WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) formally introduced the bipartisan State and Municipal Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Act. This legislation aims to deliver critical, federal relief and funding to cities, towns, villages on the frontlines of America’s response to and recovery from COVID-19.
Following the bills release, Clarence Anthony, National League of Cities CEO and Executive Director made the following statement:
“The National League of Cities welcomes introduction of the bipartisan SMART Act, a bill that would assist all local governments with maintaining their core responsibilities, including keeping emergency responders on the job intervening in localized outbreaks of COVID-19; and restoring the economic activity of their communities long term.
Providing federal relief for municipalities across the nation is critical to advancing the reopening of America and our national economic recovery, on which thousands of jobs and the livelihoods of American families depend. The SMART Act is another positive sign that Members of Congress want to help the local leaders they represent; and that momentum is growing for the next emergency response package to include fair and appropriate levels of assistance to all cities, towns, and villages.”
The proposed legislation offers $500 billion in emergency funding to every state, county and community in the country, while prioritizing assistance to the areas with the greatest need.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.