NLC Applauds Senate Passage of Direct Aid to Local Governments

Washington, D.C. – Today, National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to approve direct aid local governments in the American Rescue Plan: 

“We applaud the Senate for committing much-needed $65 billon of direct aid to all municipalities to help our communities recover and rebuild from the devastation caused by COVID-19. Today’s vote is an important acknowledgement of the urgency with which we all must work to ensure our municipalities have the resources to put an end to the pandemic. In particular, our nation’s small municipalities – which have been passed over in all previous federal relief packages – will finally be able to secure the direct relief they need to ensure critical local services can continue during this critical moment. 

“As the American Rescue Plan makes its way back to the House of Representatives, and ultimately to President Biden’s desk, we urge lawmakers to preserve the essential aid they have secured for our local governments on the front lines. Throughout this pandemic, our community leaders, first responders and members of our critical local workforce have worked tirelessly to protect our communities from COVID-19, and we implore Congress and the President to ensure their sacrifices are met with a steadfast commitment to supporting our hometowns now and throughout our nation’s economic recovery.”