County Countdown – July 1, 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.
Watch the video above and explore NACo resources below.
Supreme Court Decisions
The Supreme Court is deciding several cases with implications for counties.
- Chiaverini v. Ohio: Addressing probable cause and malicious prosecution claims, this decision will not significantly impact counties’ ability to defend against claims of malicious prosecution.
- Gonzalez v. Trevino: The ruling could change the standard of evidence needed for an arrest to be considered retaliatory. Counties should review law enforcement policies to guard against increased litigation while maintaining the ability to defend against frivolous claims.
- Oregon v. Johnson: While not decided as of this week's filming, a decision was handed down on Friday, June 28. For the latest updates, check out NACo’s Supreme Court Advocacy Hub.
Fire and Emergency Services
Congress recently passed the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which extended the Assistance to Firefighters Grant and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response programs.
- Crucial support: Pending President Biden’s signature, final passage ensures continued federal support for local fire departments, allocating $750 million annually to maintain safety and emergency response capabilities in counties nationwide.
- Extended programs: These crucial programs, facing a statutory termination date of September 30, 2024, have now been extended to September 30, 2030.
Improving the Child Welfare System
Counties employ 257,000 human services workers nationwide and invest over $62 billion annually in federal, state and local funds into safety net services.
- Zoom in: This includes implementing federal and state policies surrounding prevention and response to child abuse and neglect.
- The county role: Counties in 11 states are wholly or partially responsible for administering the child welfare system.
- New resource: NACo has a new resource that makes policy recommendations for transforming and improving the child welfare system nationwide.
Behavioral Health Clinics
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that 10 new states have joined the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program.
- New states: The new states include Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont.
- Program expansion: Enabled by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, this expansion allows HHS to add 10 new states to the CCBHC program every two years.
- Impact on counties: Counties in these states will benefit from increased Medicaid funding, improved public health and more efficient use of healthcare resources.
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT)
The Department of the Interior has announced $621.2 million in PILT funding for 2024, a $42.4 million increase from last year.
- Dig deeper: A complete list of funding by state and county is available here. You can also check NACo’s County Explorer to see detailed county-by-county information on PILT funding levels.
- Essential services: PILT payments help local governments in public lands counties provide essential services such as firefighting, police protection, public school construction and search and rescue operations.
Supreme Court Update: Chiaverini vs. City of Napoleon
The county perspective on a case involving malicious prosecution
Supreme Court Update: Gonzalez v. Trevino
The county perspective on a case involving retaliatory arrests
Congress reauthorizes critical SAFER and AFG grants until 2030
On June 18, Congress took a significant step in supporting local fire departments across the nation by passing the Fire Grants and Safety Act. Pending President Biden’s signature, final passage ensures the continuation and enhancement of the AFG and SAFER grant programs.
County Policy Priorities for Transforming the Child Welfare System
Regardless of population size, geography and available resources, counties are deeply invested in our residents’ health and well-being. Every day, we provide services that help vulnerable individuals and families thrive, functioning as an integral part of the federal, state and local partnership in human service delivery.
Ten states added to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Medicaid Demonstration Program
On June 4, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through CMS and SAMHSA, announced that ten new states have joined the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program.
Department of the Interior announces PILT funding total of over $621 million will be distributed to counties
On June 26, the Department of the Interior announced that more than 1,900 state and local governments around the country will receive a total of $621.2 million in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2024.
Related News
Casey Foundation emphasizes support for youth
“When youth are asked what helped them the most, they might name a program, but they will absolutely name a person that believed in them,” Leslie Boissiere told the General Session audience.
Maryland county invests in community ‘villages’
Baltimore County, Md. created a volunteer network or “village” to help with everything from groceries to doctor’s appointment to fighting isolation.
U.S. Congress passes reconciliation bill: What it means for counties
On July 3, the U.S. Congress passed sweeping budget reconciliation legislation.
Upcoming Events
Enhancing Child Welfare: Best Practices for Measuring and Improving Outcomes
Join us for an insightful webinar focusing on child welfare specifically designed for county governments. We will delve into evidence-based practices, informed funding decisions, cost efficiencies, and effective program management. Key areas of discussion will include out-of-home placements, prevention services, and reunification services.