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Federal Legislative Alert: Help us make sure counties aren't left out of federal funding package
By Shellie Hampton
Download a template letter to send to your Congressional delegation today.
This week, Congress is crafting a fourth package related to the response to COVID-19.
U.S. House and Senate leadership had a meeting with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and we understand that they will work with legislative counsel today to write text for the next relief package, so timing is of the essence.
We need your help to ensure that counties get critical funding.
ADVOCACY REQUEST
Please reach out to our Kentucky congressional delegation and highlight the following:
- Aid to local governments should be distributed to counties, which are most in need because of their role in the response to the pandemic, and their vulnerability to revenue losses in the economic fallout.
- Counties are on the front line of the COVID-19 response. Kentucky counties fund and operate local public health departments, law enforcement, EMS, emergency operations, 9-1-1 dispatch, fire departments and public hospitals, monitor and track the virus, and educate the public.
- Using the CDBG formula to allocate aid is completely inappropriate for these circumstances and will leave most Kentucky counties out.
- Amend the CARES Act to grant greater flexibility for use of the State and Local Stabilization Fund.
- Social Security Tax Credit Benefit for County Employers – There is a need to rectify county ineligibility for social security tax credit benefits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Private employers are eligible for the credit, which is applied against social security tax paid, but governmental employers were specifically excluded and are absorbing this cost.
