Volume 27 | June 30, 2020

Northeast Response to COVID-19
The Northeast US has flattened the curve of COVID-19 cases and a phased reopening of the region’s economy is underway. With most states beginning to operate under “phase 3” guidelines, measures are being taken to prevent backsliding. As importantly, states are dedicating support for those industries and workforces where this pandemic has imposed outsized pain. But without additional, significant federal assistance the pandemic-induced recession will impose even more harm to workers and communities across the region.
Status of State/Local Funding Package from Congress
State and local leaders have expressed concern over inadequate funding. The CARES Act passed in March was insufficient to meet the growing needs that the pandemic has caused amid the unanticipated costs of shuttering and reopening communities and small businesses across the Northeast states.
House Acts on Infrastructure
Over the past several weeks, the House of Representatives has turned its focus to transportation reauthorization and an infrastructure package. On June 18, 2020, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I Committee) approved a five-year, $494 billion surface transportation reauthorization bill—the “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America Act). The legislation, which was passed on party lines, represents a 60 percent increase above current spending levels.
News from the States
 Connecticut
Governor Lamont Expands State's Youth Employment Program Amid COVID-19 Crisis

Connecticut’s Green Bank could provide a model for national clean energy funding . (Grist)

 Maine
Mills Administration Approves COVID-19 Prevention and Protection Grant Awards to Municipalities As Part of Keep Maine Healthy Plan

Governor Mills Urges U.S. Commerce Secretary to Reject Petition Harming Maine Lobster Industry & Right Whale

Massachusetts
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Updated Travel Guidelines to Support COVID-19 Response

Governor Baker unveiled a $275 million economic recovery package to generate economic growth

New Hampshire
Governor Chris Sununu issued Executive Order 2020-14 , along with Exhibit J to Emergency Order #29 as part of the state's efforts to respond to COVID-19

Governor Chris Sununu Issues Emergency Order #53
 New York
Governor Cuomo Announces Individuals Traveling to New York From Eight Additional States Will Be Required to Quarantine for 14 Days

Cuomo calls for Canada-to-New York City power line to deliver clean energy (Financial Post)

Rhode Island

Rhode Island-Based J obs Rose 13,100 from April ; May Unemployment Rate Drops to 16.3 Percent

Vermont
Governor Phil Scott Expands Trusted Travel Policy

Vermont Senate approves Global Warming Solutions Act (VT Digger)
Regional and Federal Updates
Canada, US and Mexico Extend Border Restrictions to July 21 (NY Times)
 
Fading Winters, Hotter Summers Make the Northeast America’s Fastest Warming Region (Inside Climate News)
 
CONEG founders pen Op-Ed on the stake of fiscal policy in the region: ' Frostbelt' states shouldn't be left out in the cold (Newsday, by Tom Cochran & Lewis Kaden)
 
Grants aim to develop new markets for Northern Forest wood (Vermont Biz)
Did you know?

Since its inception in July 2011, the Connecticut Green Bank has mobilized nearly $1.7 billion of investment into the state’s green energy economy at a leverage ratio of $1 of public capital to $7 of private investment while creating more than 20,000 jobs.