County Countdown – December 2, 2024
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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.
U.S. Senate passes Secure Rural Schools reauthorization
The Senate unanimously passed the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2023 (S.2581), a major milestone for supporting our forested counties.
White House submitted $100 billion disaster relief request; Counties are encouraged to advocate for essential funding
On November 18, the White House submitted a $98.6 billion disaster relief funding request to Congress, outlining resources needed to address recent disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Maui County wildfires and tornadoes in the Midwest.
Countdown to the ARPA SLFRF obligation deadline: What counties need to know before December 31, 2024
With the December 31, 2024 deadline for obligating ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds quickly approaching, counties nationwide are assessing how best to allocate these critical resources.
County priorities in the lame duck session: Key advocacy efforts for local leaders
NACo is actively collaborating with Congress and the administration to advance key county issues.
House advances measure with resources for county veteran service officers
On November 18, the U.S. House of Representatives passed, on a bipartisan 389-9 vote, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 8371), known as the Dole Act.
Related News
U.S. Department of Agriculture announces reorganization
On July 24, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a major reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will relocate thousands of federal employees, restructure regional offices and consolidate administrative services and operations. The changes are expected to reduce USDA’s footprint in Washington, D.C. and shift more personnel to regional hubs across the country.
Former FEMA chief is bearish on reform talks
Former FEMA Administrator Brock Long has yet to hear any proposals for federal disaster reform that would make a significant improvement to the way it operates.
Texas Hill Country floods kill more than 100 across six counties
Nineteen different local and state agencies are involved with the search and rescue efforts over six counties following flash flooding in Texas' Guadalupe River.
Upcoming Events
Unlocking Federal Reform: What the FEMA Act Means for Counties
Join NACo for a national membership call to learn about the newly released FEMA Act and its potential to transform how counties prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.