County Countdown – January 28, 2025
Upcoming Events
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Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
The first 100 days
President Trump and Vice President Vance were sworn in last week. Since then, the Trump administration has issued a series of executive orders addressing immigration, energy and the economy, among other issues with implications for counties.
- NACo event series tracking first 100 days: To educate county leaders on how these policies may impact local governments, NACo has launched a weekly series on the administration's first 100 days.
- Next session: The next webinar in the series is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29. Click here to register.
Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force fly-in
NACo’s Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, a group of 28 county leaders with wide-ranging experience, is meeting in Washington, D.C. this week.
- Task force goals: The task force, launched late last year, has goals to help modernize disaster policies, enhance disaster resilience and strengthen intergovernmental partnerships.
- Advocacy efforts: Task force members will take advantage of this week's fly-in to highlight counties' critical roles in disaster response and long-term recovery in meetings with Congress and federal partners.
SALT deduction profiles released
NACo has released new profiles showing the impact of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap on counties and residents.
- Why it matters: The $10,000 SALT cap, set to expire December 31, 2025, limits tax deductions and impacts funding for essential county services.
- Call to action: Counties urge Congress to restore the full SALT deduction, ending a double standard that taxes homeowners differently from businesses and landlords and preserving critical services.
Reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools
The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program remains unfunded after not being included in funding bills passed at the end of 2024.
- Why it matters: SRS provides essential funding to over 700 rural counties for services like education, infrastructure and fire suppression.
- What’s next: As SRS funds are depleted, NACo encourages county leaders to advocate for reauthorization to prevent budget shortfalls in timber counties.
Medicaid and counties
Since being signed into law in 1965, the Medicaid program has helped counties provide support to residents who are unable to afford medical care.
- County contributions: Counties contribute to Medicaid in 24 states and the District of Columbia.
- Intergovernmental partnership: Counties work with Congress to strengthen Medicaid, ensuring access to high-quality care while responsibly managing taxpayer dollars. Counties stand ready to partner with federal leaders to improve the nation’s health system.
NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 1
NACo is launching a new membership series to provide timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.
Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force
As disasters intensify across the country, county governments play a crucial role on the frontlines of emergency management and recovery. With a commitment to advancing federal policies that foster collaboration between counties, federal agencies and other intergovernmental partners, the Task Force builds on years of county-led efforts to enhance disaster policies and practices, driving improved outcomes nationwide.
NACo releases new SALT deduction resource
Counties urge Congress and the Administration to restore the full SALT deduction to restore fairness in taxation and preserve essential local services
Related News
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announces major restructuring
On March 27, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a sweeping reorganization that will consolidate agencies, shift key programs under a new framework and eliminate thousands of positions. This change brings HHS in line with President Trump's Executive Order, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative.”
National Association of Counties and cashVest by three+one Announce $1.3 Billion in New Revenue for Public Agencies in 2024
NACo and cashVest by three+one today announced their collaborative efforts generated over $1.3 billion in new revenue for public entities in 2024, while simultaneously saving them millions in bank fees. This achievement highlights the impact of untapped sources of revenue, providing essential financial stability during uncertain times.
Counties search for footing amid federal workforce cuts
Staffing reductions in the federal land management agencies are upsetting the intergovernmental balance in public lands counties.
Upcoming Events
NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 10
Join NACo for week ten of a membership series providing timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.
The Current State of Student Debt and Forgiveness (NACo's Partnership with Savi Simplifies Student Debt Relief), a Public Promise Insurance Webinar
A webinar for HR and county leadership looking for ways to engage county employees
Did you know that over 9 million public service workers, including full-time county employees, are eligible for student debt forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program? Yet, fewer than 2% have received relief, and only 15% have submitted the required forms to access this benefit
The real question is: Are they aware of it? Are they maximizing their student debt forgiveness?
Please join us as we speak with student debt forgiveness expert Tony Raffa, who will clear up much of the confusion over:
Executive orders and what they mean for employees
Changes in the Department of Education and its impact
Current student debt relief programs and who is eligible
Common issues with applying for and receiving student debt forgiveness
A new tool is available to help your employees calculate their potential student debt relief and cut through the red tape when applying
Show how the tool helps employees save an average of $2,244 a year, freeing up space for them to hit their financial goals
This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here and about Public Promise Insurance here.
For more information check out the event page!
NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 11
Join NACo for week eleven of a membership series providing timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.