ECONOMIC RESPONSE
Essential Service Designations:
- Governor Holcomb signed an executive order that specified that the state’s essential activities include yard work, gardening, planting, landscaping, and bringing pets to pet salons. (April 20)
- Essential businesses “include but are not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care facilities, garbage pickup, public transit and public service hotlines such as SNAP and HIP 2.0.” (March 23)
Labor & Workforce Guidance, Standards and Regulations:
- Governor Holcomb announced all state employees would be required to return to their offices by July 6. (May 28)
- Governor Holcomb issued an executive order extending temporary licensing of healthcare workers for 90 days, allowing individuals who are not currently licensed to practice in Indiana to have a temporary license. The order applied to retired healthcare professionals, certain healthcare students, and out-of-state healthcare professionals. (January 4)
- Governor Holcomb announced that hospitals would be required to postpone or reschedule non-emergent procedures in in-patient settings. (December 9)
Economic Stimulus & Relief:
- Governor Holcomb announced he would issue an executive order to reinstate the work requirement for those seeking state-level unemployment insurance benefits. (May 10)
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a grant for Indiana under President Trump’s supplemental unemployment insurance program. (August 24)
- Governor Holcomb announced that the state would provide rental assistance to 91 counties, excluding Marion, which had started its own program. (July 16)
- Governor Holcomb signed an executive order to extend the prohibition on evictions, foreclosures, and the disconnection of utility services. (June 30)
- Governor Holcomb announced that the state would disburse $25 million in CARES Act funding to help residents who are having difficulty paying rent due to the pandemic through the Indiana COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program. (June 24)
- Governor Holcomb’s office announced the launch of Rapid Recovery for a Better Future, which would provide “comprehensive support for Hoosiers to secure a job, assess and grow their skills, and get the support they need to get back on their feet.” (June 5)
Business Support & Resources:
- Governor Holcomb announced that $30 million in relief would be available to Indiana hotels and entertainment venues. (April 22)
- Governor Holcomb signed legislation providing COVID-19 liability protections to businesses and schools. (February 19)
- Indiana Black Expo (IBE) announced a series of initiatives to help small businesses, educators, job seekers, and youth in the community, including an IU Education Conference, Employment Opportunity Fairs, Minority Business Series, and IBX virtual youth programs. (May 28)