The Rundown: Latest on 'reopening' plans amid coronavirus, the Paycheck Protection Program and more
Today in The Rundown: Louisiana leaders say the state continues to see positive signs in coronavirus numbers; the Paycheck Protection Program runs dry; plans emerge for “reopening” the economy; and more news.
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The Countdown…
Days until Louisiana Legislature is scheduled to return to session: TBD
Days until the Governor’s stay-at-home order is lifted: 12
Days until the Louisiana legislative session must end: 44
Days until the newly-scheduled Louisiana presidential primary: 85
Days until the presidential/senatorial/congressional election: 199
Days until the Louisiana runoff election (as needed): 231
Coronavirus in Louisiana
The Numbers…
Cases: 22,532
In Hospitals: 1,914 (On ventilation: 396)
Deaths: 1,156
Tests administered (state and privately reported): 126,586
Parishes with reported cases: 64
**Numbers reported as of noon April 16. For updated numbers see: The Louisiana Department of Health.
The News…
Numbers quick-take: Louisiana continues to see a leveling off of the number of covid-19 patients in hospitals and needing ventilators, even as the number of deaths and confirmed cases continue to rise.
The state is No. 1 per capita in its testing rate.
Recovery: On Thursday, both President Donald Trump and Gov. John Bel Edwards released additional details about what a “reopening” of the economy might look like if things continue to trend positively.
Edwards, during his daily coronavirus briefing, unveiled the members of a newly-formed Resilient Louisiana Commission, which has been charged with “examining Louisiana’s economy amid the covid-19 pandemic and making recommendations for more resilient business-related activities and commerce in the coming months.”
It will be headed by Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson and Terrie Sterling, a Baton Rouge consultant and retired Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System executive. Other members include Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, members of the state Legislature, leaders of watchdog groups and representatives from business and industry in the state.
“Covid-19 represents a historic challenge to our ability to respond medically and save lives, but it also represents a tremendous challenge for Louisiana’s economy and the prosperity of each one of our residents,” Edwards said. “For these reasons, we need a comprehensive game plan for creating a more resilient Louisiana. I’m proud of the men and women who have accepted the challenge to tackle these important issues, and to ensure that Louisiana becomes a leader for the future safety and success of our people.”
Meanwhile, Trump unveiled his three-phase plan for governors to use to resume some activity in states and other defined areas. He also released a list of 65 senators and 32 House members who will take part in his Opening Up America Again Congressional Group, including U.S. Reps. Steve Scalise and Mike Johnson, and Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy.
Trump’s three-phase plan relies on increased testing in states and a steady drop in day-over-day new confirmed cases. You can read the full White House outline of the proposals here. Given Louisiana’s designation as a “hot spot” for the virus, it’s unlikely the state will head into the process alongside the first wave of states that have seen fewer cases.
Edwards has said he’s working with his team to craft a new plan for what happens when his stay-at-home proclamation expires at the end of the month. Details are TBA.
Paycheck Protection Program: With no agreement hashed out between Democratic leaders of Congress and Republicans aligned with the Trump administration, the much-lauded $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program, intended to provide aid to small businesses in the coronavirus relief package, has run out of money.
Louisiana Congressmen Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, and Mike Johnson, R-Benton, have repeatedly taken aim at House Democrats, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, for Congress’ failure to refill the program.
Appearing alongside Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, at the governor’s regular coronavirus update on Thursday, Scalise said he remains hopeful for a deal to be reached.
“Hopefully we get that agreement soon in the next couple of days,” he said.
The Small Business Administration, which is administering the program, reported this week that, as of Monday, more than 1 million loans had been issued, including 17,097 in Louisiana, totaling more than $3.74 million.
The program is not taking applications (which are done through local banking and loan institutions) until additional funding is made available.
Republicans and Trump want to fast-track an additional $250 billion for the program, but Democrats have sought to tuck other provisions into the bill. Trump on Thursday promoted the idea of talks resuming in hopes of restarting the program.
Governor’s schedule…
Gov. John Bel Edwards will visit LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center at 2:30 p.m. to see the production of Personal Protective Equipment that’s taking place there.
At 3 p.m. he’ll have his regular coronavirus briefing, streamed live on gov.louisiana.gov.
Tweet beat…
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