County Countdown – Nov. 6, 2023
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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.
Watch the video above and explore NACo resources below on some of the top issues we're covering this week.
1. New House Speaker
The clock is ticking towards the November 17 deadline to avoid a federal government shutdown, and newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson is pivotal to the negotiations.
- The county perspective: NACo is advocating for continuity of federal funding to avert operational disruptions for counties.
- What you need to know: Review key points for counties in the event of a federal government shutdown.
2. Veterans and Military Services
Counties reinforced our commitment to veterans through a dedicated advocacy fly-in, rallying for the passage of critical veteran support legislation.
- CVSO Act: NACo's Veterans and Military Services Committee joined forces with the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers to champion the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act.
- Why it matters: The act would unlock federal funding for County Veteran Service Officers, who in 29 states help veterans secure over $50B annually in VA benefits.
- Operation Green Light: Show support for veterans and their families today to November 12 by participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans.
3. Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus
Amid rising concerns about mental health, the congressional Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus has emerged as a key group with direct implications for county-level services.
- Policy commitments: The caucus champions mental health legislation, aiming to improve service access and dismantle stigmas.
- Local solutions: NACo endorses policy initiatives that enhance counties' capacity to provide comprehensive mental health services.
4. BEAD Program Toolkit
NACo's new BEAD toolkit will guide counties through broadband funding and deployment strategies.
- About the BEAD Program: The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program earmarks over $42 billion for the expansion of high-speed internet to locations without adequate service.
- Toolkit for counties: NACo's toolkit offers resources and information for county leaders, including guidance in navigating the state challenge process to prioritize areas for broadband investment.
5. NACo Legislative Conference
The 2024 NACo Legislative Conference is February 10–13 in Washington, D.C.
- Convening leaders: The conference draws nearly 2,000 county officials looking to advance our federal policy priorities.
- Highlights: This year’s conference will include policy sessions, opportunities to engage with members of Congress, and robust interactions with federal agency representatives.
- Register today to secure early bird rates and hotel availability.
What Counties Need to Know When a Government Shutdown Happens
Counties are calling on our federal partners to work in a bipartisan way to keep the federal government fully operational. As intergovernmental partners, any budget uncertainty at the federal level creates uncertainty at the local level as counties administer federal programs on the ground.
Operation Green Light for Veterans
During the week leading up to Veterans Day, counties shine a green light to show support for veterans, raise awareness of benefits available to them and call for action on federal policies that support veterans and their families.
NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing
(2023-2024) Counties increasingly handle direct mental health service. NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing developed reports and united county leaders to address the mental health crisis through key policy priorities.
BEAD Program Toolkit for Counties
This toolkit is intended to guide counties on the key deadlines, pertinent resources, and other initiatives that are critical under the BEAD and DEA programs.
2024 NACo Legislative Conference
The NACo Legislative Conference brings together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that impact counties and our residents.
Supreme Court allows new SAVE citizenship voter verification system to proceed
On Sept. 25, the U.S. Supreme Court granted an emergency appeal from the White House to pause a lower court’s ruling blocking its use of a new SAVE system ahead of the midterms.
House reintroduces 988 Implementation Act to strengthen local mental health crisis response
On Sept. 3, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) introduced the 988 Implementation Act (H.R. 10280)[EH2.1] This bipartisan legislation strengthens the nationwide 988 system by providing long-term federal funding to counties, which often serve as frontline administrators of local mental health crisis services.
FCC considers preemption of local authorities in broadband permitting process
Counties are partners in broadband deployment efforts – not barriers – and pursuing one-size-fits-all regulations will further burden progress towards closing the digital divide
Supreme Court declines emergency review of USPS mail-in ballot rule, leaving nationwide block in place
The Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision to allow the Trump administration to move forward with its Executive Order 14399 directing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to compile official U.S. citizenship lists to be used in voter citizenship verification and the U.S. Postal Service to impose new mail-in ballot restrictions.
Census Bureau proposes permanent changes to the 2030 Decennial Census
On September 10, the U.S Census Bureau published a proposed rule to the 2030 Decennial Census that would create two new parts of the 15 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that among other changes would a) define “usual residence” that excludes foreign persons previously counted that are not U.S. citizens or lawful residents, and b) would eliminate any questions about race, ethnicity and sexual orientation from the census questionnaire used to enumerate the population. The proposed ruling outlines only 30 days for public comments, which are due on October 13.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, October 8
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, October 22
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
Countdown to LUCA: Practical Strategies for Local, Tribal and State Governments
Join us for the first webinar in a series focused on practical steps communities can take to prepare for effective census participation.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, November 5
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, November 19
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, December 3
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.