Sixty-third Supplemental Emergency Declaration – Setting the Minimum Weekly Base Rate for Unemployment Insurance

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, I declared a state of emergency due to the dangers to health and life posed by COVID-19 and such declaration is in effect until at least September 2, 2020;

WHEREAS, the effects of COVID-19 on the state's economy have been widespread and broad;

WHEREAS, on August 8, 2020, the President issued the Memorandum on Authorizing the Other Needs Assistance Program for Major Disaster Declarations Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("Memorandum") to provide lost wages assistance;

WHEREAS, the Memorandum established weekly supplemental payments for individuals receiving unemployment benefits payments;

WHEREAS, the Memorandum restricted eligibility for these supplemental payments to individuals eligible to receive at least $100 in weekly unemployment benefits; and

WHEREAS, this supplemental payment represents an important income support for Rhode Islanders.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GINA M. RAIMONDO, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island, pursuant to Article IX of the Rhode Island Constitution and the Rhode Island General Laws, including, but not limited to, Title 30, Chapter 15 do hereby order and direct the following:

1. For all weeks since July 26, 2020 that supplemental payments authorized under the Memorandum are available to eligible Rhode Islanders, the minimum weekly base rate for unemployment insurance benefits, including regular State Unemployment Compensation, Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE), Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service members (UCX), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Extended Benefits (EB) Short-Time Compensation (STC), Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA), Payments under the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program, shall be one hundred dollars ($100).

This Order shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until September 27, 2020 unless renewed, modified or terminated by subsequent Executive Order.

So Ordered:

Gina M. Raimondo

Governor