An Economic Report Card on How Governors Are Responding to Coronavirus

Executive Summary

This report grades the nation’s governors on how they have and are continuing to respond to the
coronavirus. Taking into account the severity of the virus in each state and the need to keep their
citizens safe and healthy, we assess how measured or damaging their actions have been with
respect to safeguarding the economic well-being of their citizens. We examine lockdown orders,
business closures, hospital and outdoor activity orders, and the degree of punitive actions on
enforcing these measures. Most importantly, we measure the start dates for reopening in each
state as the evidence is very strong that states with late start dates will have much more severe
recessions than states that open earlier.

The premise of this report is that – with a few exceptions in some metropolitan areas - the time is
long past for every state to reopen safely, smartly and judiciously so as to end the economic
destruction and despair from lockdowns. Millions more Americans will be pushed into
unemployment lines, plunged into poverty, and lose their businesses – forever. State revenue
losses will be severe and continued shutdowns will require dramatic cutbacks in state and local
services for lack of money. Even from a public health stand point, the very negative effects from
job loss, poverty, business failure, and so on are causing social pathologies to soar – suicides,
depression, stress, heart attack, spousal and child abuse cases, drug overdoses, alcohol abuse,
financial ruin, and deprivation.

The governors who get an A grade for protecting their economies from devastation are: Jared
Polis of Colorado, Ron DeSantis of Florida, Brian Kemp of Georgia, Kim Reyonalds of Iowa,
Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, Bill Lee of
Tennessee, and Mark Gordon of Wyoming. The governors who get an F and have put their
governors in most economic peril are Phil Murphy of New Jersey, Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania,
Ralph Northam of Virginia, and Tony Evers of Wisconsin. California Governor Gavin Newsom
of California received a D grade, Andrew Cuomo of New York a C grade, and Texas Governor
Greg Abbott of Texas a B grade. The worst performing Republican governor was Larry Hogan
of Maryland who received a D grade.
How Governors Have Responded to the CoronaVirus

The highly contagious novel coronavirus has killed nearly 60,000 Americans and has caused
major illness to hundreds of thousands more Americans (as of this writing). The impact of this
pandemic on the health of the American people has been severe and has frightened the American
public like few events of modern times.

The other major impact of the pandemic has been the thunderbolt dealt to the American
economy. As a result of lockdowns to businesses and workers advised by the President and put
in place by the state governors, some 25 to 30 million Americans have been placed in
unemployment, millions of businesses from coast to coast have gone bankrupt, and nearly $4
trillion has been spent at all levels of government to combat and contain the virus. The latest
estimates are predicting a decline in American output (GDP) will be between 25 and 30% of our
GDP when all is said and done. Even the Great Depression didn’t cause this rapid meltdown in
the American economy.

Fortunately, the number of reported cases and death rates are slowing. The curve appears to have
flattened and even declined – hopefully for good.

From the start, the 50 governors of the United States have taken a lead role in terms of how they
locked down their economies and how strictly they enforced “stay at home” orders and business
closures. The response differed widely from state to state, with some – such as Arkansas and
Nebraska - never having issued stay at home orders, or very modest ones, and others – like
California and New Jersey - issuing penalties, fines and in some cases even jail for breaking
curfews and lockdowns. Every governor (sometimes in consultation with state legislators and
commissions) defined “essential” from “non-essential” businesses. Essential businesses stayed
open – in some cases with restricted entry and hours of operation – and non-essential businesses
required to stay shuttered.

In this report, we assess how the governors have handled the shutdowns in terms of measuring
how restrictive and damaging governors’ edicts have been when it comes to their state’s
economy. This isn’t just a rear view mirror assessment of the damage done to jobs, businesses,
and state revenues and debt over the last two months.

Much more importantly, President Trump has correctly granted authority to the individual
governors to decide when they open up for commerce and how they do it. These decisions that
governors are making right now in terms of how and when to open up their economy – when
businesses can open, when restaurants can start taking customers, when schools, hospitals, and
sports can start up again, etc. - will have a profound impact on which states recover from the
deep recession quickest and how soon workers will get back into jobs.

We already are seeing very marked divergent patterns among the governors. For the most part,
but there are glaring exceptions, the more pro-business states in the south, the southwest and the
mountain states have begun lifting restrictions more quickly. The more liberal states of the
northeast, the west coast, and the Midwest have been more reluctant to lift lockdown orders.

It may not seem of much consequence whether a state has opened in April or a governor like
Ralph Northam has decreed that the Commonwealth of Virginia will stay closed down to the
middle of June. But the start date emphasized in this study matters a lot. A recent study by
Arthur Laffer, Associates finds that states that open up earlier will have substantially better
economic recoveries than states that stay closed for another month or so. That study finds that
early opening states could be in recovery by the end of the Summer or 2020, while the laggard
states could be in recession for six months or more. This is because businesses, stores, shopping
centers, restaurants, and office parks are much more likely to fail if the doors aren’t open sooner
rather than later. Every day counts.

Another factor to take into account is cross border migration of businesses and workers. It has
been long-established that businesses, factories, people, and workers move to places that are
business-friendly and “where the jobs are.” The movement of about 3 to 4 million people from
blue states to red states may accelerate if blue states are way behind red states in opening and
continue to tilt economic and political power to the states like Florida, Georgia, Texas,
Tennessee, and Utah.
We believe that every governor is making a good faith effort to weigh the risks of health of their
citizens versus the economic wellbeing of their state. No governor wants to impoverish their
citizens. No governor wants to see any of their citizens get ill or even die. In this study, we don’t
get into the motives of governors – we assume their motives are pure. But these decisions they
are making today will have long-lasting consequences for the economic opportunities and the
prosperity of their citizens for many years to come.

We also flatly reject the claim made in the media and by some politicians that governors that
want to open up their states for business are putting greed, profits and business over saving lives.
This is, and has always been a false narrative – a Sophie’s choice that never has existed. The
reality is that there are very negative health consequences to economic lockdowns and “stay at
home” orders.

We acknowledge and take into account in this report card that some governors are governing
states that have been heavily impacted by coronavirus. A lockdown in those states may make a
lot more sense than in other areas with low population density with few infections. The chart
below shows the percentage of deaths as a share of population by state.

The chart shows that coronavirus has spread very unevenly – in New York City and its suburbs,
including parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, there was a genuine acute crisis that tested health
system capacity. In most of middle America we had the opposite crisis – empty emergency
rooms while heart attack and stroke patients died at home under the misimpression that the
hospitals were overwhelmed. The crisis in New York peaked about three weeks ago, and now
governors across America are wise to start up their economic engines and bring an end to the
massive economic hardship that has been and continues to be imposed on Americans.

We have divided the states into four tiers to consider the severity of the disease threat relative to
state lockdown policies. The high severity states have more than 100 deaths per million
population as of April 27, medium severity 30 to 99 deaths per million, and low severity less
than 30 deaths per million.
The premise of this report is that there must be appropriate urgency to the task of reopening the
country, because there are significant direct and indirect health and economic consequences of
delay.

The direct consequences come from failure to provide non-COVID health care.

Even the New York Times, which stoked as much corona panic as anyone, now admits: "ERs
have about half the normal number of patients, and heart and stroke units are nearly empty,
according to doctors at many urban medical centers. Some medical experts fear more people are
dying from untreated emergencies than from the coronavirus."

Cancer care has also largely been suspended. The consequences of that over the next several
years could be enormous. "The number of deaths due to the disruption of cancer services is
likely to outweigh the number of deaths from the coronavirus itself over the next five years,"
predicts Richard Sullivan, director of the Institute of Cancer Policy at King's College London.

The indirect health consequences come from economic devastation. Skyrocketing

unemployment will lead to rampant substance abuse, domestic violence, suicide, drug overdoses,
and other severe public health harms. This slide comes from professor Greg Mankiw's Harvard
lecture on the subject:

As the Laffer study and others show, supply chains are beginning to break down, and every day
of closure now risks going from a severe depression to a complete economic collapse. Economic
opening can be done with mitigation measures to limit the risk of a major outbreak, but in the
vast majority of places in America hospitals are empty, not overwhelmed, meaning the balance of
risks is clearly in favor of opening as quickly and aggressively as can be done compatibly with
best hygiene and health-conscious practices – such as social distancing at the workplace and in
stores, gloves, masks, disinfectants, testing, screening, and so on.

This report assesses how well each governor is responding to this increasingly undeniable reality
that America faces an urgent imperative of limiting the health and economic catastrophe caused
by lockdowns. Those who don’t agree with that assessment are free to discard these grades.
Those who do should pay careful attention to how their governors are performing.

This report also has a utility to those who are looking to relocate or start up a business, or store
or restaurant – or those who are thinking of investing in commercial real estate or buy a home in
one state versus another. This would not be a good time to start a business in New Jersey or
Connecticut. Florida’s real estate boom will be enhanced.

We have given each governor a score based on the extent to which they are banning economic
activities, restricting individual freedom of movement, and failing to provide a clear timetable
around which citizens and businesses can plan. We considered the extent of the virus threat in
each state to calibrate expectations by separating them into three tiers – high, medium and low
death rates from Corona. We also take into account specific actions that governors have taken
rightly or wrongly in response to the virus that have impacted their state’s economy.

The governors with A and B grades are already moving to restore freedom and opportunity, and
trusting individuals to follow best practices or isolate themselves based on their own risk
assessments. The D and F grade governors continue to arbitrarily ban activities without respect
to any sensible risk versus benefit calculation – and are therefore taking the largest risk of all –
the risk of catastrophic economic collapse.

Economic Report Card on Governor Coronavirus Response

Colorado A Jared Polis (D)

Florida A Ron DeSantis (R)

Georgia A Brian Kemp (R)
Iowa A Kim Reyonalds (R)
Nebraska A Pete Ricketts (R)

Oklahoma A Kevin Stitt (R)

South Dakota A Kristi Noem (R)
Tennessee A Bill Lee (R)
Wyoming A Mark Gordon (R)

Alabama B Kay Ivey (R)

Alaska B Mike Dunleavy (R)
 Arkansas B Asa Hutchinson (R)
Louisiana B John Bel Edwards (D)
Mississippi B Tate Reeves (R)
Missouri B Mike Parson (R)

Montana B Steve Bullock (D)

North Dakota B Doug Burgum (R)
South Carolina B Henry McMaster (R)
Texas B Greg Abbott (R)

Utah B Gary Herbert (R)

Arizona C Doug Ducey (R)
Idaho C Brad Little (R)
Indiana C Eric Holcomb (R)

Kentucky C Andy Beshear (D)

Massachusetts C Charlie Baker (R)
Minnesota C Tim Walz (D)
Nevada C Steve Sisolak ((D)
New Hampshire C Chris Sununu (R)

New York C Andrew Cuomo (D)

Ohio C Mike DeWine (R)
Vermont C Phil Scott (R)
California D Gavin Newsom (D)

Connecticut D Ned Lamont (D)

Delaware D John Carney (D)
Hawaii D David Ige (D)
Illinois D J.B. Pritzker (D)

Kansas D Laura Kelly (D)

Maine D Janet Mills (D)
 Maryland D Larry Hogan (R)
Michigan D Gretchen Whitmer (D)
Michelle Lujan Grisham
New Mexico D
(D)

North Carolina D Roy Cooper (D)

Oregon D Kate Brown (D)
Rhode Island D Gina Raimondo (D)
Washington D Jay Inslee (D)
West Virginia D Jim Justice (R)

District of Columbia F Muriel Bowser (D)

New Jersey F Phil Murphy (D)
Pennsylvania F Tom Wolf (D)
Virginia F Ralph Northam (D)

Wisconsin F Tony Evers (D)

Governors Plans to Reopen States

Alabama: B
● “If the government kills a business, the government can’t print enough money to
bring it back to life,” Gov. Ivey said.
● “Alabama's stay-at-home order expires April 30. Gov. Kay Ivey (R) plans to
follow state task force recommendations, which include first allowing small
retailers, restaurants and other businesses to reopen with protective measures
in place” (The Hill).
 ● # of deaths per million: 37.3
● # of Unemployment claims: 249,685
● Unemployment increase: 2925.07%
● Stay-at-home expiration date: April 30th, moves to “safer-at-home” order
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures: April 30
o non-essential- reopen 5pm April 30, retail at 50% capacity, beaches
o restaurants- takeout only
● Governor: Kay Ivey
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: April 10, 2017
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Alaska: B
● “Alaska's stay-at-home order is set to expire April 21. Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R)
announced April 15 that nonessential medical procedures could restart May
4” (The Hill).
● “Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on Tuesday that restaurants and other retail
businesses can begin offering more services on Friday, if they follow certain
health guidelines. Anchorage businesses will be opening three days later, on
Monday, according to Dunleavy” (KTOO).
● # of deaths per million: 12.3
● # of Unemployment claims: 39,624
● Unemployment increase: 1366.47%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- May 4
o non-essential- April 24 retail at 25%; personal care services at 1:1
employee-to-customer ratio
o restaurants- April 24 at 25% capacity
● Governor: Mike Dunleavy
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: December 3, 2018
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Arizona: C
● “Arizona's stay-at-home order expires April 30. Gov. Doug Ducey (R) says he's
"working with industry and business leaders on a plan for economic
recovery" (The Hill).
● “Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said Wednesday he will not make a decision on the
state’s expiring “stay-at-home” order intended to slow the spread of the
coronavirus until next week” (KTAR).
● # of deaths per million: 28.6
● # of cases per million: 68
● # of Unemployment claims: 302,802
● Unemployment increase: 1803.46%
● Reopening businesses:
 o elective procedures- May 1
o non-essential- May 4 for delivery, curbside pickup, appointment; May
8 fully open
o restaurants- May 12
● Governor: Doug Ducey
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 5, 2015
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Arkansas: B
● “Arkansas does not have a stay-at-home order. On April 18, Gov. Asa Hutchinson
(R) launched an economic recovery task force and said he hopes to begin to
ease restrictions in the state on May 4” (The Hill).
● Governor Hutchinson announced these dates for decisions regarding lifting
restrictions: (gov.arkansas.gov)
o April 29: Restaurants
o April 30: Gyms and indoor recreational facilities
o May 1: Beauty salons and barber shops
o May 4: Places of worship and larger venues
● # of deaths per million: 13.9
● # of Unemployment claims: 121,951
● Unemployment increase: 1849.49%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 27
o non-essential- April 30 for gyms; May 1 for personal care services
o restaurants- May 11 at 33% capacity
● Governor: Asa Hutchinson
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 13, 2015
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

California: D
● “There is no set end date for California's stay-at-home order. Gov. Gavin
Newsom (D) has joined a multi state task force, along with Oregon and
Washington, to discuss reopening. He warned that some restrictions, such as
masks in restaurants and bans against large gatherings, will stay in place
through the summer” (The Hill).
● Last week, Governor Newsom announced six indicators that would drive
California’s decision to gradually modify portions of the state’s stay-at-home
order. They include: (gov.ca.gov)
o Expanding testing and contact tracing to be able to identify and isolate
those with the virus;
o Preventing infection in people who are most at risk;
o Being able to handle surges in hospitals and the health care delivery
system;
o Developing therapeutics to meet demand;
 o Ensuring businesses, schools and child care facilities can support physical
distancing; and
o Determining when to reinstate certain measures like the stay-at-home
order if need be.
● # of deaths per million: 32.4
● # of Unemployment claims: 2,107,854
● Unemployment increase: 1693.91%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 22
● Governor: Gavin Newsom
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 7, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Colorado: A
● “The state’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 26. Colorado Gov. Jared
Polis (D) has said social distancing measures will remain in place until
“scientists are able to deliver a truly effective clinical treatment” for
COVID-19. He said Monday that after April 26, the state would enter a "safer at
home" phase where residents are recommended to stay home but not required
to” (The Hill).
● Colorado will require all nursing homes and assisted living facilities to submit
plans by May 1 on how they'll keep residents safe. (CPR News)
● The Mesa County Board of Commissioners sent Gov. Polis a letter and a draft
plan for re-opening its businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. County
Commissioner Rose Pugliese said the proposal has several stages and it still
requires many safety measures, like social distancing and the encouragement
of work telecommuting. (CPR News)
● # of deaths per million: 83.9
● # of Unemployment claims: 219,565
● Unemployment increase: 3360.60%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 27
o non-essential- April 27 retail open for curbside; May 1 retail open for
in-store customers and personal services; May 4 nonessential offices
open to employees with staffing less than 50%
o other- some counties stay-at-home until May 8
● Governor: Jared Polis
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 8, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Connecticut: D
● “Connecticut’s stay-at-home order expires May 20. Gov. Ned Lamont (D) has set
up an advisory board to decide how to reopen the state. Connecticut is allied
 with Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island in a
multistate effort to coordinate reopening” (The Hill).
● On the 23rd of April, Gov. Lamout announced members of the Reopen
Connecticut advisory Group. (portal.ct.gov) He then posted to his Twitter “I’m
as anxious to reopen our economy & get back to business as everyone else, but
we need to do it in a thoughtful way.”
● # of deaths per million: 399.1
● # of Unemployment claims: 170,271
● Unemployment increase: 1285.56%
● Governor: Ned Lamont
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 9, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: High

Delaware: D
● “Delaware's stay-at-home order lasts until May 15. Gov. John Carney (D) has
said the state is far from ready to reopen for business” (The Hill).
● Before we can consider reopening Delaware’s economy, we must meet the
following criteria, based on federal guidelines: (news.delaware.gov)
o WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN FIRST:
▪ 4 days of declining symptoms and presumed positive cases
▪ Ability to treat COVID-19 patients in hospitals without crisis care
▪ Extensive testing programs for health care workers
● # of deaths per million: 84.2
● # of Unemployment claims: 41,403
● Unemployment increase: 3256.44%
● Governor: John Carney
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 17, 2017
● State Risk Tier Level: High

District of Columbia: F
● “The city's stay-at-home order expires May 15. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel
Bowser (D)” (The Hill).
● Quandra Nesbitt, director of the D.C. The Department of Health presented
"most-stringent" and "less stringent" plans on April 30. Under most stringent,
the lockdown is extended three months. Under less stringent, the lockdown is
extended two months. (NBC Washington)
● # of deaths per million: 158.7
● # of Unemployment claims: 33,894
● Unemployment increase: 3157.57%
● Governor: Muriel Bowser
● Party Affiliation: Mayor- Democrat
● State Risk Tier Level: High
Florida: A
● “Florida’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. Ron
DeSantis (R) gave a task force until April 24 to come up with a plan to
safely reopen the state. Beaches reopened for “essential activities” in parts of
the state on April 17” (The Hill).
● # of deaths per million: 40.4
● # of Unemployment claims: 855,441
● Unemployment increase: 3951.01%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- May 4
o non-essential- May 4 for retail at 25% capacity for all but 3 highest
populated counties
o restaurants- May 4 at 25% capacity except 3 counties
● Governor: Ron DeSantis
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 8, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Georgia: A
● “Georgia’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. Brian Kemp
(R) announced Monday he would allow some businesses, including gyms and
hair salons, to reopen and elective surgeries to resume beginning April 24” (The
Hill).
● Trump advises against what Gov. DeSantis is reopening so quickly.
● ““I think it’s too soon,” said the president, who joined several mayors in
questioning Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, who had said some businesses could
resume on Friday” (NYTimes).
● # of deaths per million: 75.2
● # of cases per million: 166
● # of Unemployment claims: 950,390
● Unemployment increase: 4801.07%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 24
o non-essential- April 24
o restaurants- April 27
● Governor: Brian Kemp
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 14, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Hawaii: D
● “Hawaii’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. David Ige (D) has
said he’s taking a “phased-in” approach to reopening the state for
business” (The Hill).
 ● “HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is
extending the city’s stay-at-home order through May 31, but says city parks will
reopen Saturday for limited exercise activities” (Hawaii News Now).
● # of deaths per million: 7.1
● # of Unemployment claims: 114,295
● Unemployment increase: 3009.22%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 25
o non-essential- May 1 florists
● Governor: David Ige
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: December 1, 2014
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Idaho: C
● “Idaho’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. Brad Little (R)
extended the order despite opposition within his own party. He has said some
nonessential businesses can reopen on May 1, so long as they “prepare
operational plans” that include limits on the number of people in a business at
a time” (The Hill).
● Idaho will reevaluate the phases every two weeks to see if they can move
forward (rebound.idaho.gov)
● # of deaths per million: 26.9
● # of Unemployment claims: 61,891
● Unemployment increase: 2135.47%
● Reopening businesses:
o non-essential- May 16 for gyms and personal care services
o restaurants- May 16 expected if reopening plans are approved
o other- May 1 daycare
● Governor: Brad Little
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 7, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Illinois: D
● “Illinois's stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) is
coordinating reopening the state with the governors of Indiana, Kentucky,
Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin” (The Hill).
● Stay at home order will now extend through May 31st (WGN-TV)
● # of deaths per million: 115.8
● # of Unemployment claims: 342,201
● Unemployment increase: 1759.74%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- May 1 (some)
o non-essential- May 1 retail for delivery/pickup
● Governor: J.B. Pritzker
 ● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 14, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: High

Indiana: C
● “Indiana's stay-at-home order expires April 30. Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) has
warned not all restrictions will be dropped on May 1 but said that "we are
thinking early May" for starting to ease some rules” (The Hill).
● # of deaths per million: 94.3
● # of Unemployment claims: 316,248
● Unemployment increase: 4212.75%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 26
● Governor: Eric Holcomb
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 9, 2017
● State Risk Tier: Medium

Iowa: A
● “Iowa has the equivalent of a stay-at-home order until April 30. Gov. Kim
Reynolds (R) has mandated through a State Public Health Emergency
Declaration that all nonessential businesses remain closed until then” (The
Hill).
● # of deaths per million: 26.3
● # of Unemployment claims: 135,995
● Unemployment increase: 2427.95%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 27
o non-essential- May 1 gyms, malls, retail in 77 counties at 50%
capacity; other counties restricted until May 15
o restaurants- May 1 in 77 counties at 50%; other counties restricted
until May 15
● Governor: Kim Reynolds
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: May 24, 2017
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Kansas: D
● “Kansas’s stay-at-home order is set to expire May 3. Gov. Laura Kelly (D) said
she's working on a plan to reopen the state” (The Hill).
● # of deaths per million: 37.4
● # of Unemployment claims: 111,099
● Unemployment increase: 2870.91%
● Reopening businesses:
o non-essential- May 4
 ● Governor: Laura Kelly
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 14, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Kentucky: C
● “Kentucky’s "Healthy at Home" order has no set end date. Gov. Andy Beshear
(D) said he plans to follow federal benchmarks for reopening” (The Hill).
● Numbers are rapidly declining, which has Gov. Beshear wanting to reopen very
soon and start working on phase 1. (FOX19)
● # of deaths per million: 38.3
● # of Unemployment claims: 335,400
● Unemployment increase: 4545.70%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- nonessential health care services April 27;
elective surgeries at 50% capacity May 13
● Governor: Andy Beshear
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: December 10, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Louisiana: B
● “Louisiana's stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Louisiana Gov. John
Bel Edwards (D) said April 17 that the state is “not where we need to be” to
reopen, but he expects to be closer by May 1” (The Hill).
● “During his daily press briefing Thursday, Edwards said while the state isn't
ready to make an announcement, officials are eyeing the possibility of moving
into the first phase of the White House's three-step guidance after the current
stay-at-home order expires on May 1” (WBRZ)
● # of deaths per million: 302.2
● # of Unemployment claims: 272,313
● Unemployment increase: 5250.58%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 17 time-sensitive elective procedures
o non-essential- May 1 for mall stores that offer curbside retail
o restaurants- May 1 for outside dining without waiter service
● Governor: John Bel Edwards
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 11, 2016
● State Risk Tier Level: High

Maine: D
● “Maine’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. Janet Mills (D) said
she is planning a "phased-in" reopening, "tailored to the demographics and
various economic sectors of our state” (The Hill).
 ● “While we all dream of going back to the way things were, we have to face the
hard truth that the coronavirus continues to be a threat and that life will not
return to normal soon” (maine.gov).
● # of deaths per million: 26.8
● # of Unemployment claims: 55,844
● Unemployment increase: 2994.76%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- May 1 Health care providers
o non-essential- May 1 for some personal care services, auto
dealerships; June 1 gyms, nail salons, retail stores; July 1 hotels,
bars, spas, tattoo parlors, massage facilities
o restaurants- June 1
o other: June 1 day camps
● Governor: Janet Mills
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 2, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Maryland: D
● “Maryland does not have an end date for its stay-at-home order or its executive
order to wear face coverings in any retail business or on public transportation.
Gov. Larry Hogan (R) has promised a "gradual rollout" of any plan to
reopen” (The Hill).
● Governor said he will unveil plans Friday (today). (The Hill)
● # of deaths per million: 107.8
● # of Unemployment claims: 219,069
● Unemployment increase: 2510.24%
● Stay-at-home expiration date: indefinite
● Reopening businesses: The stay-at-home order can be lifted, many small
businesses can reopen, lower-risk community activities and quality-of-life
improvements can resume this stage could see the reopening of golf
courses, the return of recreational boating and fishing, elective outpatient
surgeries can resume
● Governor: Larry Hogan
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 21, 2015
● State Risk Tier Level: High

Massachusetts: C
● “Massachusetts is under a stay-at-home advisory until May 4” (The Hill).
● “According to Baker we are still in a surge of COVID-19 cases. Last week,
Massachusetts joined a partnership of northeast states to develop a regional
strategy to reopen the economy” (WWLP).
● # of deaths per million: 284.5
● # of Unemployment claims: 323,805
● Unemployment increase: 2330.49%
 ● Governor: Charlie Baker
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 8, 2015
● State Risk Tier Level: High

Michigan: D
● “Michigan’s stay-at-home order expires April 30. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
(D) said Wednesday that the state "will likely need another short-term
extension of the stay home, stay safe order” (The Hill).
● “Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) on Thursday said that she was open to
reopening businesses in the state that “pose very little risk” of spreading the
coronavirus” (The Hill).
● # of deaths per million: 257.8
● # of Unemployment claims: 744,880
● Unemployment increase: 4404.61%
● Reopening businesses:
o non-essential- April 24 for plant nurseries, bike repair shops; May 7
for construction
● Governor: Gretchen Whitmer
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 1, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: High

Minnesota: C
● “Minnesota’s stay-at-home order expires May 4. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D)
allowed some recreational activities, including golfing, boating, fishing,
hunting and hiking, to restart on April 18” (The Hill).
● # of deaths per million: 28.4
● # of Unemployment claims: 278,266
● Unemployment increase: 3257.80%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- Hospitals decide when to resume
o non-essential- April 27 for industrial, manufacturing and office
settings
● Governor: Tim Walz
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 7, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Mississippi: B
● “Mississippi's stay-at-home order expires April 27. Gov. Tate Reeves (R)
indicated he plans to begin allowing businesses to reopen on that date” (The
Hill).
● ““I've said it before and I will say it again: There is no such thing as a
nonessential business to the owners and the people who depend on that
 business to provide for their families,” the Republican governor
said” (USNews).
● # of deaths per million: 61.5
● # of Unemployment claims: 127,443
● Unemployment increase: 3510.15%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 27
o non-essential- April 27 for retail at 50% capacity; May 11 (expected)
for barbers and hair salons
o restaurants- Limited to curbside pickup and delivery
● Governor: Tate Reeves
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 14, 2020
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Missouri: B
● “Missouri's stay-at-home order is set to expire May 3. Gov. Mike Parson (R) has
said Missouri's "reopening efforts will be careful, deliberate, and done in
phases," and that some local municipalities may leave restrictions in place
longer than those at the state level” (The Hill).
● Missouri Gov. Mike Parson remains steadfast in his decision to reopen businesses
May 4 after the current stay-at-home order expires and promised to release
preliminary guidelines by Monday for reopening the economy” (KSHB).
● # of deaths per million: 36.5
● # of Unemployment claims: 246,262
● Unemployment increase: 2734.04%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- May 4
o non-essential- May 4
o other- Kansas City’s stay-at-home order until May 15
● Governor: Mike Parson
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: June 1, 2018
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Montana: B
● “Montana’s stay-at-home order expires April 24. Gov. Steve Bullock (D)
has announced a phased reopening starting Sunday, April 26, when churches
will be allowed to reopen with social distancing measures in place” (The Hill).
● “Saying his state has flattened the curve of coronavirus spread, Montana Gov.
Steve Bullock on Wednesday released a plan outlining how churches, businesses
and schools can open their doors again over the next three weeks” (npr.org)
● # of deaths per million: 11.2
● # of Unemployment claims: 46,028
● Unemployment increase: 2189.82%
● Reopening businesses:
 o elective procedures- Hospital Assn. determined can resume
o non-essential- April 27 for businesses, including retail, at reduced
capacity
o restaurants- May 4 for restaurants and bars at 50% capacity
● Governor: Steve Bullock
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 7, 2013
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Nebraska: A
● “Nebraska does not have a stay-at-home order. Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) has said
social distancing measures and closures of restaurants and other businesses will
remain in place through April” (The Hill).
● “Starting May 4, Governor Ricketts says elective surgeries, veterinarian
services, and dental and optometry services can resume. This includes
ambulatory surgical centers” (FOX42).
● # of deaths per million: 17.1
● # of Unemployment claims: 55,673
● Unemployment increase: 2906.78%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- May 4
o restaurants- May 4 at 50% capacity in certain regions
● Governor: Pete Ricketts
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 8, 2015
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Nevada: C
● “Nevada's stay-at-home order ends April 30. Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) has said he
will announce a plan to reopen the state "soon” (The Hill).
● Sisolak on Tuesday told reporters the state had to meet four requirements
before beginning phase one of the reopening plan:
o Bending the curve downward
o Keeping hospitals running smoothly
o Protecting virus-vulnerable populations
o Maintaining virus-prevention protocols
● # of deaths per million: 52.9
● # of Unemployment claims: 178,835
● Unemployment increase: 3121.13%
● Governor: Steve Sisolak
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 7, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

New Hampshire: C
 ● “New Hampshire's stay-at-home order expires May 4. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) has
said the state is "not anywhere near" fully reopening” (The Hill).
● “Also speaking at the news conference, Gov. Chris Sununu announced the
formation of the Governor's Economic Re-Opening Task Force which will look at
all the businesses in the state and come up with guidance in order to move
forward in re-opening the economy” (Boston10).
● # of deaths per million: 30.9
● # of Unemployment claims: 83,585
● Unemployment increase: 6011.75%
● Governor: Chris Sununu
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 5, 2017
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

New Jersey: F
● “New Jersey's stay-at-home order does not have an end date. Gov. Phil Murphy
(D) has said "there will be blood on our hands" if the order is lifted too
soon” (The Hill).
● “"We're not in a position yet to reopen our state and jump-starting our
economy. I still think that's weeks away," said Murphy” (ABC 6).
● # of deaths per million: 535.1
● # of Unemployment claims: 495,533
● Unemployment increase: 2020.56%
● Governor: Phil Murphy
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 16, 2018
● State Risk Tier Level: High

New Mexico: D
● “New Mexico’s stay-at-home order ends April 30. Schools are closed for the rest
of the school year. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) has called for "a thoughtful,
staged and flexible reopening" of the state” (The Hill).
● “Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said that New Mexicans should expect the
stay-at-home order to be extended through May 15. Gov. Lujan Grisham said as
of Wednesday, there are six new coronavirus deaths, bringing the state’s death
total to 71. She also said the best defense to the virus is social
distancing” (KRQE).
● # of deaths per million: 27.7
● # of Unemployment claims: 58,513
● Unemployment increase: 2583.26%
● Governor: Michelle Lujan Grisham
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 1, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Low
New York: C
● “New York’s stay-at-home order lasts until May 15” (The Hill).
● ““We’re going to make reopening decisions on a regional basis based on that
region’s facts and circumstances,” he said during his daily briefing” (Politico)
● # of deaths per million: 982.0
● # of Unemployment claims: 943,868
● Unemployment increase: 2225.63%
● Reopening businesses:
o non-essential- May 15 (likely) for some parts of the state, w/ first
construction and manufacturing, then more essential businesses w/
lower infection risk, then less essential industries w/ higher risk
● Governor: Andrew Cuomo
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 1, 2011
● State Risk Tier Level: High

North Carolina: D
● “North Carolina's stay-at-home order expires April 29. Gov. Roy Cooper (D) has
said he does not plan "to lift the restrictions all at once” (The Hill).
● Extend stay at home order till May 8th. (governor.nc.gov)
● # of deaths per million: 23.4
● # of Unemployment claims: 282,092
● Unemployment increase: 4497.23%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 27
o non-essential- May 8 retail
● Governor: Roy Cooper
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 1, 2017
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

North Dakota: B
● “North Dakota does not have a stay-at-home order. However, nonessential
businesses are closed in the state through April 30. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) plans
to partially reopen the state on May 1” (The Hill).
● “Gov. Doug Burgum (R) on Wednesday released guidelines to reopen on May 1
North Dakota businesses that were closed because of the new coronavirus
epidemic” (advisory.com)
● # of deaths per million: 17.1
● # of Unemployment claims: 33,669
● Unemployment increase: 4131.58%
● Reopening businesses:
o non-essential- May 1
o restaurants- May 1 at 50% including bars
● Governor: Doug Burgum
 ● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: December 15, 2016
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Ohio: C
● “Ohio’s stay-at-home order will expire May 1. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) says the
state will begin to “open back up” on that date with a “phased-in”
approach” (The Hill).
● “Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will release his plans to reopen the state's economy on
Monday” (WLWT).
● # of deaths per million: 47.7
● # of Unemployment claims: 494,309
● Unemployment increase: 3270.87%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- May 1
o non-essential- May 4 for construction, distribution, manufacturing,
office work; May 12 for consumer retail and services
● Governor: Mike DeWine
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 14, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Oklahoma: A
● “Oklahoma has a “safer-at-home” order, which recommends people over age 65
stay home, until May 6. Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) indicated he hopes the state can
begin reopening May 1 if the “downward” trend in cases continues. He allowed
previously suspended elective surgeries to resume as of April 24” (The Hill).
● Oklahoma Gov. Stitt to reopen some businesses starting Friday (today);
however, Mayors of both Edmond and Tulsa are not allowing for the reopening
of those businesses.
● # of deaths per million: 41.1
● # of Unemployment claims: 155,312
● Unemployment increase: 2455.33%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 24 elective surgeries; April 30 minor
medical procedures
o non-essential- April 24 for personal service businesses; May 1 for
other nonessential businesses
● Governor: Kevin Stitt
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 14, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Oregon: D
 ● “Oregon’s stay-at-home order does not have an end date yet. Many businesses
are also closed indefinitely. Gov. Kate Brown (D) plans a "smart and deliberate"
reopening for the state, beginning by allowing "non-urgent" medical procedures
to restart on May 1” (The Hill).
● “I want to start with the idea of reopening the state, over time, and under
those prerequisites that I mentioned. I’m still struggling to see how this is
going to work without either an effective treatment for COVID-19 or a vaccine,
both of which seem to be more than a year away” (opb.org)
● # of deaths per million: 18.5
● # of Unemployment claims: 152,470
● Unemployment increase: 1101.59%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- May 1
● Governor: Kate Brown
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: February 18, 2015
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Pennsylvania: F
● “Pennsylvania's stay-at-home order expires May 8. Gov. Tom Wolf (D) has said
he plans to ease restrictions starting then on construction, curbside alcohol
pickup and vehicle sales” (The Hill).
● Pennsylvania has designated real estate non-essential, wiping out the spring
sales season even in the vast parts of the state with very few cases.
● “The state's reopening plan groups counties into six geographic regions and says
that each region must report a 14-day total of 50 or fewer new coronavirus
infections per million residents in order to be considered for an easing of
restrictions” (ABC 6).
● # of deaths per million: 126.1
● # of Unemployment claims: 710,589
● Unemployment increase: 2596.17%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 27
o non-essential- May 8 (likely) for some businesses, including retail
o other- May 8 (likely) for child care (certain regions)
● Governor: Tom Wolf
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 20, 2015
● State Risk Tier Level: High

Rhode Island: D
● “Rhode Island's stay-at-home order expires May 8. Gov. Gina Raimondo (D)
plans to reopen "industry by industry in phases” (The Hill).
● # of deaths per million: 161.4
● # of Unemployment claims: 68,338
● Unemployment increase: 2051.56%
 ● Reopening businesses:
o restaurants- May 9 (likely) with limited seating
● Governor: Gina Raimondo
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 6, 2015
● State Risk Tier Level: High

South Carolina: B
● “South Carolina's "state of emergency" order closing all nonessential businesses
expires April 27. All South Carolina public schools are closed through April 30.
However, Gov. Henry McMaster (R) is allowing some public beaches and retail
stores, including department stores and bookstores, to reopen starting April
20” (The Hill).
● “In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster announced at a Monday press
conference that certain businesses in the state would be allowed to reopen,
cancelling the restrictions he made two weeks ago in an attempt to fight the
spread of the coronavirus. He said beaches may open, depending on guidance
from local jurisdictions” (TIME).
● # of deaths per million: 24.1
● # of Unemployment claims: 248,836
● Unemployment increase: 3631.52%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- Medical centers will resume April 20
o non-essential- April 21 for some retail at 20% capacity
● Governor: Henry McMaster
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 24, 2017
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

South Dakota: A
● “South Dakota does not have a stay-at-home order. Gov. Kristi Noem (R) says
social distancing efforts have worked to "flatten the curve" in the state, saying
the one “hot spot” was the Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls” (The Hill).
● “Noem said her decision to resist ordering business closures already put the
state at phase one of Trump's plan to reopen state economies” (USNews).
● # of deaths per million: 9.0
● # of Unemployment claims: 19,625
● Unemployment increase: 3898.62%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 28
o non-essential- April 28 guidance provided for businesses to reopen
● Governor: Kristi Noem
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 5, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Low
Tennessee: A
● “Tennessee's stay-at-home order expires until April 30. Gov. Bill Lee (R) said
Monday that "the vast majority of businesses" would be allowed to re-open on
May 1” (The Hill).
● “Restaurants will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity starting on
Monday. Retail outfits will be able to do the same starting on
Wednesday” (News 4 Nashville). *announced April 24th
● # of deaths per million: 23.0
● # of Unemployment claims: 253,041
● Unemployment increase: 2885.43%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- May 1
o non-essential- April 29 retail at 50% capacity; May 6 most hair salons/
barbers
o restaurants- April 27 at 50% capacity
● Governor: Bill Lee
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 19, 2019
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Texas: B
● “Texas’s stay-at-home order ends April 30. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced on
April 17 that state parks would reopen on April 20 and some stores could start
offering “retail to go” starting April 24. He said face coverings would still be
required” (The Hill).
● “According to Abbott, the state will lay out a plan for the state to reopen on
Monday. This plan will gradually open different industries as the state looks to
increase economic activity and get residents back to work” (ValleyCentral)
● # of deaths per million: 18.4
● # of Unemployment claims: 869,830
● Unemployment increase: 1998.86%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 22
o non-essential- May 1 for retail, malls, movie theaters at 25% capacity
(if less than 5 cases in rural counties 50% capacity); May 18 for
personal care and gyms
o restaurants- May 1 for restaurants at 25% capacity (less than 5 cases in
rural counties 50% capacity; May 18 bars
● Governor: Greg Abbott
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 20, 2015
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Utah: B
 ● “Utah’s equivalent of a stay-at-home order expires May 1. Gov. Gary Herbert
(R) has said he hopes to reopen the state in three phases starting at the
beginning of May. He said he hopes to reopen sit-down dining and gyms and
allow elective surgeries starting on May 1. Herbert’s phased plan indicates
some "stabilization" efforts that will likely include some ongoing social
distancing continuing through September” (The Hill).
● # of deaths per million: 10.0
● # of Unemployment claims: 76,828
● Unemployment increase: 2395.14%
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- April 21
o non-essential- May 1 for businesses including gyms and personal care
services
o restaurants- May 1
● Governor: Gary Herbert
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: August 11, 2009
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Vermont: C
● “Vermont’s stay-at-home order ends May 15. Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced April
17 that some "low contact" businesses would be allowed to begin reopening
with a two-person staff beginning April 20” (The Hill).
● “Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed an addendum outlining a phased approach
and five requirements for businesses to start reopening” (WWLP).
● # of deaths per million: 64.1
● # of Unemployment claims: 32,570
● Unemployment increase: 1667.88%
● Stay-at-home expiration date: May 15
● Reopening businesses:
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures- not before May 15
o non-essential-April 27 Farmers Markets, construction and
manufacturing (groups of 5), garden centers
● Governor: Phil Scott
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 5, 2017
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Virginia: F
● “Virginia's stay-at-home order expires June 10. Gov. Ralph Northam
(D) extended his order closing essential businesses through May 8” (The Hill).
● “Northam and federal officials have indicated they want to see a 14-day trend
of declining cases before phasing in an end to the restrictions on businesses
that Northam imposed in a series of executive orders to fight the spread of the
virus” (ABC13News).
 ● # of deaths per million: 38.0
● # of Unemployment claims: 336,375
● Unemployment increase: 4486.67%
● Stay-at-home expiration date: June 10
● Reopening businesses: must see decrease in positive tests and
hospitalizations for 14 days, a significant increase in testing and contact
tracing, sufficient hospital beds and intensive care capacity, and an
increasing and sustainable supply of personal protective equipment before
reopening any businesses
o elective procedures- May 1
● Governor: Ralph Northam
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Election year: January 13, 2018
● Quote: “While we are working toward a time that we can ease some of
these restrictions, we are not there yet, but we are moving in that
direction,” Northam said during a coronavirus briefing on Friday.
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Washington: D
● “Washington’s stay-at-home order expires May 4. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said
Tuesday, "We will not be able to lift many of the restrictions by May 4.” He has
said the state is "not close" to reopening” (The Hill).
● # of deaths per million: 87.2
● # of Unemployment claims: 404,812
● Unemployment increase: 2403.03%
● Stay-at-home expiration date: May 4
● Reopening businesses:
o elective procedures-“soon”
o non-essential- April 24 for existing construction projects
● Governor: Jay Inslee
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 16, 2013
● Quote: “It’ll look more like turning a dial than flipping a switch,” Inslee said
of the timeline (MyNorthwest).
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

West Virginia: D
● “West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) has not indicated an end date for his stay-
at-home order. Schools and businesses remain closed until at least April 30. He
said April 15 that he has begun conversations about "transitioning into the next
phase" of the state's fight against the coronavirus” (The Hill).
● # of deaths per million: 14.5
● # of Unemployment claims: 75,689
● Unemployment increase: 2451.57%
● Stay-at-home expiration date: in place indefinitely
● Reopening businesses:
 o elective procedures- April 28 hospital elective procedures; April 30
other outpatient health care providers
o non-essential- May 4 (expected) for small businesses (less than 10
employees) and professional care services
o restaurants- May 4 (expected) for outdoor dining (with social
distancing)
● Governor: Jim Justice
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Election year: January 16, 2017
● Quote: ““we want to get back to work, but we want to do so as prudent as
we possibly can.”” (12WBOY)
● State Risk Tier Level: Low

Wisconsin: F
● # of deaths per million: 41.9
● # of Unemployment claims: 230,709
● Unemployment increase: 1506.75%
● Stay-at-home expiration date: May 26
● Reopening businesses: “Badger Bounce back isn’t a plan to reopen, it is a
declaration that Wisconsin is closed until the fall” (Maclver Institute).
o elective procedures- Hospitals announced resumption April 23
o non-essential- April 27 for nonessential businesses to offer curbside
drop-offs
● Governor: Tony Evers
● Party Affiliation: Democrat
● Sworn In: January 7, 2019
● Quote: “The goal of the "Badger Bounce Back" plan is to decrease cases and
deaths to a low level while increasing capacity in hospitals, so the phased
reopening of businesses is possible. Dr. Rai said this starts with a 14-day
decline in positive COVID-19 tests” (WEAU).
● State Risk Tier Level: Medium

Wyoming: A
● “Wyoming does not have a stay-at-home order. However, Gov. Mark Gordon (R)
has used orders to prohibit gatherings of 10 or more people and close schools
and businesses like restaurants. Those orders end April 30 and he indicated this
week he is looking for ways to loosen restrictions” (The Hill).
● # of deaths per million: 3.5
● # of Unemployment claims: 15,658
● Unemployment increase: 1394.09%
● Stay-at-home expiration date: No stay-at-home order, but orders currently
set in place will expire April 30
● Reopening businesses: “Gordon said under new orders, barber shops,
cosmologists and gyms will likely be able to reopen with
modifications.” (WyomingNewsNow)
o elective procedures- May 1
 o other- May 1 daycare with restrictions
● Governor: Mark Gordon
● Party Affiliation: Republican
● Sworn In: January 7, 2019
● Quote: “The plan, which will be implemented in phases, will be driven by
two principles, public safety and getting people back to
work.” (WyomingNewsNow)
● State Risk Tier Level: Low