In response to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, Governor Lee has taken many recent actions dealing with unemployment, business taxes, emissions testing for tag renewal, Real-ID, school closures, and licensing for nurses, physicians and other professionals.
Below are some summaries. You can find more information HERE.
Thursday, March 26, 2020 | 05:00pm
Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19 relief.
Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live each day this week at 3 p.m. CDT here. Gov. Lee has also established a website specific to COVID-19 updates which can be found here.
Key Updates
COVID-19 Unified Command
On March 23, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee established the COVID-19 Unified Command, a joint effort to be led by Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, to streamline coordination across the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee Department of Military. This group launched a website today which includes helpful resources, FAQs, and local and global data related to COVID-19.
Public Service Announcement Campaign
Today, the State of Tennessee launched a public service announcement campaign that urges all Tennesseans to adopt preventive health measures to slow the spread of coronavirus. “Do your part, stay apart” features Governor Bill Lee, First Lady Maria Lee and dozens of music artists, athletes and sports organizations who collectively reach millions of Tennesseans. View Governor and First Lady’s video here. Additional information can be found here.
Administration Actions
Unemployment
Tennessee is experiencing an unprecedented number of unemployment claims through the Department of Labor & Workforce Development. Since last week, Tennessee has received 39,096 claims and counting compared to 2,702 the week prior, a 1,300% spike in unemployment.
The state is spearheading a public-private partnership with the Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association, Tennessee Retail Association, and Hospitality TN to create the Tennessee Talent Exchange powered by Jobs4TN.gov.
The goal of the exchange is to quickly match Tennesseans who are out of work due to COVID-19 with companies currently experiencing a surge in business and making immediate hires. The Department of Labor & Workforce Development has modified the state’s workforce development website to quickly post job openings and match job seekers with employers. Additional information can be found here.
Executive Order 20
Today, Gov. Lee signed Executive Order 20 to ensure Tennessee can further mobilize health care workers to fight COVID-19.
The executive order accomplishes the below actions, among others:
· Loosens restrictions around retired medical professionals to help get qualified individuals back in the workforce.
· Temporarily suspends continuing education requirements so professionals can continue working through the pandemic.
· Calls for the availability of phone assessments for individuals with mental illness or emotional disturbances.
· Expands telemedicine efforts so that all licensed providers may utilize telemedicine during COVID-19 as long as they are practicing within their normal scope of practice.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 | 05:00pm
Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19 relief.
Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live each day this week at 3 p.m. CDT here. Gov. Lee has also established a website specific to COVID-19 updates which can be found here.
Key Updates
Tornado Disaster Recovery
FEMA has approved Tennessee’s disaster declaration for the remaining counties. All affected counties are now covered: Benton, Carroll, Davidson, Putnam, Smith and Wilson. Additional information can be found here.
Administration Actions
CDC Funding
The CDC has pledged $10 million for Tennessee’s efforts to fight COVID-19. Tennessee has purchased additional testing capacity and supplies per guidance from the CDC.
In looking at the testing response of other states, Tennessee continues to be a proportional leader compared to states much larger in the region.
Child Care and Human Services
The Department of Human Services has deployed on the $10 million emergency response and recovery grants for existing child care facilities. A church, gym, or non-profit can open an emergency temporary child care facility by registering with the Department of Human Services. Additional information can be found here.
Gov. Lee has directed the Department of Human Services to personally reach out to each existing child care facility in the state to help organizations secure supplies.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 | 06:00pm
Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts around COVID-19 relief.
Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live each day this week at 3 p.m. CDT here. Gov. Lee has also established a website specific to COVID-19 updates which can be found here.
Key Updates
National Guard Mobilization
Gov. Lee has mobilized the National Guard to assist with expanded testing efforts. 250 personnel, including 150 medical personnel, are preparing to assist 35 remote assessment facilities in rural areas.
State Employee Workforce
State employees who are currently working from home within the Alternative Workplace Solutions program (AWS) should remain working from home until April 24.
School Closures and Educational Resources
- Gov. Lee extended statewide school closure to April 24, 2020.
- The Department of Education has secured a partnership with PBS to offer instructional content on television while students are at home.
Administration Actions
Franchise & Excise Tax Deadline Extended
The filing deadline for franchise and excise taxes has been delayed until July 15, 2020. Taxpayers will have until July 15 to file returns and make any payments, including quarterly estimated payments, originally due in April. Additional information can be found here.
Real ID and Emissions Testing
- Drivers Services has suspended issuing REAL ID through May 18, 2020 as the federal government waived the deadline for REAL ID.
- Emissions testing requirements have also been waived through May 18, 2020.
- Additional information can be found in the governor’s executive order here.
Utilities
The Attorney General, in consultation with the Lee Administration, has filed an emergency petition asking the Tennessee Public Utility Commission to prohibit utilities from disconnecting service for non-payment during the state of emergency. More information can be found here.
Insurance Premiums
Gov. Lee has directed the Department of Commerce and Insurance to issue guidance to insurance providers requesting as much flexibility as possible for employers and individuals during this crisis. Additional information can be found here.