County Countdown – Nov. 20, 2023

THE_County Countdown_working_image-4.png

Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.

Watch the video above and explore NACo resources below on some of the top issues we're covering this week.

1. Mental Health

NACo continues to champion mental health policies in Congress to support counties and residents.

  • Continuity of care: A recent letter to leaders on Capitol Hill reiterated county priorities in mental health, including urging passage of the Due Process Continuity of Care Act, advocating for Medicaid benefits for pre-trial detainees.
  • Workforce development: The letter also pushed for increased funding for programs to recruit and retain behavioral health workers.
  • What’s next: NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing is working with Congress to reform mental health policies that exclude vulnerable populations.

2. Operation Green Light

Thank you to the hundreds of counties, plus our intergovernmental partners, businesses and individuals, who participated in Operation Green Light for Veterans.

  • Bipartisan support: Congressional resolutions in both the House and Senate recognized Operation Greenlight and the vital role of County Veterans Services Officers (CVSOs).
  • CVSO Act: In 29 states, county-funded CVSOs help veterans access over $50B annually in VA benefits. NACo urges the passage of the CVSO Act to secure federal resources to support this work.
  • Explore highlights: Check out the Operation Green Light showcase for pictures submitted by counties – and submit yours!

3. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

As we mark the two-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), NACo is ensuring that counties have a voice in its implementation.

4. Support for Rural America

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced the Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act.

  • Addressing community needs: The bill would create a grant program to address needs like affordable child care, housing and job training, as well as providing guidance to help rural communities navigate existing funding opportunities.
  • NACo's endorsement: NACo urges swift passage of this legislation, which will enable rural counties to optimize federal resources.

5. American Rescue Plan

The U.S. Treasury Department introduced a new rule clarifying counties' use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, further extending the reach of these resources.

Key points for counties: Counties can now allocate funds for administrative costs tied to ARPA reporting and compliance.
Clarifying responsibilities: Details on managing sub-recipient obligations offer counties more flexibility for effective resource utilization.

Dive deeper on ARPA: Explore all of NACo’s ARPA resources here.

Featured this Week

Mental Health Commission Header Image
Program

NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing

Counties increasingly handle direct mental health services, acting as the safety net for vulnerable residents and operating crisis lines, hospitals and detention centers. NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing unites county leaders to address the mental health crisis through four key policy priorities.

Image of HAC04702.png
County News

Highlights from 2023 Operation Green Light for Veterans

Counties across the country joined 2023 Operation Green Light for Veterans to shine a light on the issues veterans face and highlight the resources available to veterans at the county, state and federal levels.

619668880_1

Implementing Infrastructure Investments at the County Level: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58)

On November 15, 2021, President Biden enacted the five-year, $973 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, formally known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Warren, Ohio
Advocacy

Senators introduce bipartisan legislation to level playing field for rural communities

Senators introduced the Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act, bipartisan legislation intended to advance economic development in rural counties and overcome barriers to obtaining federal funding and resources. 

Related News

Budgeting
Advocacy

IRS Announces Direct Pay Election Extension for Clean Energy Projects

The IRS has granted extensions to file Form 990-T for those making a Direct Pay election.

Therapist with patient
Advocacy

Six years of the SUPPORT Act: Ongoing behavioral health policy priorities for counties

On October 24, 2018, the bipartisan SUPPORT Act was enacted. It represented the largest Congressional investment in overdose prevention at the time, aiming to strengthen the nation's response to the substance use crisis.

THE_County Countdown_working_image-4.png
Advocacy

County Countdown – Oct. 22, 2024

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.

St.Lucie
County News

Florida county’s ‘micro-transit’ program offers first and last-mile solutions for areas without bus routes

St. Lucie County, Fla. offers free van service to residents in areas not serviced by bus routes.

Headset
Advocacy

FCC adopts geo-routing requirements for the 988 Hotline

On October 17, the FCC adopted a Report and Order implementing new geo-routing requirements for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Image of 988_GettyImages-1346929901.jpg
Press Release

Counties Applaud Final Rulemaking to Improve 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The National Association of Counties (NACo) today applauded a unanimous vote by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Board of Commissioners to move forward with georouting for the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Upcoming Events

Image of Finance.jpg
Webinar

Maximizing Efficiency in County Finance: The Power of Transforming Accounts Payable and Expense Management Processes

During this webinar we will discuss the benefits of digitizing accounts payable and expense management processes and demonstrate how technology and automation can help county finance leaders alleviate staffing challenges, increase efficiency, and ensure financial accuracy and compliance.

2024 LUCC-RAC-Board Header
Conference

County Crossroads Symposium: A Mobile Journey Exploring the County Landscape

Sonoma County, Calif.

NACo’s fall symposium, jointly hosted by the Board of Directors, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) and Rural Action Caucus (RAC), will feature mobile workshops and engaging opportunities for all counties.

Image of money.jpg
Webinar

2025 Outlook - A Year of Greater Clarity, a NACo EDGE Webinar

Monday, October 28, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
Join NACo EDGE for an enlightening webinar, "2025 Outlook - A Year of Greater Clarity," presented by Joe Rulison, CEO of three+one. 

Joe Rulison will share insights on 2025's most anticipated economic developments.
 

This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here.

For more information check out the event page!