October 2020 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
A focus on Alabama families, resources for hurricane and COVID-19 relief and a spotlight the state’s bioscience sector make-up some of the major news topics this month.
- Federal Assistance for AL Hurricane Survivors: Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that Hurricane Sally survivors in Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties have been approved for more than $11 million in federal disaster assistance. At the end of September, FEMA had approved housing grants to individuals and families totaling $11,153,079. Of that amount, $8.9 million in Housing Assistance grants were approved for repairs to primary residences or for renting temporary housing, and $2.1 million was allocated for Other Needs Assistance grants to cover childcare, moving and storage, medical and dental expenses. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved an additional $570,900 in long-term, low interest disaster loans to cover repairs to homes damaged by Hurricane Sally.
- State Creates Alabama Family Central: Governor Ivey announced the creation of Alabama Family Central, a comprehensive, easy-to-use web and mobile destination that offers parents and families, guardians, teachers and caregivers a one-stop connection to programs and services in Alabama. Alabama Central was collaboratively created by state agencies and other partners to support Alabama families by compiling available state resources that can assist with issues related to the health and well-being of children. The Alabama Legislature is supporting this effort with $500,000 in funding from the Education Trust Fund budget.
- AL Awarded $17.8 M Workforce Grant: Alabama has been awarded $17.8 million to assist Alabama workers who have been displaced by COVID-19 develop new skills in high-demand industries. The funds will be administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce, on behalf of the State Workforce Investment Board. The Alabama Workforce Stabilization Program, under the criteria established in the grant competition, will help low-income Alabamians displaced by COVID-19 transition into new fields. The Alabama Community College System and the Alabama Technology Network will deliver the training programs throughout the duration of the grant. Manufacture Alabama President George Clark, who serves as Chair of the State Workforce Investment Board, helped secure this grant and will lead the implementation of the grant.
