CHEYENNE – Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon laid out a three-phase plan for the state to use $1.25 billion in CARES Act federal funding during his final press briefing of the week this afternoon in Cheyenne.
A visibly-encouraged Gordon opened the briefing wishing everyone a “Happy May Day”, the first day of relaxed restrictions since his State of Emergency declaration on March 13. He applauded Wyomingites level of responsibility in obeying his social distancing orders, then spoke about the state’s holistic plan to use the federal funding in the most efficient way.
The first phase of spending will happen immediately with allocations of $575 million to address immediate needs such as emergency response measures, unemployment and health preparedness. The second phase allocates $300 million for reimbursements of COVID-19 related expenses for CTCs and other special districts. The third phase allocates $375 million for all purposes laid out in the first two phases.
“We must use this money valuably, but we must use it quickly because people are hurting today,” Gordon said. “I want to make sure these funds are nimble, targeted and trackable. Simple, understandable and purposeful so we don’t have to pay either penalties or fines down the road, or the principal back.
Gordon said the CARES Act funds have to be spend entirely in this year. He said he put the bulk of the money at the beginning because the workforce needs the money immediately.
“If we don’t use these monies immediately we may not have the business or the workforce down the road to make use of the funds later on,” he said.
Gordon also outlined his business support proposal that he presented to the State Legislature this morning. The proposal seeks to establish a direct grant process to provide relief for Wyoming businesses during the pandemic. That includes small business administration assistance like economic injury disaster loans and payment protection programs.
“This effort would target our smallest employers, but also at those who have somehow been left out of the Small Business Administration’s PPP program,” Gordon said.
The SBA assistance program will end in May at which time the Wyoming-led grant program will move forward with the first allocation of $225 million distributed in June.
Governor Gordon’s entire press briefing appears below.
THE LATEST COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS NEWS & INFO FROM THE WYOMING DEPT. OF HEALTH
What to do if you feel sick: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are showing symptoms, please call your primary care provider or seek medical attention.
Please follow these tips to slow the spread of this virus:
- Follow Public Health Orders
- Practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.
- Wear cloth face coverings in public settings, especially when physical distancing of at least 6 feet isn’t available.
- Stay home when sick and avoid other people unless you need medical attention.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Older people and those with health conditions that mean they have a higher chance of getting seriously ill should avoid close-contact situations.
- Long-term care and healthcare facilities should follow guidelines for infection control and prevention.
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