Biden administration threatens to claw back Covid aid from Arizona over anti-mask policies

Treasury department says relief funds have been redirected to unauthorized programs opposing mask use in schools

The Biden administration is threatening to recoup millions of dollars in Covid-19 relief funds from Arizona because the state has been discouraging families from following federal guidance that recommends wearing masks in schools.

Arizona's Republican governor, Doug Ducey, has been at odds with the Biden administration for months over the use of the aid funds. Other Republican governors across the country have also been trying to use the funding for measures - such as tax cuts - that are not related to the pandemic and are not authorized under the terms of the grants.