On May 18, Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) and Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) reintroduced the Restore the Partnership Act (H.R. 3480) to restore the balance of federalism and strengthen the intergovernmental partnership by establishing a “Commission on Intergovernmental Relations of the United States” (the Commission) at the federal level. As key partners in our nation’s intergovernmental system, counties strongly support the establishment of a federal commission dedicated to optimizing the intergovernmental partnership, restoring the balance of federalism and crafting policy that works for all levels of government – federal, state, tribal and local.

America’s system of federalism divides governing responsibilities between the federal government and state and local governments. While there is a clear distinction and separation of powers and duties among these levels of government, we often work together to achieve public policy outcomes that best serve the American public. The Commission, as proposed in the bill, would serve as a federal forum for federal, state, tribal and local government officials and representatives to ensure that there is cooperation and coordination between all levels of government. The 31-member Commission would be charged with discussing ways to improve the administration of federal grants and taxes and provide greater flexibility to state and local officials when implementing federal policy, identifying impacts of federal rulings on state and local governments, and advising the White House and Congress on ways to improve intergovernmental relations and cooperation. Of particular note, the 31-member Commission would include four seats for county elected officials.

The Commission proposed in the Restore the Partnership Act would serve as a successor to the U.S. Advisory Council on Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR). From 1959-1996, ACIR served as the preeminent bipartisan, independent organization promoting strong intergovernmental relations. ACIR produced high-quality information, data and analyses, including over 130 policy reports with action recommendations, 194 information reports and about 80 issues of a magazine titled, “Intergovernmental Perspective.” ACIR also helped develop federal legislation related to the improvement of federal grant administration and served as a valuable advisor to presidents, state leaders and local elected officials.

In recent decades, we have witnessed a significant decline in structured, intentional dialogue and partnership among federal, state and local government officials. Counties are responsible for a wide range of issues and while some of these responsibilities are unique to counties, we work with our state and federal partners to achieve optimal solutions and policy outcomes. While policies and programs established by the federal government are intended to guide and coordinate efforts, they are ultimately implemented and enforced at the state and local levels.

“America’s counties – and our nation – depend on a strong intergovernmental partnership to thrive. The speed and scale of change in today’s world require a greater level of cooperation and partnership than ever before, among all levels of government,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “The bipartisan Restore the Partnership Act is essential to modernize our nation’s intergovernmental system, creating a much-needed vehicle for advancing the priorities of our shared constituents and the nation. We applaud Representatives Connolly and Molinaro for leading the charge on this important bipartisan effort.”

Both Reps. Connolly and Molinaro have dedicated careers in local government. Prior to being elected to Congress, Rep. Connolly served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including 5 years as the Chairman of the Board, and Rep. Molinaro has served both as a Dutchess County Legislator and was elected to Dutchess County Executive in 2011. In the 115th Congress, Rep. Connolly served on former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan’s Task Force on Intergovernmental Affairs.

NACo has endorsed this legislation and we urge Congress to enact the Restore the Partnership Act.