ECONOMIC RESPONSE
Essential Service Designations:
- Governor Hutchinson announced some nonessential out-patient medical procedures can resume on April 27. (April 22)
- Governor Hutchinson issued an executive order directing commercial lodging and short-term rentals, such as hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, to only permit certain types of guests in order to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis. (April 4)
Labor & Workforce Guidance, Standards and Regulations:
- Governor Hutchinson issued an executive order that will require employers to pay for medical care and provide time-off pay for workers who test positive for COVID-19. (June 15)
- Governor Hutchinson announced a temporary waiver of the requirement to search for a new job while receiving unemployment. (April 17)
- Governor Hutchinson directed the Arkansas Department of Commerce to expedite unemployment benefits to assist employees impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and directed the Department of Commerce to waive current work-search requirements for 30 days and to allow unemployed individuals to apply for benefits online or by telephone rather than in person to minimize the risk of exposure. (March 17)
Economic Stimulus & Relief:
- Governor Hutchinson issued an executive order creating the Governor’s Economic Recovery Task Force, which will develop an industry-specific strategy and provide recommendations for the state’s economic recovery. (April 18)
- Governor Hutchinson announced the Arkansas tax filing deadline for individuals will be moved to July 15 and that he will call a special session of the legislature to deal with budget shortfalls tied to the coronavirus pandemic. (March 23)
Business Support & Resources:
- Governor Hutchinson issued an executive order granting all businesses and their employees immunity from civil liability as a result of exposure to COVID-19. (June 15)
- Governor Hutchinson announced the state legislature approved $55 million in funding for the Arkansas Ready for Business Grant Program to help businesses reopen and provide them assistance to ensure health and safety standards for employees and customers. (May 4)
- Governor Hutchinson announced the opening of the Arkansas Ready for Business initiative to aid small business owners recovering from financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. (May 1)
- The state will allocate $12 million in Community Development Block Grant money to help relief and recovery efforts for companies and nonprofits. (March 18)
- Additionally, Governor Hutchinson will use $4 million from his “quick-action fund” to provide bridge loans of up to $250,000 for mid-sized firms to make payroll and remain operational; loan priority will reportedly be given to “businesses critical to the state’s economy.” (March 18)
- The Arkansas Economic Development Commission has established a $7 million loan program to provide assistance to businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. (March 17)
