NLC Statement on Introduction of New Bipartisan COVID Emergency Relief Package

Washington, D.C. – Today, the National League of Cities (NLC) Executive Director and CEO Clarence E. Anthony issued the following statement after the release of a new bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief proposal, which includes $160 billion in relief for state, local and tribal governments:

“With precious few days left for this Congress to take action before the end of the year, we are encouraged by today’s bipartisan, bicameral proposal to deliver much-needed emergency relief to America’s communities, including local governments that are experiencing unprecedented financial hardships due to the pandemic. With COVID-19 cases rising across the country, local resources strained, and key assistance programs expiring at the end of this month, it is more critical than ever for congressional leadership to work together in a constructive, bipartisan manner to swiftly deliver the aid that cities, towns and villages need to keep our hometowns safe and support our nation’s economic recovery.

“We applaud the members of Congress for introducing today’s proposal, recognizing the urgency of delivering aid to municipal governments now as we work toward a comprehensive long-term solution to the financial challenges facing families, businesses and communities everywhere. Without federal aid for every local government, both the pandemic and the long road to economic recovery will be needlessly prolonged, with avoidable harm falling on the hardest hit communities.”

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 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.