County Countdown – March 19, 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.
1. Government Funding Success
Congress passed a fiscal year 2024 minibus appropriations package, including key county priorities.
- PILT program funding: A victory for counties, ensuring $515 million for the PILT Program.
- Mental health and broadband: Gains for mental health and rural broadband with provisions for IMD waiver expansion and the ReConnect Program.
- Upcoming deadlines: The pressure is on with a March 22 deadline to finalize the rest of 2024's federal spending.
2. FCC's Intergovernmental Advisory Update
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel appoints county-recommended leaders to the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee.
- New appointments: Four county leaders begin a two-year term advising on broadband services and deployment.
- Get all of the details here.
3. BIL Funding Analysis for Counties
NACo recently released a new report examining the investments made at the county level from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as BIL.
- Report findings: As of November 2023, more than $127 billion in transportation funding has been awarded, including $50 billion in discretionary awards; however, only a fraction of these funds are direct investments in counties.
- Call for equity: A more equitable distribution of infrastructure funding, such as direct and flexible allocations to all counties, parishes and boroughs, is crucial for ensuring the continued performance of our national transportation network.
4. Child Care Funding Rule
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a final rule affecting the Child Care and Development Fund, raising concerns for county-run programs.
- Funding implications: Counties managing CCDF in eight states could face funding challenges under the new rule.
- Area of concern: NACo remains concerned that absent additional federal funding, implementation of the CCDF final rule will require difficult tradeoffs that could impact access to the program.
5. National County Government Month
April celebrates the essential services and achievements of county governments.
- Civic engagement: Utilize NACo's suite of community engagement tools to help tell the county story.
- Get involved: Share your county's success stories and advocate for local priorities.
Resource
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Examining Investments in County Infrastructure
Related News
Endangered Species Committee convenes to exempt Gulf energy projects from Endangered Species Act requirements
On March 31, the Endangered Species Committee convened a meeting to discuss a national security exemption to Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements for energy exploration and extraction projects in the Gulf. The Committee, which had only previously gathered 3 times since 1978, voted unanimously to grant the exemption.
Congress examines reforms to endangered species management
On Mar. 18, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Work held a hearing examining how to improve implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The hearing follows several legislative proposals to reform endangered species management that recently advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
White House Releases Budget Request for FY 2027: Top Highlights for Counties
On April 3, the White House released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request, outlining the administration's proposals for budgetary spending for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026. The President’s budget requests cutting non-defense discretionary funding by 10 percent, or $73 billion. This budget proposal reflects the administration’s priorities but is unlikely to be passed in its current form and will need to be approved by Congress to be implemented.
Upcoming Events
Emerging Dynamics in the Pharmacy Marketplace: Direct-to-Consumer and Plan Sponsors’ Rx Benefits
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
This webinar will feature Josh Fredell, Senior Vice President, PBM, Payor and Life Science Solutions at CVS Health, who will provide an expert overview of the rapidly evolving world of pharmacy benefits. Key discussion points will include the impact of the Direct to Consumer marketplace and prominent entrants such as TrumpRx, Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus model, GoodRx, and others, with a particular focus on GLP‑1 therapies.
The session will explore current industry trends, how plan sponsors are responding, and strategic considerations for navigating this shifting landscape. Attendees will gain valuable insight into market forces shaping consumer access, payer decision‑making, and future implications for benefit design.
This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here.
For more information, visit the event page!
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, April 9
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
National Stormwater Policy Forum Webinar
Learn about current policy issues driving the stormwater sector today.