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
DOJ terminates justice and public safety-focused grants
On April 22, the U.S. Department of Justice’s largest grant-making arm—the Office of Justice Programs—abruptly cancelled hundreds of grants awarded to county governments and other local jurisdictions and organizations. Approximately 365 grants have been identified for termination, which were estimated to be valued at $811 million at the time of awarding; it is unclear how much funding remained at the time of termination.
California county program helps spark student careers
San Diego County created a win-win program to fill open staff vacancies and give college students real-world work experience.
California county, non-profit help launch child-care startups
Adrianna Segura, a Stanislaus County, Calif. mother of two, was licensed to be a home-based child-care provider, but she didn’t know the first thing about starting a business. She knew how to take care of children, but she wasn’t sure how to file taxes, create contracts or what her rate should be.
Upcoming Events
Federal Reforms to Medicaid Financing: What Counties Should Know (Part 2)
This two-part webinar series will examine the vital role Medicaid plays in supporting county-administered behavioral health and primary care services.
Ask a Public Health Expert: The Resurgence of Measles
Join NACo on Thursday, May 15 at 2 p.m. ET for a webinar on the resurgence of measles and what county leaders need to know. As outbreaks emerge across the U.S., this session will cover the history of measles, the importance of vaccination, current trends and how counties can respond effectively. The hour-long webinar will feature a 30-minute expert presentation followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from public health experts and get your questions answered.
Impacts of Federal Immigration Policy on Local Governments (Part 2)
Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join us for a second informational (not for CLE) webinar regarding the executive orders issued this year and federal policies in the area of immigration and how they may impact local governments and local government officials. Presenters will provide a high-level overview of the laws at issue and their impact on local government operations and duties.