County Countdown – January 14, 2025

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

Congress passes continuing resolution to fund the federal government

The U.S. Congress recently approved a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through March 14, 2025. 

• County impact: This move ensures stability for counties that rely on federal funding for vital services like infrastructure, human services and public safety. 
• NACo advocacy: We continue to advocate for a long-term funding solution to provide counties with the certainty needed for effective planning and program delivery.
• For more information on the status specific of FY 2025 spending bills and county funding priorities, access NACo’s FY 2025 Appropriations Tracker.

Critical disaster relief funding secured

Counties are applauding the passage of legislation providing billions of dollars in disaster relief funding. This funding is essential to help communities recover from recent natural disasters while preparing for future challenges. 

• Critical county role: Counties are at the forefront of disaster mitigation and response, and these resources bolster our ability to protect residents and infrastructure. 
• More from NACo: NACo recently announced the formation of the Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force to modernize federal disaster policies, strengthen intergovernmental partnerships and enhance local disaster mitigation, response and recovery capacities.

Other key wins for counties

Counties are celebrating a series of other legislative victories that directly impact our communities. 

• The U.S. House of Representatives has passed bipartisan legislation to enhance child welfare systems, supporting prevention services and foster care. 
• Reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration for the first time in 20 years, securing critical resources for county-level economic growth and job creation. 
• The passage of an outdoor recreation package will expand access to parks, trails and public lands, enhancing quality of life for millions of residents. 
• New federal funding for County Veteran Service Officers ensures counties can better serve those who have served our country.

Social Security Fairness Act becomes law

President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. 

• Fair treatment for public employees: This ensures that public employees, including many county workers, receive fair treatment in retirement benefits. 
• County win: This is a major victory for the public workforce, supporting those who have dedicated their careers to serving our communities.

Register for NACo’s 2025 Legislative Conference and submit your interim policy resolutions

Registration is now open for NACo’s 2025 Legislative Conference, which will take place March 1-4 in Washington, D.C. 

• Join nearly 2,000 county leaders for policy discussions, federal advocacy, and opportunities to meet with members of Congress and federal officials. 
• Policy resolutions: NACo’s Interim Policy Resolutions Portal is now open, giving counties the chance to shape NACo’s federal policy priorities by submitting resolutions for consideration.