September’s deadlines have come and gone with Congress pushing back the tough decisions regarding funding the government and increasing the debt ceiling. NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations Kevin Kuhlman discussed new deadlines to watch and what to expect as negotiations on larger legislative proposals continue. Proposals in the Build Back Better … [More]
Feds Advance Full Funding for Light Rail Northwest Extension II
Federal and local leaders are pleased to see the $158 million Capital Investment Grant (CIG) for Valley Metro’s Northwest Light Rail Extension Phase II (NWE II) advance to Congress for review. This highly competitive grant will complete the funding necessary for this project, with the final grant signing anticipated in early November. The NWE II gives new communities greater … [More]
Pilot Program Will Distribute Utility Assistance to Eligible Households
Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Economic Security announced today the Department will provide a total of $36 million to support eligible households in need of temporary utility assistance and ensure continuity of services. “The team at the Arizona Department of Economic Security continues to find new and innovative ways to support Arizonans lifting … [More]
MAG Joins Safety Partnership to Develop and Deploy Automated Vehicle Technologies Statewide
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), an agency that provides a forum for research, discussion and study of regional issues, is the newest member of the Institute of Automated Mobility (IAM), established by Governor Ducey in 2018 to advance transportation safety, science and policy. MAG has been participating in IAM’s work as a partner, and by joining IAM, the … [More]
Funding for ‘Back To Work’ Program Supports Rehiring, Retention
Governor Doug Ducey announced an additional $5 million to help Arizona small businesses recover from the economic consequences of the pandemic and extreme weather conditions. Governor Ducey launched the Back to Work Small Business Rehiring and Retention Program in August and has invested a total of $10 million in the program to support small, locally-owned businesses. … [More]
What You Need to Know about Changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
The U.S. Department of Education is temporarily changing certain rules to allow potentially hundreds of thousands of borrowers the chance to qualify for student loan forgiveness if they have worked in public service. This opportunity is only available for a limited time, and borrowers must act before Oct. 31, 2022, to qualify. “For years, the Public Service Loan … [More]
Arizona Celebrates Manufacturing Month
Governor Doug Ducey declared October as Arizona Manufacturing Month to highlight and recognize all the manufacturers in the state who play a vital role in Arizona’s expanding economy. “Our manufacturing industry is a national powerhouse,” said Governor Ducey. “Just this year, Arizona has attracted several new manufacturing firms, from KORE Power in Buckeye to CP Technologies … [More]
Arizona Capitol Lit Purple in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The Arizona State Capitol dome will be lit purple tonight in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, reinforcing Arizona’s stance against all forms of domestic violence and commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and survivors. “Arizona is committed to preventing all forms of domestic abuse, and we will never stop working to support and protect victims and … [More]
To-Go Cocktails Are Available in Arizona: What You Need to Know
Arizonans can order mixed cocktails to-go starting today following a bipartisan bill passed by the state legislature and signed by Governor Doug Ducey in May. The policy was a priority of the Governor following the positive economic impact selling liquor to-go had on businesses throughout the state during the pandemic. The Governor on March 19, 2020 issued an Executive … [More]
Phoenix ‘Paints’ City Hall Purple for 9th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign
The City of Phoenix is shining a light on a dark issue. Starting tonight, City Hall will be lit purple through October to raise awareness about domestic violence. It impacts us all, and we can all help end it. The City of Phoenix's domestic violence awareness campaign, “Paint Phoenix Purple," has made significant strides since launching in 2013 by educating and providing … [More]
PPP Milestone: In Less Than Two Months, One Million Borrowers Apply for Direct Forgiveness
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reached a major milestone today as its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Direct Borrower Forgiveness Portal recorded its one millionth PPP loan forgiveness application for borrowers seeking forgiveness for loans of $150,000 or less. “We are committed to delivering against the promise of forgiveness for our eligible PPP borrowers. … [More]
Federal Funds Approved to Support Phoenix Workforce and Families
The Phoenix City Council approved spending millions of dollars in America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support training and education programs, support for mental health services and a new vaccination incentive for underserved communities. “My goal is to get people into jobs – it is one of the most effective things we can do to get families back on their feet," said … [More]
