What Ducey Wants In The Next Coronavirus Aid Package

PHOENIX, AZ — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey made public what he'd like to see in the next coronavirus federal relief bill in a letter to 11 lawmakers representing the state on Capitol Hill. The Republican governor has identified unemployment and assistance in paying energy bills as two of the items he asks to be included in the next coronavirus economic relief that's being called "CARES 2" by lawmakers discussing its details in Washington, D.C.

In it, Ducey wants the federal government to give the state of Arizona $1.5 billion "to ensure we don't have to further burden our already struggling businesses."

"In addition to discussing unemployment assistance, the Governor also urged support for utility assistance for low-income families, requested an extension for Arizona’s tribal partners to expend CARES Act dollars, and reiterated the need for liability protection for health care workers, businesses and K-12 and higher education," a statement from the governor's office said.

Ducey's letter said people whose work continues to be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic should get at least 100 percent of their weekly earning before "government intervention" affected their ability to remain in business.

The governor also asked for money to help low-income Arizona residents pay their energy bills, citing the excessive heat and triple digit temperatures that come to the state mid-summer.

Read Gov. Ducey's full letter to the Arizona Congressional delegation here