ULCT Evaluating "Heroes Act"- 4th federal stimulus bill released today
An 1800-page bill named the “Heroes Act.” was released today by the U.S. House. It proposes a $3 trillion dollar package that would provide $375 billion dollars to cities, towns, and counties over 2-years. This bill corresponds with an effort by the National League of Cities called “Cities Are Essential,” which seeks direct funding to support local governments in responding to COVID-19. You can take a crack at the full 1,815 pages of the bill here, view a summary of the appropriations, or just the local government allocations.
On April 29th, ULCT’s Board of Directors supported efforts to secure federal funding to help local governments, large and small, as they work to maintain infrastructure, stimulate the local economies, and continue to provide essential services in spite of budgetary shortfalls due to COVID. The two main principles for ULCT are: 1) ensure that cities and towns of all sizes receive allocations, and 2) ensure that the funds have sufficient flexibility, with guardrails, for how municipalities can invest them. The League is presently evaluating the Heroes Act, the needs of our cities and towns per our survey and economic analysis, and the efforts of the NLC. We will bring you more information about potential next steps later this week.
Town Hall for Local Leaders
Lt. Governor Cox and Jess Anderson, the Commissioner of Public Safety for the State of Utah provided an update to local leaders today.
Commissioner Anderson advised that today Utah National Guard troops are going into our community long-term care facilities checking for adequate PPEs and proper COVID testing.
Lt. Governor Cox said he, the Governor, and Utah's COVID task force are at work creating guidelines for communities moving into the next phase of recovery, or the "yellow" phase. He explained the Governor is closely watching data to make the determination on when the timing is right to move the dial to yellow for various communities statewide.
The State of Utah is working on Utah Leads Together 3.0 and the Lt. Governor expected it to come out by next week. It will specifically address plans to strengthen resources and guidance in five high-risk categories of individuals. A subcommittee is dedicated to this group which includes those at home without support systems, those experiencing homelessness, multicultural minorities that are disproportionately impacted (tribes, Hispanic, refugee communities - translation efforts into 19 languages by the UNG), nursing homes) A hotline has been set up for those individuals who need additional help. We hope you will share this with your residents: 877-424-4640.
To view the entire Town Hall for Local Leaders from today, click the tab below.
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