County Countdown – Nov. 20, 2023
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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 on some of the top issues we're covering this week.
1. Mental Health
NACo continues to champion mental health policies in Congress to support counties and residents.
- Continuity of care: A recent letter to leaders on Capitol Hill reiterated county priorities in mental health, including urging passage of the Due Process Continuity of Care Act, advocating for Medicaid benefits for pre-trial detainees.
- Workforce development: The letter also pushed for increased funding for programs to recruit and retain behavioral health workers.
- What’s next: NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing is working with Congress to reform mental health policies that exclude vulnerable populations.
2. Operation Green Light
Thank you to the hundreds of counties, plus our intergovernmental partners, businesses and individuals, who participated in Operation Green Light for Veterans.
- Bipartisan support: Congressional resolutions in both the House and Senate recognized Operation Greenlight and the vital role of County Veterans Services Officers (CVSOs).
- CVSO Act: In 29 states, county-funded CVSOs help veterans access over $50B annually in VA benefits. NACo urges the passage of the CVSO Act to secure federal resources to support this work.
- Explore highlights: Check out the Operation Green Light showcase for pictures submitted by counties – and submit yours!
3. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
As we mark the two-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), NACo is ensuring that counties have a voice in its implementation.
- County guidance: Explore NACo’s BIL tools and best practices.
- Funding opportunities: Check out this tool for identifying current BIL funding opportunities.
4. Support for Rural America
U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced the Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act.
- Addressing community needs: The bill would create a grant program to address needs like affordable child care, housing and job training, as well as providing guidance to help rural communities navigate existing funding opportunities.
- NACo's endorsement: NACo urges swift passage of this legislation, which will enable rural counties to optimize federal resources.
5. American Rescue Plan
The U.S. Treasury Department introduced a new rule clarifying counties' use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, further extending the reach of these resources.
Key points for counties: Counties can now allocate funds for administrative costs tied to ARPA reporting and compliance.
Clarifying responsibilities: Details on managing sub-recipient obligations offer counties more flexibility for effective resource utilization.
Dive deeper on ARPA: Explore all of NACo’s ARPA resources here.
NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing
Launched in February 2023, the NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing brings together county leaders from across the nation to take action to address the ever-growing mental health crisis from the county government perspective.
Highlights from 2023 Operation Green Light for Veterans
Counties across the country are joining Operation Green Light for Veterans to shine a light on the issues veterans face and highlight the resources available to veterans at the county, state and federal levels.
Senators introduce bipartisan legislation to level playing field for rural communities
Senators introduced the Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act, bipartisan legislation intended to advance economic development in rural counties and overcome barriers to obtaining federal funding and resources.
Congress introduces Second Chance Act reauthorization
On April 16, the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 8028) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with robust bipartisan support. NACo supports this legislation, which would reauthorize funding for Second Chance Act (P.L. 110-199) programs for five years.
UPDATED: USDOT announces availability of $1.2 billion through Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program
On February 21, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the availability of $1.2 billion through the Safe Streets and Roads for All competitive grant program in Fiscal Year 2024 for transportation safety planning or construction projects.
HRSA offers funds to aid care transitions for justice-involved individuals
On April 10, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced the availability of $51 million in funding opportunities open to HRSA-funded health centers. HRSA-funded health centers, which serve over 30 million patients, play a crucial role in county healthcare systems emphasizing equity and accessibility in healthcare. This new initiative focuses on supporting individuals leaving incarceration by providing health services during the critical 90 days before release, assisting justice-impacted individuals with their return to the community by expanding access to primary healthcare—including mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
House Passes Historic Outdoor Recreation Legislation
The U.S. House passed the bipartisan EXPLORE Act (H.R.6492) on April 9 to boost outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands and aid local economies
County Countdown – April, 22, 2024
Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
Counties directly eligible for $5.2 billion in competitive transportation grants
Counties are directly eligible for $5.2 billion in competitive transportation grants.
Modernizing County Finance with Digital Disbursements
This session will provide an in-depth overview of the successful pilot project by Knox County, Ill., the National Association of Counties (NACo), and Visa, sharing how they delivered fast and secure payments to county election judges and jurors.
Elevate Your Contract Efficiency with NACo's Public Promise Procurement
For new and expiring contracts up for bid, consider NACo's recently awarded contract with KONE for elevators, escalators, walkways and lifts.
Learn how the Maricopa County led contract with KONE can help your organization with people moving solutions.
Protected Retirement Solutions for County Employees
Employees are looking to employers for guaranteed income solutions. This workshop will focus on key strategies and solutions available to employees through 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans such as the Protected Retirement Solutions suite of investment products.
Navigating the Future of Public Finance: 2024 Top 10 Economic Outlook Mid-Year Update- Assessing Developments and Implications
As we reach the midpoint of 2024, this webinar will explore the key insights and significant developments that have unfolded in 2024. Explore critical factors such as interest rate movements, the evolving economic landscape, inflation trends, and shifts in the role of cash as an income-generating asset.
NYSAC Executive Director, Stephen Acquario, will join Joe Rulison, CEO of three+one, to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the economic forces shaping the remainder of the year.
Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and gain valuable insights into the economic trends that will continue to impact County governments in 2024. Register now to secure your spot!
Transitions of Care in Mental Health
In this presentation, we will: define a successful transition of care for adults with schizophrenia, review barriers to a successful transition, highlight specific examples of successful transitional care programs, explore how a multidisciplinary/collaborative approach can support successful transitions, and identify actionable strategies for potential implementation.
NACo Cyberattack Simulation: Financial Access
Financial transaction systems are prime targets for cyber threats due to the value and sensitivity of the data. This cyber simulation assesses risks and fortifies safeguards within financial access systems.
Conference
2024 NACo Legislative Conference
The NACo Legislative Conference brings together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that impact counties and our residents.
