Welcome to another edition of FT Now! We hope you're enjoying plenty
of holiday cheer so far this December! The news has been all things
COVID-19 lately and this week is no exception. However, there are bright
spots in the response to the pandemic - like South Dakota Gov. Kristi
Noem's freedom-loving approach. Contrast that to California Governor
Gavin Newsom, and it's not a pretty picture. Last but not least,
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is stepping into a new role at the Republican
Governors Association. Read below for more!




South Dakota's Balanced Covid Response

What Happened:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem took to the pages of the Wall Street
Journal to talk about her approach to handling of COVID-19. Bottom line?
She gives her constituents the information they need to make responsible
decisions.

Why You Should Care:

Governors around the country have taken varied approaches to COVID, but
their decisions have real-life consequences for the people in their
states. Policy makers, writes Gov. Noem, "must balance public-health
concerns with people's mental and emotional needs, their economic
livelihoods and social connections, and liberty, among many other
important factors."

LEARN MORE

Newsom's Stay-At-Home Order Triggered In Region Where He Lives

What Happened:

Speaking of governors and COVID, California's Democrat Gov. Gavin
Newsom's response has been to put more regions in his state under
three-week stay-at-home orders. One of the regions is Sacramento, where
Newsom lives.

Why You Should Care:

The order means many businesses will have to shut down - again. The
order also comes against the backdrop of breaking news that while small
businesses are struggling, several companies partially owned by Newsom
received millions in PPP loans this year. Not a good look.

What Happens Next:

Unfortunately for the citizens of California, strict COVID lockdowns
seem unavoidable. But hopefully, Newsom follows his own rules this time.

LEARN MORE

Arizona's Governor Ducey to Chair Republican Governors Association

What Happened:

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey is taking over the helm of the Republican
Governors Association. Iowa's Governor, Kim Reynolds, will serve as
vice chair.

Why You Should Care:

Outgoing Chairman, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, said it best: "Governor
Doug Ducey's exemplary leadership in the great State of Arizona has
prepared him well to assume the role...Following the RGA's widespread
success in the 2020 election, Republican governors can count on Governor
Ducey to maintain the organization's effectiveness and help expand
their majority even further."

What Happens Next:

Gov. Ducey will lead the RGA as it works to elect Republican governors
in Virginia and New Jersey in 2021.

LEARN MORE

Thank you for reading this week's edition of FT Now.

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