Maricopa Currents: County News for You

Maricopa County Internal sent this bulletin at 01/10/2022 08:00 AM MST

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COUNTY NEWS ROOM | JANUARY 10, 2022

COVID-19 Cases Are Increasing

Protect yourself. Protect others.

It's discouraging, but this past week marked a new peak in cases. The latest week of data shows 24% of tests reported to Public Health coming back positive, with many more positive at-home tests likely (not all are reported). The case rate in Maricopa County increased from 358/100,000 to 792/100,000.

As county employees, we can do our part by getting our recommended vaccines and boosters, staying home when we're sick, getting tested if sick or exposed, masking up indoors, and helping to spread accurate information about COVID-19 by directing our friends and family members to trusted sources like Maricopa County Public Health.

Look for new information later this week on vaccination and testing options for county employees as well as the vaccine incentive program.

HEADLINE STORIES

Bill Gates is the Newly-Elected Board of Supervisors' Chairman

The newly-elected Board of Supervisors Chairman says he wants Maricopa County to be "known as a place where you can do what's right and be rewarded." At the annual “Passing of the Gavel” ceremony, Gates thanked county staff for doing work that matters to protect democracy, combat the pandemic, and ensure exceptional service for residents. You can watch his message to staff starting at 14:52 in this video.

Earlier in the speech, Chairman Gates outlined his priorities for the coming year including running good elections, defending democracy, protecting public health, growing the economy, and government transparency. Gates was elected unanimously last week during the first formal board meeting of 2022. He takes over for Jack Sellers, who led the County in 2021 and got some heartfelt thank you's from his colleagues last Wednesday.

Watch the 2022 Chairman’s Speech >

Read the press release >

Learn more about Chairman Gates >

Correcting the Record

The Maricopa County Elections Department produced a comprehensive, point-by-point response to an Arizona Senate inquiry into the 2020 General Election. The report was the culmination of thousands of hours of work by elections staff, in addition to their normal tasks and responsibilities.

The bottom line: 74 of the 75 claims made by Senate contractors were debunked and the integrity and accuracy of the November 2020 election were affirmed.

More than a year after the election was certified, everyone involved is hopeful the 93-page report correcting the record and sharing the facts will be the final word on 2020 elections. After all, 2022 is a big election year, too, and there's a lot of work to do.

Read the report >

Watch a presentation on the findings >

Read a statement from Chairman Gates and Recorder Richer (OR WATCH BELOW) >

Statement on "Correcting the Record"

A statement from Chairman Bill Gates and Recorder Stephen Richer on the Election Department's in-depth analysis of the November 2020 Election in Maricopa County.

AROUND THE COUNTY

County Helps Provide COVID-19 Tests

County libraries have given out more than 40,000 at-home COVID-19 testing kits, and that number is only expected to grow. The Library District has partnered with Public Health on the program. It's part of a broader effort to get tests where they are needed.

Find testing events and locations >

View library test kit availability >

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

Homelessness Investment

Maricopa County is making its largest ever investment in homelessness. The $28 million in funding will be used to provide more shelter beds for individuals experiencing homelessness as well as support for long-term assistance that helps them end their homelessness.

Read the press release >

CAPTION CONTEST

Congratulations, Victoria Schultz!

Victoria Schultz from MCSO is singing us out of the holiday season with her jingle inspired caption. It's also good advice for 2022 "...just be good for goodness sake!"

Thank you Victoria and everyone who submitted a caption!

Now for this issue's photo...

Submit your caption online

Alex McAvene of the Library District submitted this photo of Mimosa & Winston, two Rottweilers she says are always up to no good! Care to take a guess at what they're plotting?

Send your caption our way using the link above, or email us your favorite pet pic and we may use it in a future issue of Currents.