County Countdown – October 7, 2024
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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.
Continuing resolution averts federal government shutdown
On September 25, Congress passed a bipartisan measure to keep the federal government open until December 20, 2024.
- County priorities: This resolution includes some progress on county priorities, such as funding for FEMA’s disaster relief fund and support for rural air transportation.
- Advocating for SRS: The measure does not include the renewal of the Secure Rural Schools program, which funds counties with national forests. Counties are urging Congress to address this issue before the current funding extension runs out.
- More to come: This bill was passed before Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the southeast, so Congress is likely to readdress disaster funding in the coming weeks and months.
Senate advances the Disaster Survivors Fairness Act
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced the Disaster Survivors Fairness Act, which aims to enhance FEMA’s disaster assistance programs and give FEMA more tools to help people and communities recover.
- County impact: This bill would simplify the process for disaster survivors to apply for assistance, make the system more transparent, and provide more direct aid for rebuilding.
- Advocacy in action: Counties lead the way in helping residents recover after a disaster, so we are taking action to urge swift passage of this bill.
Truck size and weight limits
NACo has consistently spoken out against efforts to increase the size and weight limits for trucks on our roads. Larger, heavier trucks would cause more damage to local roads and bridges, which are already costly to maintain.
- Why it matters: Counties own nearly half of all public roads and one in four bridges, and the increased wear and tear from bigger trucks would necessitate additional federal support.
- What we're doing: NACo is working hard to convince Congress to keep current truck size and weight limits in place to protect local infrastructure and ensure safety on our roads.
Interest relief for counties with disaster-related loans
In mid-September, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced a slate of bills that address disaster relief, fire management and extreme weather response.
- FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act: This key bill would allow counties to get reimbursed for the interest they pay on loans used for FEMA-approved disaster recovery projects.
- Speeding up recovery: Covering these interest costs would reduce the financial strain on counties and help speed up recovery efforts after a disaster.
Election observers to monitor this November’s elections
Congress has renewed the Congressional Election Observer Program ahead of the November 2024 elections. This program trains congressional staff to monitor elections in close races.
- Limited role for observers: Observers are allowed to watch election processes like ballot counting and storage but are not allowed to interfere in any way. Counties still have control over their polling places and can remove observers who break the rules.
- Building trust: This program has been around for years, building trust and ensuring transparency in tight congressional races. NACo is using this program as an opportunity to continue to educate our federal partners about the county role in elections.
Related News
Billions in federal funding available now directly to counties through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Billions in federal funding available now directly to counties through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Counties dig out from deadly Hurricane Helene
Counties have been coordinating shelters, food and water distribution, information and making efforts to vet or refer people to donation managers in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation across six states.
FEMA lifts Immediate Needs Funding restrictions
On October 1, FEMA lifted the Immediate Needs Funding restrictions that were imposed on place on August 7 to manage the rapidly depleting balance of the Disaster Relief Fund. These restrictions paused funding for non-lifesaving and non-life-sustaining activities, enabling FEMA to focus on urgent disaster response.
Upcoming Events
The Importance of Funding Election Infrastructure
This webinar will bring together election experts to discuss the current state of election infrastructure and how adequate funding can strengthen election integrity, support local election officials, and protect voter confidence.
Achieving AI Success: Addressing Resistance and Embracing Efficiency
Join Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and CAI for a webinar where we explore the critical success factors to implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation projects including overcoming fear surrounding AI and automation, managing organizational change, and embracing new ways of working.
Maximizing Efficiency in County Finance: The Power of Transforming Accounts Payable and Expense Management Processes
During this webinar we will discuss the benefits of digitizing accounts payable and expense management processes and demonstrate how technology and automation can help county finance leaders alleviate staffing challenges, increase efficiency, and ensure financial accuracy and compliance.