Hello everyone,
John Carney made the right move in joining fellow governors who are planning a path forward for the economy as signs appear that the pandemic is peaking in some areas.
The coalition is spearheaded by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Carney and includes Democratic governors of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Massachusetts and its Republican governor Charlie Baker came on board later in the day.
A similar move was made by governors on the West Coast. Both regions account for a sizable chunk of economic activity. Out west, there are some indications that early actions paid off.
Carney has already appointed three members of his administration who along with their counterparts in other states will focus on health and economic issues in plotting a path forward.
Carney attempted to tamp down any hopes of re-openings of businesses, schools, etc. in the near future. He noted that Delaware is not at the top of the curve. The state reported six corona virus-related deaths yesterday.
In the case of Delaware, I am sure Carney wanted to see Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan join the coalition.
Hogan and Carney stay in touch and their actions have not produced problems like the ill-advised decision to close state-owned liquor stores in Pennsylvania and sent hordes of shoppers into border areas.
Under the commonwealth’s system, the all-powerful liquor control board and not the governor made the shutdown decision. Pressure may build to reopen at least some of the stores, since union employees, who some say pushed for the shutdown, lose paid leave at the end of the week.
Hogan’s biggest issue is the area around Washington, D.C. and coordinating economic and health care matters with the district, and Virginia.
Also in the mix is President Trump, who yesterday asserted that he can override governors. Until recently, the president said governors bore much of the responsibility for dealing with COVID-19, but has grown antsy about the economic damage.
Throw in the presidential election race as a wild card and things are likely to get interesting in the coming days, weeks and months.
Stay safe. This newsletter returns tomorrow, with breaking news updates when warranted. – Doug Rainey, chief content officer.
