Many elderly and at-risk Arizonans are coming up on a dilemma: schedule a potentially risky appointment with a doctor to refill a prescription or go without needed medication. An Executive Order issued by Governor Doug Ducey provides a solution by allowing pharmacists to dispense emergency refills of maintenance medications for a 90-day supply and an additional 90-day supply … [More]
Certain Prescription Refills Allowed without Having to See a Doctor
Get up to 100% Forgivable Loan from the SBA
Arizona small businesses now have the opportunity to receive an up to 100-percent forgivable loan to keep their businesses afloat and employees working. Under the new $2+ trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and, Economic Security (CARES Act) “Paycheck Protection Plan,” businesses with fewer than 500 employees can receive a loan from the Small Business Association to cover payroll, … [More]
Arizona Grocery Worker Pay Increase and New Benefits During COVID-19 Outbreak
The Kroger Co. and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union announced a new increase to the pay and benefits for more than 16,000 Arizona grocery workers at Fry’s and Smith’s stores across the state. This victory for more than 460,000 Kroger grocery workers nationwide was secured by UFCW, which represents 1.3 million workers in grocery, retail, and … [More]
April 1: Providing Relief to Arizonans Impacted by COVID-19
As the new month arrives, Arizona has taken a series of proactive actions to provide financial relief to members of the public impacted by the disease. The Governor met with representatives from utilities, banks, internet providers, landlords and more to ensure Arizonans don’t see critical services shut off and are allowed to remain in their homes. These meetings have been … [More]
SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute Funds
Following President Trump’s signing of the historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today announced that the SBA and Treasury Department have initiated a robust mobilization effort of banks and other lending institutions to provide small businesses with the capital they … [More]
90-Day Fee Relief For Restaurants, Bars Impacted By COVID-19
To provide additional assistance to restaurants and bars facing loss due to COVID-19, Governor Doug Ducey announced the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control will defer the payment of all liquor licensing fees by 90 days. Previously, missing a liquor licensing payment period could result in a restaurant’s inability to sell liquor or even the loss of its liquor … [More]
Half of Top 50 U.S. Companies Get ‘F’ on Gender Pay Equality
Of 50 leading U.S. companies, half of them (25) get the lowest mark of “F” in the Gender Pay Scorecard released today by investment manager Arjuna Capital and Proxy Impact to mark Equal Pay Day in the United States. Only three companies – Starbucks, Mastercard, and Citigroup – received an “A” grade. A failing grade of “F” is awarded to such top firms as Goldman Sachs, … [More]
Cautions about COVID-19 Loans Available to Small Businesses
The nation’s small businesses received some welcome good news late last week when the federal government approved low-interest and, in some cases, forgivable loans as part of the federal government’s stimulus program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Small Business Administration will make the loans available to businesses that employ fewer than 500 people … [More]
ORDER: ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected,’ says Arizona Governor
“Stay home, Stay healthy, Stay connected” – that’s what the state is asking of fellow Arizonans in the continued effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The latest Executive Order issued today by Governor Doug Ducey follows new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and comes at the recommendation of public health officials who are tracking data … [More]
STIMULUS: $6.7 Million In Funding To Support Vulnerable Arizonans
Governor Doug Ducey announced an initial $6.7 million in funding to support Arizona food banks, nutrition programs and programs that serve the homeless. The dollars are part of a $50 million COVID-19 relief package signed into law over the weekend by Governor Ducey and will have an immediate impact for Arizona’s most at-risk communities. “Arizona is committed to using every … [More]
STIMULUS: New Steps To Protect Families And Small Businesses From Foreclosure
Governor Doug Ducey announced a cooperative agreement with the state’s banks to protect small businesses and families from eviction and foreclosure. Banks also committed to expediting the application and approval of small business loans as part of the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program passed by Congress and signed into law last week. Under the agreement, banks are … [More]
Extension of School Closures through End of School Year
Governor Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman today announced the extension of Arizona school closures through the end of the school year. The extension follows updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and an announcement from the White House extending physical distancing guidelines until April 30, 2020. Governor … [More]
Plexus Worldwide Donates 4,000+ Bags of Meal Replacement Shakes to St. Mary’s Food Bank
Plexus Worldwide, a leading direct-selling health and wellness company based in Scottsdale, made a sizable donation to St. Mary’s Food Bank to help meet the increased demand from the coronavirus. On March 26, Plexus delivered more than 4,000 bags of its popular Lean Meal Replacement Shakes to the Phoenix nonprofit, enough to fill 11-pallets. Each bag of Plexus Pumpkin Spice … [More]
WEBINAR – Ongoing: How to Legally and Remotely Hire and Reverify Under New Coronavirus I-9 Rules

Multiple Dates. While every person hired in the U.S. is required to present employment documents, the rules requiring it be done in person just changed -- freeing those working from home to hire without risking their health or lives. Free webinars teaching employers how to hire and reverify under the new I-9 rules, including a written policy that must be in place before … [More]
Tax Policy Expert on Payments to Individuals from the COVID-19 Stimulus Package

Congress has passed unprecedented legislation to address the coronavirus pandemic and the economic fallout stemming from it. The measure authorizes the IRS to make payments to most individuals. Here are some answers to key questions about those payments. Who will get a check and who won’t? Anyone who files a tax return will get a check. Checks will also go to … [More]
Governor Ducey Signs Legislation To Expand Access To Unemployment Benefits

Governor Doug Ducey today signed S.B. 1694, legislation to expand access to unemployment benefits for Arizonans affected by COVID-19 by waiving certain Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) eligibility requirements. The legislation, which was sponsored by Senate President Karen Fann and House Speaker Rusty Bowers, passed the Arizona Legislature on March 23 with … [More]
BBB Scam Alert: False Advertising and Pandemic Price Gouging
The relationship between businesses and consumers is increasingly important during a pandemic. Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns businesses against raising prices for critical items, not just because it is illegal, but because consumers are impressionable and looking to trustworthy businesses at this time of crisis. Amidst recent progressions of the novel virus COVID-19, … [More]
Local First Arizona Launches Small Business Relief Fund

As Congress today passes a federal Coronavirus relief package, Local First Arizona launches a new initiative that will provide immediate financial relief to Arizona’s microenterprises with mini-grants to cover costs like employee payroll and rent. Immediate cash flow, not loans, will keep the backbone of the Arizona economy afloat and looking forward to a stronger … [More]












