NACo's Seven Key 1997 Legislative Priorities

Support reauthorization and adequate funds for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships programs.
Support adequate funding and flexibility in the use of Rural Community Advancement (RCAP) funds to meet local needs.

Seek and support revisions to the 1994 Crime Act to include a flexible and direct pass-through of block grants to counties and cities based on an equitable and adequate funding formula, which recognizes the differences in city and county responsibilities.
Seek and support legislation reauthorizing the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, with a focus on Title V prevention activities.

Support reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), which provides funding for county highway and transit projects and includes an integral role for county officials in determining priorities for these projects.

Support the $190 million in funding authorized by the PILT Program, which offsets costs incurred by counties for services provided to the users of, and employees on, public lands.

Support legislation authorizing local governments to direct the flow of municipal solid waste to designated facilities.

Seek and support legislation simplifying current tax-exempt bond statutes that restrict the ability of counties to finance roads, jails, hospitals, solid waste projects and other public facilities.

Support changes to the new welfare law to reduce cost shifts to counties responsible for services to legal immigrants and persons who may lose Supplemental Security Income or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.
Support the enactment of legislation for county governments to develop long-term employment opportunities for those making the transition from welfare to work.
Support legislation providing counties with increased flexibility in administering the Medicaid Program without shifting costs to them.
Support an adequately funded, comprehensive and consolidated job training system, which ensures local flexibility and control.