April 3, 2020 (Anchorage, AK) – Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy today announced new steps taken to advance the Alaska COVID-19 Economic Stabilization Plan. The Governor amended COVID-19 Disaster Order of Suspension No. 2 to include additional suspensions of certain state government fees and fines, and highlighted the availability of the Payment Protection Program, a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan that will help businesses maintain their workforce during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
COVID-19 Disaster Order of Suspension No. 2, amended on April 1, 2020, suspends certain fees and fines within the Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Administration, Department of Commerce, Department of Labor, Department of Revenue, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and the Department of Fish and Game through May 11, 2020 unless otherwise noted.
“I thank my team of Commissioners for finding ways to ease the burden on businesses and individuals as we face an economic slowdown due to COVID-19. My administration continues to find areas in which we may lift fees and fines, move tax deadlines, and wisely encourage/practice social distancing,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy.
The SBA today began accepting applications for the Paycheck Protection Program. Small businesses can apply through Alaska lenders for the Paycheck Protection Program, provided by the Federal CARES Act. The loan is designed as an incentive for businesses to keep employees employed throughout the COVID-19 economic slowdown. The SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Additional information can be found here.
“I encourage Alaskan businesses who have been impacted by this virus to explore the available options through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA Paycheck Protection Program is available today and can be used to cover payroll for your employees,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “My administration will continue to examine ways the State government can stabilize the economy and remove barriers to keep businesses operational. Together, with our Alaska Economic Stabilization Team, we are working to find ways to turn industry ideas into tangible and impactful policy.”
Background:
On March 31, 2020, Governor Dunleavy signed the COVID-19 Disaster Order of Suspension No. 2. This action suspended certain fees and fines within the Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Administration, Department of Commerce, Department of Labor, and the Department of Revenue through May 11, 2020.
The Governor’s COVID-19 Health Mandates can be found here.
For the latest information on Alaska’s response to COVID-19, please visit http://coronavirus.alaska.gov.
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Media Contact: Jeff Turner, jeff.turner@alaska.gov (907) 310-4961
