RESTORE THE PARTNERSHIP
NACo Restore the Partnership: NACo 2010 Key Legislative priorities
NACo has embarked on a mission to remind our nation’s leaders of the singular importance of Federalism to the American system of government. We call this effort “Restore the Partnership”. Through it we hope to strengthen the relationships between counties and the federal government in order to serve the American people better. Our 2009 Key Legislative priorities reflect this overarching theme, focusing on those goals most essential to reestablishing the historic tradition and practice of Federalism.
The priorities follow continuing legislative matters left to be resolved from the 110th Congress First Session. Restore the Partnership means looking at these issues in light of the responsibility elected officials have undertaken in seeking common solutions to America’s problems. NACo’s eleven Steering Committees, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) and Rural Action Caucus (RAC) have adopted the key priorities listed below which are consistent with our efforts to restore the partnership and will be advocating these priorities and other important issues throughout the year.
Restore the Partnership (These are not in any priority order)
Opposition to Unfunded Mandates/Preemptions: A mainstay of restoring our partnership is to be constantly vigilant against legislative or regulatory initiatives that undermine local government decision making. We support efforts to restore the partnership among governments at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels. The partnership with federal policy makers should recognize local government roles and not preempt county authority in issues such as land use, rights of way and other local functions. Adequate federal financial assistance should be provided for these key responsibilities.
Support the Surface Transportation and Aviation program reauthorizations. Efforts to finalize reauthorization of the federal airport and aviation programs after a number of attempts need to be completed. NACo supports a well-funded Airport Improvement Program with guaranteed funding from the aviation trust funds and increased funding for the Essential Air Service and the Small Communities Air Service Programs. We support robust funding for bridges, highways, mass transit assistance for rural roads and other local infrastructure needs. Congress should develop a comprehensive legislative effort to reauthorize the highway, transit, and safety programs and explore the various financing sources available to fully find the Highway Trust Find into the future. Focus on programs and funding that meets the growing transportation needs to county government with particular attention to metropolitan congestion and rural road safety.
Support for county priorities in any jobs creation package and promote county fiscal relief. A renewed commitment to maintaining, restoring and increasing the federal financial partnership with our counties. Providing robust funding for programs such as CDBG/HOME/JAG/Homeland Security/WIA/rural development/transportation/water infrastructure development and many other domestic programs that are the backbone of our ability to jointly provide for our citizens, is essential. NACo supports enhanced appropriations for these and other domestic programs.
Support county priorities in health care reform efforts. NACo will work with Congress and the Administration to promote health system reform that restores the partnership between the federal government and counties. NACo will continue to support reforms that will promote healthy communities and that will ensure affordable access to health care for all Americans.
Repeal Three Percent Tax Withholding requirement. NACo will continue to support efforts to repeal onerous legislation that is also contrary to the principle of a sound federal-local partnership. We continue to oppose the mandate contained in Section 511 of PL 109-222 requiring local government to collect a 3 percent withholding tax for goods and services contracts in order for us to send to the IRS.
HR.3332, The Restore the Partnership Act . NACo will work to obtain as many cosponsors as possible and support U.S. Senate introduction of the legislation.
Promote broadband deployment and adoption. NACo will work with Congress and the federal government to provide, and support, county services to the citizens through the deployment of robust broadband capabilities. NACo will also promote the utilization of broadband technologies by county citizens.
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