Policy Analysis | August 2020

Spread of COVID-19 within Regions of the United States

Mikko Lindberg and Roger Moore

Last updated: August 6, 2020 (next update: August 20, 2020)

Disclaimer: The research presented here draws upon statistics used by a wide range of governmental and media agencies. Many concerns have been raised about the over-reporting and under-reporting of positive cases of COVID-19 and deaths attributed to COVID-19. This SLC Policy Analysis does not address these concerns and utilizes only the numbers that are known.

A multitude of governmental, private and nonprofit research entities are closely monitoring the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)^1,2 – across the United States on city, county, state and national levels. However, until recently, a limited amount of research existed for how the virus has circulated on a regional basis.³

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Policy Analysis | July 2020

Coronavirus Impacts on State Legislatures and Elections

Mikko Lindberg, Anne Brody, Roger Moore, Cody Allen and Nick Bowman

Last updated: August 11, 2020

Alabama

On March 31, House members arrived at staggered times and reported directly to their offices. Speaker Mac McCutcheon cautioned members who had been sick or around someone sick not to attend. Department of Public Health employees checked temperatures at State House entrances to prevent anyone with a fever from entering the building. Members came to the House chamber in small groups, with ample space between members. The Senate followed similar social distancing guidelines. After reaching quorum in both chambers, the session was suspended until May 4.

The Senate General Fund Budget Committee convened on April 28 to pass a budget for fiscal year 2021. The $2.4 billion budget increases funding for Medicaid, Department of Public Health, and Department of Corrections. Committee members followed social distancing guidelines, with some wearing face masks.

The Legislature reconvened on Monday, May 4. Members of the media will be granted access, but in different locations than usual due to social distancing. The House of Representatives will offer live streaming video of the session, with the Senate offering live audio streaming. The Legislature adjourned sine die on May 18.

U.S. Senate Republican Runoff Election moved from March 31 to July 14.

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Policy Analysis | October 2016

Employee Voting Leave Regulations

Mikko Lindberg

Nine of the 15 SLC member states provide regulatory guidelines under which employers may grant employees time off to vote in an election.

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