by race and ethnicity--is available by clicking here.
* The overwhelming majority (75%) of all patients hospitalized with the virus have been 50 years of age or older.
* Among coronavirus-related fatalities, 87% have occurred among those 60 years of age or older according to the Nebraska Disease Surveillance System.
* We continue to learn more about underlying health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and tobacco use. These underlying health conditions have a significant impact on the likelihood of recovery from coronavirus infection. This is especially true for communities of color, where underlying conditions often go undiagnosed due to lack of treatment and care.
* This is why Local Health Departments and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are so integral to providing preventative and primary care to vulnerable populations.
John Wyvill: Masks and Communication
* The deaf and hard of hearing have had to adjust to new social distancing rules and norms, including the wearing of masks.
* In this environment, going to grocery stores, drive-thru banks, and medical appointments has become more challenging.
* Twenty percent of Nebraskans have some form of hearing loss, whether diagnosed or not. Roughly 1 out of 3 Nebraskans over age 65 have hearing loss.
* As more people wear masks, be aware of the communication barrier and have a communication plan.
* In a medical setting, it's particularly important for the deaf and hard of hearing to be able to communicate.
* One option is to wear clear masks so that others can read your lips when speaking.
* It may also be a good idea to keep a smartphone or tablet on hand so that you can type out messages if needed.
* Today's press conference is captioned by NET, and NCDHH has been providing ASL interpreters for the Governor's press briefings.
New Directed Health Measures (DHM) beginning June 1st were released today. They cover a wide variety of topics and can be found by clicking here. Previously, the DHM had required 30% of beds to be available before a hospital could resume elective surgeries. Given the continued stability of Nebraska's hospital system, the next DHM will require 15% of beds to be available for elective surgeries to continue.
N.Y. PSC Issues Notice on Renewable Energy Facility Host Community Benefit Program
ALBANY, New York, May 30 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following notice (Case No. 20-E-0249) on Renewable Energy Facility Host Community Benefit Program: In the Matter of a Renewable Energy Facility Host Community Benefit Program.
NOTICE SOLICITING COMMENTS
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that this proceeding has been opened to consider the establishment of a Host Community Benefit Program for municipalities within which major renewable energy facilities are constructed./1
Section eight of the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act (the Act)/2 provides
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ALBANY, New York, May 30 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following notice (Case No. 20-E-0249) on Renewable Energy Facility Host Community Benefit Program: In the Matter of a Renewable Energy Facility Host Community Benefit Program.
NOTICE SOLICITING COMMENTS
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that this proceeding has been opened to consider the establishment of a Host Community Benefit Program for municipalities within which major renewable energy facilities are constructed./1
Section eight of the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act (the Act)/2 providesthat the Public Service Commission (the Commission) will establish a program through which the owners/3 of major renewable energy facilities will fund a benefit for electric distribution utility customers located in the municipalities that host the facilities. The Act provides that the Host Community Benefit can take the form of a bill discount or credit, or a compensatory or environmental benefit for the impacted electric utility customers. Further, the Act provides that the Commission shall:
determine the amount of such discount, credit, compensatory or environmental benefit based on all factors deemed appropriate by the commission, including the expected average electrical output of the facility, the average number of customers within the renewable host community, and the expected aggregate annual electric consumption within such renewable host community, the potential impact on environmental justice communities, and the role of utilities, if any, in implementing any aspect of such program.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that comments are invited on how the Host Community Benefit should be structured. Specifically, comments are sought regarding the questions set forth in the attachment to this notice.
Comments may be submitted by e-filing through the Department's Document and Matter Management System (DMM)/4 or by email to the Secretary at secretary@dps.ny.gov. Individuals unable to file electronically may mail their comments to the Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary to the New York State Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, 12223-1350./5
Comments should refer to Case 20-E-0249 and be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on July 3, 2020. All comments submitted to the Secretary will be posted on the Department's website, http://www.dps.ny.gov, and become part of the official case record.
Once comments have been received, it is anticipated that Department of Public Service Staff will publish a proposal detailing a Host Community Benefit Program. Interested persons would then have the opportunity to comment on that specific proposal.
You have received this notice because you are on a service list in a related case. If you wish to continue receiving notices in this case, please subscribe to the service list./6
(SIGNED)
MICHELLE L. PHILLIPS
Secretary
The complete text of the notice is available at: (http://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/Common/ViewDoc.aspx?DocRefId={10C5C9C0-5AC5-494C-8B07-53CFA0EAE09A})
* * *
1/ For the purpose of the Host Community Benefit Program, a "major renewable energy facility" generally means a renewable energy system with a nameplate generating capacity of at least 25 thousand kilowatts, and appurtenant facilities as described in Executive Law Sec.94-C(2)(h).
2/ 2020 New York State Session Laws Chapter 58, Part JJJ.
3/ For the purpose of the Host Community Benefit Program, a "Renewable Owner" means the owner of a major renewable energy facility for the which the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) executes an agreement for the acquisition of environmental attributes related to a solicitation issued by NYSERDA after April 3, 2020.
4/ To register with DMM, go to http://www.dps.ny.gov/e-file/registration.html.
5/ Please be aware that, due to concerns related to COVID-19, filing electronically or by email is strongly encouraged.
6/ Information and instructions related to subscribing to the service list, or otherwise monitoring the status of this proceeding are on the Department's website at http://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/MatterManagement/RequestAPStatus.aspx.
N.C. Utilities Commission Issues Order Involving 2020 Biennial Integrated Resource Plans
RALEIGH, North Carolina, May 30 -- The North Carolina Utilities Commission issued the following order (Docket No. E-100): In the Matter of 2020 Biennial Integrated Resource Plans and Related 2020 REPS Compliance Plans:
ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO INTERVENE
BY THE CHAIR: On May 28, 2020, the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), filed a petition with the Commission seeking to intervene in the above-captioned docket.
The Chair is of the opinion that good cause exists to allow the requested intervention by NCSEA.
IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED as follows:
1. That NCSEA is hereby allowed
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, May 30 -- The North Carolina Utilities Commission issued the following order (Docket No. E-100): In the Matter of 2020 Biennial Integrated Resource Plans and Related 2020 REPS Compliance Plans:
ORDER GRANTING PETITION TO INTERVENE
BY THE CHAIR: On May 28, 2020, the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), filed a petition with the Commission seeking to intervene in the above-captioned docket.
The Chair is of the opinion that good cause exists to allow the requested intervention by NCSEA.
IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED as follows:
1. That NCSEA is hereby allowedto intervene in this proceeding.
2. That the names and addresses of the attorneys for NCSEA areas follows:
Peter H. Ledford
General Counsel
NCSEA
4800 Six Forks Rd., Ste.300
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
(919) 832-7601 Ext. 107
peter@energync.org
Benjamin W. Smith
General Counsel
NCSEA
4800 Six Forks Rd., Ste. 300
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
(919) 832-7601 Ext. 111
ben@energync.org
ISSUED BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSION.
This the 29th day of May, 2020.
NORTH CAROLINA UTILITIES COMMISSION
Janice H. Fulmore, Deputy Clerk
Kentucky Gov. Beshear Administration Authorizes Renewing Licenses, ID Cards Remotely
FRANKFORT, Kentucky, May 30 -- Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky, issued the following news:
Gov. Andy Beshear announced an official order temporarily authorizing circuit court clerk offices to process expired driving credential renewals and replacement requests remotely.
The move is in keeping with Gov. Beshear's emergency declaration related to the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and Healthy at Work guidance meant to keep all Kentuckians healthy and limit the spread of the coronavirus.
"This order is the next right step to help clerks safely serve Kentuckians impacted by the office
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FRANKFORT, Kentucky, May 30 -- Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky, issued the following news:
Gov. Andy Beshear announced an official order temporarily authorizing circuit court clerk offices to process expired driving credential renewals and replacement requests remotely.
The move is in keeping with Gov. Beshear's emergency declaration related to the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and Healthy at Work guidance meant to keep all Kentuckians healthy and limit the spread of the coronavirus.
"This order is the next right step to help clerks safely serve Kentuckians impacted by the officeclosures caused by the pandemic," said Gov. Beshear. "The temporary measure will allow contactless service to help minimize crowding and help offices gradually return to full-service operations."
Cardholders whose operator's license, permit or identification card was lost or expired between March 1 and June 30, 2020, may apply with their local circuit court clerk to receive a new card in the mail. The order allows the remote application process to remain through July 31, 2020.
Applicants requesting a card renewal must not require any testing. Circuit court clerks in the applicant's county of residence will administer the application process and mail the credential directly to the applicant. More information is available on the Administrative Office of the Courts COVID-19 web page.
The March emergency order is still in effect that extends the validity of cards by 90 days if the printed expiration date is March 18, 2020, or later.
"We're driven to offer innovative solutions during this unprecedented time that provide Kentuckians safe options to maintain and renew credentials they rely on for more multiple uses," said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has reopened the Frankfort regional licensing office to offer select in-person services for residents of any Kentucky county. REAL ID applications cannot be accepted through the mail due to strict federal security standards. Applicants may visit realidky.com to schedule an appointment online and to learn more about the services offered. Walk-ins are welcome during office hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
