Documenting America’s Path to Recovery #269: June 18, 2021

By

Ballotpedia staff

Welcome to Documenting America’s Path to Recovery. Today we look at:

  • The end of federal pandemic unemployment programs in several states
  • Changes in coronavirus restrictions in Michigan
  • COVID-19 policy changes from this time last year 

We are committed to keeping you updated on everything from mask requirements to vaccine-related policies. We will keep you abreast of major developments—especially those affecting your daily life. Want to know what we covered yesterday? Click here.

The next 72 hours

What is changing in the next 72 hours?

Alabama (Republican trifecta): The state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 19. Gov. Kay Ivey (R) made the announcement May 10.

Arizona (Republican trifecta): In-person visits will resume at correctional facilities beginning June 19. Inmates will be allowed up to three visitors – two adults and one minor. Additionally, attorney visits and in-person volunteer activities will be allowed.

Idaho (Republican trifecta): The state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 19. Gov. Brad Little (R) made the announcement May 11.

Indiana (Republican trifecta): The state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 19. Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) made the announcement May 17.

Nebraska (Republican trifecta): The state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 19. Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) made the announcement May 24.

New Hampshire (Republican trifecta): The state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 19. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) made the announcement May 13.

North Dakota (Republican trifecta): The state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 19. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) made the announcement May 10.

West Virginia (Republican trifecta): The state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 19. Gov. Jim Justice (R) made the announcement May 14.

Wyoming (Republican trifecta): The state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 19. Gov. Mark Gordon (R) made the announcement May 11.

Since our last edition

What rules and restrictions are changing in each state? For a continually updated article, click here.

Illinois (Democratic trifecta): Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced the All in for the Win vaccination incentive program. All residents with at least one dose of a vaccine are automatically entered to win drawings for 43 cash prizes, including three $1 million jackpots and 20 scholarship awards. The drawings will take place between July 8 and Aug. 26. For more information, click here.

Louisiana (divided government): Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced the Shot At A Million vaccination incentive program. The state will have weekly drawings to give away $100,000 cash prizes and $100,000 scholarships. On Aug. 4, the state will select a grand prize winner of $1 million. Residents with at least one dose of a vaccine can enter to win starting June 21. For a drawing schedule and more information, click here.

Michigan (divided government): On Thursday, June 17, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced she would end most remaining statewide coronavirus restrictions, including the mask mandate, on June 22. Whitmer said she would keep in place some restrictions on long-term care facilities and prisons and jails. 

Nevada (Democratic trifecta): On Thursday, June 17, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced “Vax Nevada Days,” an initiative to encourage residents to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The initiative will include a $1 million grand prize, as well as smaller cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $250,000, and state park passes. 

Ohio (Republican trifecta): On Friday, June 18, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) ended the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency. DeWine first declared an emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic on March 9, 2020.

Washington (Democratic trifecta): On Thursday, June 17, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced a vaccine incentive initiative for military members and veterans. “A Heroes Thanks” will award prizes in a weekly drawing over the span of three weeks, beginning July 20. Prizes will include cash, Amazon gift cards, and state park passes. The initiative will end in the third week with a $250,000 cash prize. 

This time last year: Friday, June 19, 2020

The first case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was confirmed on Jan. 21, 2020. But it wasn’t until March when the novel coronavirus upended life for most Americans. Throughout March and April, many states issued stay-at-home orders, closed schools, restricted travel, and changed election dates. Many of those policies remain in place today. Each week, we’ll look back at some of the defining policy responses of the early coronavirus pandemic.

Here’s what happened this time last year. To see a list of all policy changes in each category, click the links below.

Friday, June 19, 2020:

  • Stay-at-home orders:
    • Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) approved Multnomah County’s application to reopen, effectively lifting the state’s stay-at-home order. Multnomah, which includes Portland, was the last county subject to Brown’s original stay-at-home order, Executive Order No. 20-12.  
  • Election changes:
    • Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) signed H7901 into law, reducing petition signature requirements for both primary and general election congressional candidates in 2020 by half.
    • The Maryland State Board of Elections and the Green Party of Maryland reached a settlement in Maryland Green Party v. Hogan. Under the terms of the settlement, the petition signature requirement for obtaining party status for the Green and Libertarian parties was reduced from 10,000 to 5,000 signatures.
  • Federal government responses:
    • The Internal Revenue Service released guidance for retirement plan participants describing how to take advantage of provisions in the CARES Act that related to retirement plans.
    • The Department of Defense (DoD) lifted travel restrictions on additional installations in 46 states and eight host nations, allowing military and civilian personnel to travel to those locations.