Counties Applaud Coronavirus Rescue Package with Essential Aid, Reaffirm Commitment to America’s Recovery

WASHINGTON – After the House of Representatives passed for a second time, today President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law. The National Association of Counties (NACo) applauds this historic piece of legislation, which includes $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county in America, as well as other crucial investments in local communities, into law.   

NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase issued the following statement:

We applaud the House and Senate for passing the State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds and thank President Biden for swiftly signing the bill into law. The legislation recognizes counties’ vast responsibilities to care for our most vulnerable residents – our sick, unemployed, elderly and youth.

“For too long, the pressing challenges and needs facing our counties have outstripped our depleted local resources. The passage of this bill affirms a strong federal-state-local partnership, an investment in counties on the front lines and a commitment to defeating this pandemic together.

“While counties face record demand for essential services, we have shed jobs at rates far outpacing the rest of the economy. Even as the nation’s economy inches toward recovery, one in every 10 jobs yet to be recovered is from our local governments.

“The American Rescue Plan advances us on the road to recovery, honors our frontline heroes, and equips us to help end the pandemic and drive economic recovery.

“With the critical aid in this bill, we will now be able to strengthen our communities by investing in small businesses and nonprofits, vaccine distribution, public health and safety, human services, especially for those suffering from domestic violence, mental illnesses and substance use disorders, and much-needed infrastructure, including broadband.

“We thank Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi and President Biden for their leadership in support of counties. We are poised to move forward and ultimately end this devastating pandemic together.”