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
LASSO Act preserves county revenue sharing, directs public lands funds to Social Security
On February 10, the U.S., House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing examining the Land and Social Security Optimization (LASSO) Act (H.R. 34), which would direct a portion of revenues generated on public lands to fund the Social Security system. Introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (R-Ariz.), this measure would protect federal revenue sharing to counties while encouraging active use of public lands.
Census Bureau cancels key rural test sites ahead of 2030 Count
NACo advocates for the reinstatement of key decennial census testing of rural areas and other planned canceled testing criteria.
U.S. Department of the Interior issues new NEPA regulations recognizing local governments as cooperating agencies
On February 23, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a final rule updating the Department’s regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; P.L. 91-190). In a step forward for counties, the final rule reinstates provisions that name local government agencies as cooperating agencies during the NEPA environmental review process.
Upcoming Events
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, March 12
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, March 26
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
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!