Gov. Ducey recommends extending federal pandemic aid to state
Jul 22, 2020, 9:22 AM | Updated: 9:41 am
(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey sent the state’s congressional delegation a letter recommending what should be included in the upcoming federal COVID-19 relief package.
The letter, filed Tuesday but made public Wednesday, asked that the federal government extend the pandemic unemployment compensation, “deposit $1.5 billion into our [unemployment] trust fund” and to consider additional funding to the 22 tribal nations.
The weekly COVID-19 unemployment payout of $600 from the federal government is set to expire soon.
Ducey wants it to continue, requesting that “at a minimum, individuals who continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, be eligible to receive at least 100% of their weekly earnings that they were making prior to government intervention in their employers’ ability to stay open.”
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Arizona has one of the lowest unemployment benefits in the country, with a cap of $240 weekly.
The state recently extended the unemployment aid eligibility period for 13 weeks.
He also requested more help for low-income families and help protecting health care workers and schools.
The governor thanked the delegation for its support.
U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) wrote floor leaders Monday making similar requests, including more support for struggling families, tribes and schools.
The price tag for the next COVID-19 aid package could quickly swell above $1 trillion as White House officials negotiate with Congress over money to reopen schools, prop up small businesses, boost virus testing and keep cash flowing to Americans while the virus crisis deepens.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
