Since negotiators from Congress and the Administration were unable to reach a deal on a fourth coronavirus relief package before the August recess, State and local governments are still left with the limited aid provided in prior stimulus packages, i.e. the nearly depleted $150 billion in the Coronavirus Relief Fund, and current restrictions on using funding to make up for lost or foregone revenue.

TALKING POINTS:

• As many states and thousands of local governments begin their new budget years, too many are experiencing historic budget shortfalls as they continue to respond to the pandemic. Unlike the federal government, state and local governments must begin their fiscal years on time and with a balanced budget. OUTREACH SHOULD INCLUDE PROJECTIONS FOR YOUR JURISDICTION.
• Even though previous federal bills in response to COVID-19 provided needed support through grant programs many communities rely on, they did not allow for the replacement of billions of lost revenue due to the pandemic. OUTREACH SHOULD INCLUDE PROJECTIONS FOR YOUR JURISDICTION.
• Without additional federal aid, the economic recovery will be significantly hindered as well as essential state and local services like education, health care, emergency operations, public safety and more.
• Bipartisan legislation like S. 3752 – the State Municipal Assistance for Response and Transition (SMART) Act (Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) – is the type of assistance state and local governments need from their federal partners. The SMART Act would deliver $500 billion in critical additional funding and it provides more flexibility in the use of funds enacted in previous stimulus packages, click here for the bill text.
• Urge your Senators to support state and local governments and enact urgently needed fiscal aid.