Governor Larry Hogan today was joined by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Vermont Governor Phil Scott, and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu to call on Congress to pass an urgently-needed COVID-19 relief bill.
According to a joint statement:
As Republican governors on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, we strongly urge Congress to pass a bipartisan agreement on a COVID-19 relief package this month.
More than eight months have passed since the last federal coronavirus stimulus package became law. Many vital CARES Act programs have already run out, and more are set to expire before the end of the year. The people in our states continue to pay a high price for Congress’ inaction. At this moment, millions of struggling American workers, families, and small businesses are hanging by a thread. The support of Unemployment Insurance, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, and the Paycheck Protection Program, and other resources are all essential to their survival. It would be unconscionable if Congress were to pull their lifeline now.
We recognize that there are legitimate differences of opinion on what an ideal package should contain, but these differences pale in comparison to the cost of doing nothing. It is time to act. There is no more room for partisan positioning and political gamesmanship. Congress must come together and take action now.
Counties are making significant financial investments to address immediate public health and safety needs. At the same time, counties are experiencing massive and unprecedented declines in revenue as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The combined effect of these changes will likely undermine county revenue structures and support for education, public safety, roadway maintenance, and other essential services. The National Association of Counties (NACo) continues to advocate for lawmakers in both parties to work together to award additional, flexible federal funding and resources for counties of all sizes.
As previously reported on Conduit Street, state fiscal leaders last month said that additional federal stimulus will be key to Maryland’s economic recovery. “If anything, the unpredictable pace of a labor market recovery underscores the need for a second federal stimulus program that would provide relief to individuals and small businesses, and prevent an economic catastrophe,” said Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot.
Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.
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