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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!
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| 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." |
| What Happens Next: |
| As Noem points out, some states will enter 2021 with more lockdowns, tax increases, and plans to borrow money. But in South Dakota, they will be doing none of the above. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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Thank you for reading this week’s edition of FT Now.
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