County Countdown – January 28, 2025

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

The first 100 days

President Trump and Vice President Vance were sworn in last week. Since then, the Trump administration has issued a series of executive orders addressing immigration, energy and the economy, among other issues with implications for counties.

• NACo event series tracking first 100 days: To educate county leaders on how these policies may impact local governments, NACo has launched a weekly series on the administration's first 100 days.
• Next session: The next webinar in the series is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29. Click here to register.

Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force fly-in

NACo’s Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, a group of 28 county leaders with wide-ranging experience, is meeting in Washington, D.C. this week.

• Task force goals: The task force, launched late last year, has goals to help modernize disaster policies, enhance disaster resilience and strengthen intergovernmental partnerships.
• Advocacy efforts: Task force members will take advantage of this week's fly-in to highlight counties' critical roles in disaster response and long-term recovery in meetings with Congress and federal partners.

SALT deduction profiles released

NACo has released new profiles showing the impact of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap on counties and residents.

• Why it matters: The $10,000 SALT cap, set to expire December 31, 2025, limits tax deductions and impacts funding for essential county services.
• Call to action: Counties urge Congress to restore the full SALT deduction, ending a double standard that taxes homeowners differently from businesses and landlords and preserving critical services.

Reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools

The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program remains unfunded after not being included in funding bills passed at the end of 2024.

• Why it matters: SRS provides essential funding to over 700 rural counties for services like education, infrastructure and fire suppression.
• What’s next: As SRS funds are depleted, NACo encourages county leaders to advocate for reauthorization to prevent budget shortfalls in timber counties.

Medicaid and counties

Since being signed into law in 1965, the Medicaid program has helped counties provide support to residents who are unable to afford medical care.

• County contributions: Counties contribute to Medicaid in 24 states and the District of Columbia.
• Intergovernmental partnership: Counties work with Congress to strengthen Medicaid, ensuring access to high-quality care while responsibly managing taxpayer dollars. Counties stand ready to partner with federal leaders to improve the nation’s health system.