Last year, the National Association of Counties embarked on our efforts to “Restore the Partnership” with the purpose of strengthening the relationships between local, state and national governments. Our 2009 Key Legislative priorities again reflect this overarching theme, focusing on those goals most essential to reestablishing the historic tradition and practice of Federalism. With a new 111th Congress and new Administration, many issues affecting county governments will be acted upon. Counties need to have a seat at the table as important policy decisions are debated and decided. NACo’s Steering Committees, and Caucuses have adopted the key priorities listed below which are consistent with our efforts and will be advocating these priorities and other important issues throughout the year.
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. 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 Economic Stimulus and Revitalization/Increase financial partnership: Restoring the Partnership means a renewed commitment to maintaining, restoring and increasing the federal financial partnership to our counties. The economic stimulus package considered during the 110th congress should be enacted at the beginning of the 111th Congress. 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. Funding for the Community Development Block Grant formula program should be no less than $4.1 billion, with a goal of doubling the program over the next five years and the HOME formula grant program, at no less than $2 billion. NACo supports enhanced appropriations for these and other domestic programs.
Health Reform: NACo will work with Congress and the Administration to promote health system reform that restores the partnership between the federal government and counties. Such reform should include covering all children by reauthorizing and expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). NACo will continue to support reforms that will promote healthy communities and that will ensure affordable access to health care for all Americans. We continue to oppose any restrictions in the federal financing of Medicaid that shifts costs to states and localities and places further stress on systems of care. CMS should repeal all such rules. If it fails to do so, Congress should extend the existing moratoria and place any new rule under moratorium.
Tax Issues: 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% withholding tax for goods and services contracts in order for us to send to the IRS. We also oppose the preemption of county telecommunications and other taxing authority. The deductibility of state and local taxes should continue to be protected as well as interest on tax exempt bonds. Efforts to protect tax and bonding authority will also be advocated, especially during this period of financial need.
Transportation/Aviation Reauthorization: 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. Reauthorization of Federal Transportation programs will need to be addressed in the first session for the 111th Congress as well. 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 fund the Highway Trust Fund into the future. Focus on programs and funding that meets the growing transportation needs of county government with particular attention to metropolitan congestion and rural road safety.
Energy Issues
Support national energy legislation that provides research/development and various incentives for investment in alternative, renewable, and energy efficient technologies (i.e. wind, water reuse, waste to energy, alternative fuels, vehicles, etc.), including full funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.