We Will Get Through This Together (COVID-19 Resources)

We hope you are all healthy, safe, and at home whenever possible. CAA’s offices are closed for the time being. Our staff continues to work on Arizona children’s issues from home and other remote locations.

Normalcy, as we know it, is evolving rapidly as the nation and our state attempt to respond and mitigate COVID-19 spread. With schools closed across the state, we know children living in poverty will be highly impacted. CAA will continues to be a voice for policies and responses that help working families weather this difficult time.

At present, utilities will NOT be shut off due to non-payment. Efforts are underway in municipalities across the state to suspend evictions. There are calls for a moratorium on foreclosures, evictions, and the streamlining of unemployment and cash benefits for workers who are laid off during the pandemic.

The Capitol is now closed to the public and committee hearings have been cancelled for the week in both Houses. Leadership is reporting that they will pass a “skinny” budget this week along with two dozen “non-controversial” bills that have bipartisan support. It is unclear if they will sine die and end the legislative session or if they will recess and resume session later this year.

The bare-bones budget is likely to reflect the “baseline” budget and to increase funding for AHCCCS/Medicaid. It will also likely include increases to the Department of Education for enrollment changes and statutory formulas. It is unlikely to include new funding including the increase to the kinship foster care stipend.

 Check these websites for the latest official information about COVID-19:

• AHCCCS/Medicaid – FAQ document with information for health care providers, insurance companies, and patients.
• Department of Health Services – Coronavirus Recommendations and Resources
• Department of Child Safety – check the banners at the top of their website for ongoing updates to foster caregivers and parents.
• Department of Economic Security (DES) – Unemployment and other resources.
• Maricopa county school and community resources.
• US Customs and Immigration Services has announced that use of health services related to the treatment, testing, and prevention of COVID-19 will NOT impact a green card applicant’s public charge test. Here is their official statement.