County Countdown – December 2, 2024

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

Secure Rural Schools reauthorization

NACo applauds the U.S. Senate's November 12 passage of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act. This legislation supports over 700 counties, providing essential funding for infrastructure, education and fire suppression in forest communities.

• Take action: Without reauthorization, many counties will face severe budget shortfalls. NACo urges counties to contact their House members to advocate for swift passage of this vital legislation.
• Learn more: View and download NACo's SRS policy brief here.

Disaster relief funding request

The White House recently submitted $98.6 billion disaster relief funding request to Congress to address recovery efforts from recent disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Maui County wildfires and Midwest tornadoes.

• What NACo is doing: NACo sent a letter urging Congress to include critical programs in the disaster supplemental funding package. Additionally, NACo launched the Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force to improve disaster mitigation, response and recovery capabilities.
• Upcoming webinar: Join NACo’s national membership call on December 5 at 3:00 p.m. EST to discuss the package and county action items.

ARPA obligation deadline approaching

Counties must obligate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds by December 31, 2024, ensuring all contractual commitments are in place before the deadline.

• How we got here: Passed in 2021, ARPA provided $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to counties, offering a unique opportunity to address pandemic-related needs and support long-term recovery.
• Learn more: NACo recently hosted a webinar offering tips for efficiently obligating remaining funds. View the recording and slide deck here.

Congressional priorities during lame duck session

Congress has several key issues to address before the session ends. NACo is monitoring and advocating for priorities, including:

• Economic Development Administration reauthorization: Helping local communities achieve long-term economic growth.
• Second Chance Act reauthorization: Improving reentry services and reducing recidivism.
• Title IV-B reauthorization: Enhancing child welfare workforce resources.
• Social Security Fairness Act: Repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision to restore full Social Security benefits.

View NACo's full list of priorities for the session here.

Dole Act passes the House

The U.S. House recently passed the bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.

• Strengthen CVSOs: This legislation includes a pared-down version of the NACo-endorsed Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, authorizing $10 million annually to strengthen County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs).
• Call to action: Counties should contact their Senators to advocate for passage, ensuring better support for veterans nationwide.