National League of Cities Responds to HEALS Act Negotiations Stalling, Urges Congress and White House to Support Cities, Towns and Villages

Washington, D.C. – Following the news of the HEALS Act negotiations stalling unemployment data this morning, National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony issued the following statement:

“America’s cities, towns and villages have been on the frontline of supporting our nation’s battle against the coronavirus pandemic since the beginning, and in protecting our fellow citizens, have incurred severe budget shortages that impact essential public services, private sector growth and job creation.  Failing to address the budget crunches our municipalities are experiencing will deal a major blow to the already fragile national economic recovery.

“Our hometowns are not a talking point – they represent the whole of America, regardless of political affiliation.   We urge both the White House and Congress to proceed with negotiations, as millions of Americans in cities of all shapes and sizes will be negatively impacted if direct federal aid is not provided to the thousands of communities that have been left behind. Our national leaders need to move past the partisan rhetoric and come to an agreement to stop the financial decimation our communities are facing.”

NLC launched the Cities Are Essential campaign in May, calling on the federal government to ensure there is flexible, direct funding relief provided to America’s municipalities.