On December 21, Congress reached a deal on a new stimulus package addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic—although direct funding for local governments was not included. However, the bill did contain funding for several programs benefiting residents
and businesses – most notably an additional round of $600 direct stimulus payments, as well as $300 in weekly supplemental unemployment insurance through March 14, 2021.
Other funding items include:
- $25 billion for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program;
- $325 billion in small business aid, including another $284 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans;
- $54.3 billion for public schools;
- $45 billion for transportation;
- $13 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and
- $7 billion for broadband, including $3.2 billion dedicated to low-income broadband emergency subsidies and another $300 million for rural broadband.
- $638 million for the Low-Income Household Drinking Water and Wastewater Emergency Assistance Program.
On January 5, the Treasury Department posted information on the $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance Program. States as well as cities and counties with more than 200,000 residents will receive a direct allocation. At this time, it is not clear how the state will distribute their portion of the federal funding. As we learn more about their plans, we will pass the information along.
President-elect Joe Biden has publicly stated that more relief is forthcoming. NLC and AWC will continue to advocate on behalf of cities to make direct, flexible federal funding available to cities in Washington and across the country.