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.

Featured This Week

School bus
Advocacy

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
Advocacy

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.

Aerial view of Boiling Springs, S.C.
Advocacy

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. 

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Advocacy

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.

Woman and army vet in wheelchair review handout
Advocacy

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.

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Upcoming Events

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Faster, Smarter Disaster Relief: How LA County Used AI & Geospatial Mapping to Deliver $20M in Aid

Key Takeaways:

  • Strategies for incorporating geospatial technology in disaster planning and response.
  • Techniques for using identity verification tools to balance security and accessibility.
  • Best practices for building public-private partnerships in times of crisis.
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Legislative Landscape: Prescription Drug Costs & County Impacts

Curious about Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) and how they impact your county’s pharmacy benefits? This webinar from NACo's Public Promise Insurance breaks down what PBMs do, why they matter to counties, and how new legislation may reshape the cost and delivery of prescription drugs.