Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department:
Legislative Analysis for Counties: The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023
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On December 23, 2022, the U.S. Congress enacted a Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 omnibus appropriations bill to fund the federal government through September 30, 2023. Enactment of the omnibus followed a series of Continuing Resolutions (CR) to fund the federal government and avert a government shutdown since the beginning of the federal fiscal year on October 1, 2022. President Biden signed the $1.7 trillion omnibus appropriations bill into law on December 29, 2022.
For the second year in a row, discretionary spending levels for FY 2023 were not limited by statutory spending caps prescribed by the Budget Control Act of 2011. As such, the White House, congressional leadership, and top appropriators negotiated topline spending levels over several months.
The FY 2023 omnibus includes several key investments of importance to counties detailed in this report. These include, but are not limited to, full funding for the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and significantly invests in the RECOMPETE pilot program and technology hubs authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. These programs and others funded by the bill, including a $550 million increase in wildland fire suppression, will enable counties to provide critical services and plan for economic sustainability and growth in 2023.
The final omnibus represents a total of $1.7 trillion in discretionary spending across all 12 spending bills. Of this total amount, $773 billion is in non-defense discretionary spending, an increase of 5.9 percent over the comparable FY 2022 level, and $858 billion is in defense discretionary spending, an increase of 9.7 percent.
In addition to regular programmatic funding and extensions, the FY 2023 omnibus included nearly $10 billion in earmarks (rebranded as community project funding and congressionally directed spending), representing 4,000 projects, for the first time in nearly a decade, although with increased transparency and guardrails. As a result, hundreds of county programs and critical infrastructure projects aimed to better serve communities will receive direct federal investments.
The omnibus bill delivers on many county priorities which are detailed below. Notably. during consideration of the final omnibus agreement, the U.S. Senate adopted an amendment to the package offered by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) the bipartisan State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act. This amendment grants additional flexibility to county governments in investing resources from the American Rescue Plan’s (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, including infrastructure, community development, and disaster response. It will also provide the U.S. Treasury with much-needed resources to assist counties in deploying Recovery Funds.
This analysis includes funding highlights for key programs impacting counties.
County Priorities Included in FY 2023 Omnibus
- One year of full, mandatory funding for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for federal public lands counties
- Funding for direct county investments authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, including $500 million for technology hubs and $200 million for the RECOMPETE pilot
- Reforms to the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy, providing access to Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program benefits for juveniles awaiting trial, for which NACo aggressively advocated
- County mental health priorities, such as funding for the 988 crisis line and reauthorization of the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program
- Permanent extension of the American Rescue Plan Act’s state option to provide 12 months of continuous Medicaid coverage for post-partum care
- $75 million for Election Security Grants to improve the administration of federal elections, enhance election technology and make security improvements as authorized by Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
- Additional funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
- One-year reauthorization of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
- A $100 million increase in funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development programs, with funding now totaling $4 billion
- Funds the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) at the highest level in history, including additional funds for direct, county-eligible RAISE grants
FY 2023 Discretionary Funding by Spending Bill
Agriculture-FDA
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Total
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Funding Level
$25.5 billion
Change
$4.1 billion
Percent Change
18.92%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Community Connect Grant Program
Funding Level
$35.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
The purpose of the Community Connect Program is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide, on a “community -oriented connectivity” basis, broadband service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety benefits.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Distance Learning, Telemedicine and Broadband Program
Funding Level
$65.0 million
Change
$5.0 million
Percent Change
8.33%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
These programs provide broadband services in rural communities to support critical health, workforce development and educational services.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Farm to School Grants
Funding Level
$14.0 million
Change
$2.0 million
Percent Change
16.67%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
eeks to bring locally or regionally produced foods into schools, including sourcing local agriculture for school meal programs, providing hands-on learning activities and consolidating food-related education into standards-based classroom curriculum. Counties support the initiatives that promote access to healthy food in schools while supporting local agriculture.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Business Development Grant Program at USDA Business-Cooperative Service
Funding Level
$86.5 million
Change
$13.4 million
Percent Change
18.36%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
This program assists rural communities with creating and expanding new markets and products through strategic investments.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Community Facilities Program at USDA Rural Housing Service
Funding Level
$3.5 billion
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Counties support providing more flexibility under the Rural Housing program, as federal regulations often are inflexible and too restrictive in providing adequate quality housing for rural families and transient and permanent farm workers.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Cooperative Development Grants
Funding Level
$28.3 million
Change
700000
Percent Change
2.54%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
This program helps rural communities create and expand new markets and products through strategic investments.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural e-Connectivity Program
Funding Level
$363.0 million
Change
-$87.0 million
Percent Change
-19.33%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
The ReConnect Program increases access to broadband connectivity in unserved and underserved rural communities.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Funding Level
$20.0 million
Change
$7.1 million
Percent Change
55.04%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Biomass fuels (ethanol, bio-diesel) are paramount not only to the reduction of pollution in counties throughout the nation, but also serve as revenue generators for many farmers that are struggling with low prices for their crops and increased costs of production. Their use and development should be encouraged and enhanced by Congress.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Housing Loan and Rental Assistance Programs
Funding Level
$3.1 billion
Change
$214.1 million
Percent Change
7.52%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
These programs provide home loan and rental assistance to low-income rural families.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Funding Level
$6.0 billion
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
WIC supports early childhood development, a key county priority, through nutrition assistance and service referrals. Though administered at the state level, WIC operates through 1,900 local agencies, including county health departments, at thousands of clinic sites.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Demonstration Program
Funding Level
$40.0 million
Change
-$5.0 million
Percent Change
-11.11%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
This program supports state pilots providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to low-income children participating in the federal school meals programs during the summer months. Counites support increased federal investments in programs that help children access free, nutritious meals during the summer to safeguard their health and development.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Water and Waste Disposal Program
Funding Level
$1.5 billion
Change
$20.0 million
Percent Change
1.38%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Agriculture-FDA
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Water and Waste Disposal Program helps counties make critical investments in our nation's water infrastructure.
Commerce, Justice and Science
U.S. Department of Commerce
Total
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Commerce
Funding Level
$11.2 billion
Change
$1.3 billion
Percent Change
13.13%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Commerce
Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration
Funding Level
$498.0 million
Change
$124.5 million
Percent Change
33.33%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Commerce
EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
U.S. Department of Commerce
Economic Development Assistance Programs
Funding Level
$430.0 million
Change
$100.0 million
Percent Change
30.30%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Commerce
EDA grants are critical to county economic development, particularly in rural areas, where such resources are often scarce.
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Census Bureau
Funding Level
$1.5 billion
Change
$131.0 million
Percent Change
9.68%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Commerce
NACo supports full funding for the ACS, the Census Bureau and the Bureau’s Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) Program to ensure a complete and accurate list of addresses can be enumerated
U.S. Department of Justice
Total
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Justice
Funding Level
$38.7 billion
Change
$3.5 billion
Percent Change
9.92%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Justice
Program
U.S. Department of Justice
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG)
Funding Level
$770.8 million
Change
$96.8 million
Percent Change
14.36%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Justice
Byrne-JAG provides resources to counties across the country to utilize emerging and evidence-based approaches to the public safety challenges facing their jurisdictions
U.S. Department of Justice
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program
Funding Level
$662.9 million
Change
$151.9 million
Percent Change
29.73%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Justice
The COPS program supports local law enforcement agencies to ensure they have the tools, personnel and resources necessary to protect and serve their communities every day.
U.S. Department of Justice
Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program (COAP)
Funding Level
$190.0 million
Change
$5.0 million
Percent Change
2.70%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Justice
Provide financial and technical assistance to states, units of local government and Indian tribal governments to plan, develop and implement comprehensive efforts to identify, respond to, treat and support those impacted by the substance abuse epidemic
U.S. Department of Justice
Drug Courts - DOJ
Funding Level
$95.0 million
Change
$7.0 million
Percent Change
7.95%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Justice
Provides grants to states, state courts, local courts and local govnments for the development and establishmnet of drug courts.
U.S. Department of Justice
Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP)
Funding Level
$45.0 million
Change
$5.0 million
Percent Change
12.50%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Justice
JMHCP provides state and local governments with grants for a broad range of activities, including jail diversion programs, mental health courts, creating or expanding community-based treatment programs and providing in-jail treatment and transitional services
U.S. Department of Justice
Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA)
Funding Level
$400.0 million
Change
$40.0 million
Percent Change
11.11%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Justice
JJDPA is the principal federal program through which the federal government sets standards for the care and custody of juveniles and provides direct funding to counties to facilitate compliance with these standards.
U.S. Department of Justice
Prescription Drug Monitoring Porgrams (PDMPs)
Funding Level
$35.0 million
Change
$2.0 million
Percent Change
6.06%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Justice
Funding for electronic databases that track controlled substance prescriptions. PDMPs help providers identify patients at risk of opioid misuse, abuse and/or overdose due to overlapping prescriptions, high dosages, or co-prescribing of opioids with benzodiazepines.
U.S. Department of Justice
Second Chance Act Grants
Funding Level
$125.0 million
Change
$10.0 million
Percent Change
8.70%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Justice
Second Chance Act grants provide counties with the resources needed to help individuals successfully reintegrate back into the community following their release from jail
U.S. Department of Justice
State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP)
Funding Level
$234.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Justice
SCAAP reimburse states and local governments – including counties – for the cost of incarcerating undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of certain crimes.
U.S. Department of Justice
Veterans' Treatment Courts
Funding Level
$35.0 million
Change
$6.0 million
Percent Change
20.69%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Commerce, Justice and Science
Department: U.S. Department of Justice
Provides grants and technical assistance for state, local and tribal governments interested in starting or expanding veteran treatment court programs
Defense
Energy-Water
U.S. Department of Energy
Total
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Department of Energy
Funding Level
$46.5 billion
Change
$1.7 billion
Percent Change
3.76%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Energy-Water
Department: U.S. Department of Energy
Program
U.S. Department of Energy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Funding
Funding Level
$3.5 billion
Change
$260.0 million
Percent Change
8.13%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Energy-Water
Department: U.S. Department of Energy
Counties support developing partnerships with utilities and private industry to develop energy efficiency and conservation programs which will result in cost savings for local businesses and a stronger local economy.
U.S. Department of Energy
Weatherization Assistance Program
Funding Level
$326.0 million
Change
$13.0 million
Percent Change
4.15%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Energy-Water
Department: U.S. Department of Energy
Counties support federal funding and other incentives to promote nationwide energy conservation efforts. To facilitate decentralized energy conservation activities, the federal government should seek input from local governments on implementation and continue to adequately fund all conservation and fuel assistance programs, such as the Weatherization Assistance Program.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Program
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Opeartion and Maintenance
Funding Level
$5.1 billion
Change
$509.0 million
Percent Change
11.14%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$1.0 billion
Funding Bill:
Energy-Water
Department: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Counties call for a reliable, long-term and substantially increased federal investment in water infrastructure, watershed protection, and the protection of water resources and facilities from physical and chemical security threats.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Project Construction
Funding Level
$1.8 billion,
Change
-$683.0 million
Percent Change
-27.41%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$50.0 million
Funding Bill:
Energy-Water
Department: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Counties call for a reliable, long-term and substantially increased federal investment in water infrastructure, watershed protection, and the protection of water resources and facilities from physical and chemical security threats.
Financial Services
Election Assistance Commission
Total
Election Assistance Commission
U.S. Election Assistance Commission
Funding Level
$103.0 million
Change
$8.0 million
Percent Change
8.42%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Financial Services
Department: Election Assistance Commission
Program
Election Assistance Commission
HAVA Election Security Grants
Funding Level
$75.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Financial Services
Department: Election Assistance Commission
The FY 23 omnibus did not include language from the House-passed FY 23 Financial Services & General Government (FSGG) appropriaitons bill directing states to provide no less than 67 percent of their total Election Security Grant allocation to counties and other localities that administer elections and. The finanal bill also did not include language from the House-passed FSGG spending bill requiring states to replace all direct-recordThe EAC is authorized to issue these grants, which states can use to meet their most pressing priorities, including safeguarding the cybersecurity of federal elections. NACo supports efforts by Congress to address cybersecurity threats to elections and en courages Congress and the EAC to ensure cybersecurity funding for local governments is available and sustainable.
Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Total
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Funding Level
$60.7 billion
Change
$3.2 billion
Percent Change
5.57%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Homeland Security
Department: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Program
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG)
Funding Level
$360.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Homeland Security
Department: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
AFG provides financial assistance for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel and support community resilience
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Emergency Food and Shelter Program
Funding Level
$130.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Homeland Security
Department: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG)
Funding Level
$355.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Homeland Security
Department: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
EMPG funds local programs to build and maintain core infrastructure needed to protect, mitigate and recover from disasters.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
FEMA Disaster Relief Fund (DRF)
Funding Level
$19.9 billion
Change
$1.2 billion
Percent Change
6.15%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Homeland Security
Department: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The DRF allows FEMA to fund authorized federal disaster support activities as well as eligible state, local, tribal and territorial actions such as providing emergency protection, rebuilding, and debris removal.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis (RISK MAP) Program
Funding Level
$312.7 million
Change
$37.7 million
Percent Change
13.71%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Homeland Security
Department: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
RISK MAP drives national actions to reduce flood risk by addressing flood hazard data update needs, supporting local government hazard mitigation planning, and providing the flood risk data needed to manage the National Flood Insurance financial exposure.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants
Funding Level
$360.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Homeland Security
Department: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
SAFER grants provide direct funding to fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations to help increase or maintain the number of trained firefighters available in their communities
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP)
Funding Level
$520.0 million
Change
-$125.0 million
Percent Change
-19.38%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Homeland Security
Department: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This program assists state, local and tribal efforts to prevent acts of terrorism and prepare to respond to threats and hazards that pose security risks for localities.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Funding Level
$268.0 million
Change
-$121.5 million
Percent Change
-31.19%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Homeland Security
Department: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
USCIS administers the nation’s naturalization and immigration system including work verification for employers and processing applications for permanent residence. Funding may be used for USCIS operations and support including the E-Verify Program, application processing, the reduction of backlogs within asylum, field, and service center offices, and support of the refugee program.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
Funding Level
$615.0 million
Change
-$125.0 million
Percent Change
-16.89%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Homeland Security
Department: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
UASI Programs assists high-threat, high-density urban areas in efforts to build and sustain the capabilities necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism
Interior-Environment
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Forest Service Capital Maintenance and Improvement
Funding Level
$158.0 million
Change
-$1.0 million
Percent Change
-0.63%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Counties support increased funding for overdue capital and deferred maintenance projects in national parks, national forests, and other public lands. This includes funding to support roads, bridges, trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, interpretive projects, and related facilities.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
US Forest Service Hazardous Fuels Treatment
Funding Level
$207.0 million
Change
$19.6 million
Percent Change
10.46%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
County officials believe federal, state and local governments must work together to combat the threat of wildfire threat to communities, livelihoods and the environment. This effort must include accelerated harvest and fuels reductio, post-fire recovery and restoration efforts, addressing regulatory burdens, stopping frivolous lawsuits, and appropriating sufficient funds to effectively combat wildfire on public lands without jeopardizing other accounts.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
US Forest Service Land Acquisition
Funding Level
$203.4 million
Change
$74.1 million
Percent Change
57.31%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Acquisition or disposal of new land, conservation easements and water rights by any federal agency should be subject to coordination with the county in which the land is located, and consistent with local land use or natural resource plans. Counties should be given the opportunity to participate in the development of terms and conditions of any such proposal before it is carried out.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
US Forest Service Wildland Fire Management
Funding Level
$3.2 billion,
Change
-$969 million
Percent Change
-23.49%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture
County officials believe federal, state and local governments must work together to combat the threat of wildfire threat to communities, livelihoods and the environment. This effort must include accelerated harvest and fuels reductio, post-fire recovery and restoration efforts, addressing regulatory burdens, stopping frivolous lawsuits, and appropriating sufficient funds to effectively combat wildfire on public lands without jeopardizing other accounts.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Total
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Funding Level
$10.1 billion
Change
$576.0 million
Percent Change
6.03%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Brownfields Project Grant Program
Funding Level
$100.0 million
Change
$8.0 million
Percent Change
8.70%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$240.0 million
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Brownfields are abandoned or underutilized commercial and industrial sites that have environmental contamination issues related to their previous uses, yet are potential resources for community economic revitalization. Counties must be protected from liability for potential future environmental problems related to inadequately cleaned-up brownfields.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Funding Level
$1.6 billion
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$2.2 billion
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Counties support the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) programs, the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF), and the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund, as supplements to, not a substitute for, federal grants program.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Coal Ash
Funding Level
$13.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Counties support a comprehensive and integrated approach to a national energy policy that accelerates development, research and incentives for alternative and renewable energy, clean energy, energy efficient programs and clean coal technologies.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Diesel Emission Reduction Grants
Funding Level
$100.0 million
Change
$8.0 million
Percent Change
8.70%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Counties call on Congress and the President to fully fund and reauthorize the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) to help counties reduce particulate matter pollution, which is a factor in nonattainment.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Funding Level
$1.1 billion
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$2.2 billion
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Counties support the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) programs, the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF), and the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund, as supplements to, not a substitute for, federal grants program.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Justice
Funding Level
$108.0 million
Change
$8.0 million
Percent Change
8.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Counties support federal funding of research to scientifically evaluate cumulative environmental and health risks to all people, regardless of race or economic status, who live close to facilities that emit pollutants, and providing the results to local elected officials.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Harmful Algal Blooms
Funding Level
$6.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Counties support the renewal of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control act and encourages the U.S. Environmental Protection agency to collaborate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to identify nutrient reduction strategies and scalable Harmful Algal Bloom mitigation processes.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Program
Funding Level
$93.0 million
Change
$1.0 million
Percent Change
1.09%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Counties support full funding for the leaking underground storage tank (LUST) program, which should only be used for its intended purpose of remediating and preventing further contamination caused from LUST.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Estuary Program (NEP)
Funding Level
$40.0 million
Change
$5.0 million
Percent Change
14.29%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$26.4 million
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Counties urge continued federal funding of the National Estuary Program.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Superfund Cleanup
Funding Level
$848.0 million
Change
$31.3 million
Percent Change
3.83%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Counties support the use of Superfund Trust Fund monies by EPA, with funds – preferably grants rather than loans – directly allocated to local governments for site assessments and brownfield site cleanups.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Targeted Airshed Grants
Funding Level
$70.0 million
Change
$8.0 million
Percent Change
12.90%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Counties recommend an increase in federal technical and financial assistance to states and local governments for the development and administration of local air pollution control programs, which includes expansion of federal air pollution research programs for development and local implementation of strategies designed to reduce air pollutants.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)
Funding Level
$75.6 million
Change
$6.1 million
Percent Change
8.78%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Counties recognize the threat posed to the health and safety of our nation as it faces a crucial time of aging and crumbling water and wastewater infrastructure and an increased risk for both natural and human-made disasters.
U.S. Department of the Interior
Total
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Department of the Interior
Funding Level
$16.1 billion
Change
$2.0 billion
Percent Change
14.15%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
Program
U.S. Department of the Interior
BLM Land Acquisition
Funding Level
$71.0 million
Change
$3.6 million
Percent Change
5.34%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
Acquisition or disposal of new land, conservation easements and water rights by any federal agency should be subject to coordination with the county in which the land is located, and consistent with local land use or natural resource plans. Counties should be given the opportunity to participate in the development of terms and conditions of any such proposal before it is carried out.
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Maintenance
Funding Level
$76.2 million
Change
-$2.8 million
Percent Change
-3.54%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
Counties support increased funding for overdue capital and deferred maintenance projects in national parks, national forests, and other public lands. This includes funding to support roads, bridges, trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, interpretive projects, and related facilities.
U.S. Department of the Interior
DOI Fuels Management
Funding Level
$247.0 million
Change
$20.0 million
Percent Change
8.81%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
County officials believe federal, state and local governments must work together to combat the threat of wildfire threat to communities, livelihoods and the environment. This effort must include accelerated harvest and fuels reductio, post-fire recovery and restoration efforts, addressing regulatory burdens, stopping frivolous lawsuits, and appropriating sufficient funds to effectively combat wildfire on public lands without jeopardizing other accounts.
U.S. Department of the Interior
DOI Wildland Fire Management
Funding Level
$1.0 billion,
Change
-$352 million
Percent Change
-25.96%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
County officials believe federal, state and local governments must work together to combat the threat of wildfire threat to communities, livelihoods and the environment. This effort must include accelerated harvest and fuels reductio, post-fire recovery and restoration efforts, addressing regulatory burdens, stopping frivolous lawsuits, and appropriating sufficient funds to effectively combat wildfire on public lands without jeopardizing other accounts.
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service (NPS) Land Acquisition
Funding Level
$66.4 million
Change
$7.6 million
Percent Change
12.93%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
Acquisition or disposal of new land, conservation easements and water rights by any federal agency should be subject to coordination with the county in which the land is located, and consistent with local land use or natural resource plans. Counties should be given the opportunity to participate in the development of terms and conditions of any such proposal before it is carried out.
U.S. Department of the Interior
NPS Construction
Funding Level
$239.8 million
Change
$13.8 million
Percent Change
6.11%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
Counties support increased funding for overdue capital and deferred maintenance projects in national parks, national forests, and other public lands. This includes funding to support roads, bridges, trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, interpretive projects, and related facilities.
U.S. Department of the Interior
Recovery and Delisting of Threatened and Endangered Species
Funding Level
$114.0 million
Change
$5.6 million
Percent Change
5.17%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
As coregulators and environmental stewards, counties believe the federal government should coordinate with state and local governments to decide jointly when and how to list species, designate critical habitat and plan and manage for species recovery and delisting.
U.S. Department of the Interior
Refuge Revenue Sharing Act (RRS) Payments
Funding Level
$13.2 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
NACo supports additional payments over and above other payments to local governments based on the revenue generated from the natural resource use and extraction within those counties' jurisdiction.
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlfe Service Construction
Funding Level
$29.9 million
Change
$18.3 million
Percent Change
157.76%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
Counties support increased funding for overdue capital and deferred maintenance projects in national parks, national forests, and other public lands. This includes funding to support roads, bridges, trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, interpretive projects, and related facilities.
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Land Acquisition
Funding Level
$146.0 million
Change
$30.7 million
Percent Change
26.63%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
Acquisition or disposal of new land, conservation easements and water rights by any federal agency should be subject to coordination with the county in which the land is located, and consistent with local land use or natural resource plans. Counties should be given the opportunity to participate in the development of terms and conditions of any such proposal before it is carried out.
U.S. Department of the Interior
Wild Horse and Burro Program
Funding Level
$148.0 million
Change
$11.0 million
Percent Change
8.03%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Interior-Environment
Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
Counties urge support for federal land agencies in the management of wild horse and burro populations
to achieve appropriate management levels as authorized by federal law. Further, counties support
the sale, adoption or humane slaughter of excess animals and the funding and utilization of sterilization
technology and methods proven to be effective in controlling herd sizes.
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
U.S. Department of Education
Total
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of Education
Funding Level
$79.6 billion
Change
$3.2 billion
Percent Change
4.19%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Education
Program
U.S. Department of Education
Full Service Community Schools
Funding Level
$150.0 million
Change
$75.0 million
Percent Change
100.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Education
These grants support the planning, implementation, and operation of full-service community schools, which involve community-level partnerships to provide wrap-around services to low-income students and their families. County governments can function as key partners and service providers within the community school model and support increased federal investment in strategies, including community schools, to promote social emotional learning in children.
U.S. Department of Education
Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) Grants to States
Funding Level
$14.2 billion
Change
$851.0 million
Percent Change
6.38%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Education
Counties support the goal of free public education available to all children with disabilities and urges full federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act so that states and Local Education Agencies can meet the law’s requirements.
U.S. Department of Education
Pell Grant Maximum Award
Funding Level
7395
Change
500
Percent Change
7.25%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Education
The county role in the post-secondary education sector varies, however counties are critical actors in administering programs and services that comprehensively address education and workforce development. According to the Center for American Progress, local appropriations provide significant community college revenue in 24 states. Several local governments also fund four-year colleges. Counties support federal programs that preserve equal educational opportunities to our residents, including Pell grants, which play a significant role in community college financial aid. Note--the maxmium pell grant award is a per-pupil figure. This analysis reflects discretionary funds only. Pell grants also receive mandatory funding each year.
U.S. Department of Education
Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies
Funding Level
$18.4 billion
Change
$851.0 million
Percent Change
4.85%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Education
County governments fully or partially fund school districts in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Alaska. Even in states where county governments are not responsible for overseeing school districts, we share a tax base with those school districts and often provide complementary services to students through other county programs. Counties urge the federal government to fully meet its commitment to fund Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which provides federal resources to high-poverty school districts.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Total
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Funding Level
$120.7 billion
Change
$12.4 billion
Percent Change
11.45%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Program
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Community Living
Funding Level
$2.5 billion
Change
$219.0 million
Percent Change
9.45%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
ACL is responsible for administering programs that help older adults and disabled individuals live independently and remain part of their community,activities that prevent elder neglect and abuse and local, conducting aging and disability research and administering Aging Disability and Resource Centers. The largest program within ACL is the Older Americans Act, which funds grants to states that they must directly pass on to local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which coordinate programs and services for senior citizens at the local level. County governments are key recipients of OAA dollars and provide a wide range of services to the aging population.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
CDC & DOJ Community Based Violence Intervention Initiative
Funding Level
$50.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
This initiative supports the implementation of community violence interventions at the county level and invests in data collection and research aimed at the reduction of community violence.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Funding Level
$9.2 billion
Change
$760.4 million
Percent Change
8.99%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Discretionary funding from the CDC assists counties in making large annual investments in community health systems, which work to prepare and respond to existing and emerging public health crises. Counties support building and maintaining a robust public health infrastructure through federal investments.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs) Program
Funding Level
$385.0 million
Change
$70.0 million
Percent Change
22.22%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Helps counties and other local entities provide a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use disorder services to vulnerable individuals.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Chafee Educational and Training Vouchers
Funding Level
$44.3 million
Change
$1.0 million
Percent Change
2.31%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Chafee Foster Care Independence program provides grants to states for services aimed at supporting current and former foster youth. While most of this funding is mandatory, the Chafee Education and Training Vouchers program provides discretionary funds to defray the cost of postsecondary education or training for eligible youth. Counties are fully or partially responsible for the child welfare system in 11 states (California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin) and support enhanced federal funding to improve outcomes for youth aging out of the foster care system.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)
Funding Level
$8.0 billion
Change
$1.8 billion
Percent Change
29.76%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
CCDBG is the discretionary portion of the Child Care and Development Fund, which provides benefits to low income families to help them access affordable, high quality child care. This program is county-administered in 8 states: Colorado, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Child Welfare Services
Funding Level
$268.7 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
These grants support state programs that protect children, support, preserve, and reunite families and promote and support adoption. Counties are fully or partially responsible for the child welfare system in 11 states (California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin).
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Community Health Centers Fund
Funding Level
$5.9 billion
Change
$110.0 million
Percent Change
1.91%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The community health centers fund supports local health centers, many of which are county owned and operated, delivery comprehensive, culturally competent, high -quality health care services in areas with limited access to affordable health care.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Community Mental Health Services Block Grant
Funding Level
$1.0 billion
Change
$150.0 million
Percent Change
17.49%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Counties plan and operate community-based services for persons with mental illness and substance abuse conditions through 750 behavioral health authorities and community health providers. Counties utilize the Community Mental Health Service Block Grant to provide a range of services for adults and children with serious mental illnesses.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
Funding Level
$804.4 million
Change
$17.0 million
Percent Change
2.16%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
CSBG funds a network of 1,000 local public and private agencies to perform a range of eligible anti-poverty activities. CSBG agencies operate in 99 percent of the nation's counties and often involve local officials in their governing structures.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative
Funding Level
$165.0 million
Change
$40.0 million
Percent Change
32.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative currently provides funding and resources direct to 48 counties to reduce new HIV infections by 75 percent by 2025, and by 90 percent over the next 10 years.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Head Start & Early Head Start
Funding Level
$12.0 billion
Change
$960.0 million
Percent Change
8.70%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Head Start and Early Head Start promote school readiness for infants and children up to five years of age from low-income families by enhancing cognitive, social and emotional development. County governments play an important role in the operation of Head Start and Early Head Start programs, whether by directly serving as one of the nation’s 1,600 local grantees and/or contributing local funding to the non-federal match requirement or to expand the program within the jurisdiction.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration
Funding Level
$9.7 billion
Change
$852.1 million
Percent Change
9.58%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Discretionary funding under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) makes federal investments in the sustainability rural healthcare providers, increases funding for rural residency programs, and ensures that coal miners and their families receive health benefits. The funding also assists in building the health care workforce in rural communities by increasing the number of individuals attending medical schools or other training programs and returning or staying in their community to provide care.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Funding Level
$4.0 billion
Change
$200.0 million
Percent Change
5.26%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
LIHEAP delivers short-term benefits to low-income households to afford home heating, cooling and weatherization costs. County governments fully or partially administer LIHEAP in 13 states: Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Maternal and Child Health Block Grant
Funding Level
$822.7 million
Change
$75.0 million
Percent Change
10.03%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant program provides federal funding to states to support access to quality manternal and child health services for pregant women who are low income and at-risk. Counties may access funds through suballocations from the state.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
Funding Level
$125.6 million
Change
$4.0 million
Percent Change
3.29%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
NHSC is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and provides financial and other support to primary care providers in exchange for their service in underserved communities. It is a vital lifeline for rural counties and communities with large numbers of indigent and uninsured residents,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Opioid State Target Response Grants
Funding Level
$1.6 billion
Change
$50.0 million
Percent Change
3.28%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Opioid State Target Response Grants are formula funds awarded to states, territories and jurisdictions to support the expansion of addiction treatment and recovery activities, with the aim of reducing unmet treatment needs and opioid overdose deaths.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Prevention Fund (PHPF)
Funding Level
$160.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The PHPF is the only federal funding stream intended for use at the local level for the public’s health. Counties rely on this federal aid for the provision of ongoing basic public health services such as immunizations, programs that address the social determinants of health, and preparedness and response efforts to address current and ongoing threats the public’s health and safety.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Rural Communities Opioid Response
Funding Level
$145.0 million
Change
$10.0 million
Percent Change
7.41%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program is administered by HRSA, and is a multi-year initiative that addresses barriers to treatment for substance use disorder, including opioid use disorder. The program provides direct funding to select counties to reduce the morbidity and mortality of SUD/OUD in high-risk rural communities by strengthening and expanding prevention, treatment and recovery services.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Social Services Block Grant (SSBG)
Funding Level
$1.7 billion
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
SSBG provides funding to states to support a wide range of social services for vulnerable children, adults and families. Counties administer the program in 9 states: Colorado, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. Though SSBG is funded via mandatory dollars, as a capped entitlement, Congress sets funding levels for the program each year during the appropriations process.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Funding Level
$7.4 billion
Change
$970.5 million
Percent Change
15.16%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Approximately 750 county behavioral health authorities receive block grant funding from SAMHSA to plan and operate and finance community-based services for people with mental illness, and substance use conditions or intellectual/developmental disabilities.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
Funding Level
$2.0 billion
Change
$100.0 million
Percent Change
5.24%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
County behavioral health authorities rely on SAPT funding for the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders (SUD). Each state and jurisdiction is given flexibility to distribute SAPT funds to units of local government.
U.S. Department of Labor
Total
U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Department of Labor
Funding Level
$13.8 billion
Change
$600.0 million
Percent Change
4.55%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Labor
Program
U.S. Department of Labor
Apprenticeships
Funding Level
$285.0 million
Change
$50.0 million
Percent Change
21.28%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Labor
Counties play an important role in providing access to apprenticeships and efforts to expand employment opportunities are supported by counties.
U.S. Department of Labor
Veterans Employment and Training
Funding Level
$269.8 million
Change
$5.0 million
Percent Change
1.89%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Labor
Counties support continued funding for veterans' vocational rehabilitation and apprenticeship opportunities.
U.S. Department of Labor
WIOA Adult Program
Funding Level
$885.6 million
Change
$15.0 million
Percent Change
1.72%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Labor
Provides individualized career training services to jobseekers above the age of 18, with priority given to low-income individuals receiving public assistance.
U.S. Department of Labor
WIOA Dislocated Worker Program
Funding Level
$1.1 billion
Change
$20.0 million
Percent Change
1.86%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Labor
Provides training, job search aid and other assistance for workers that are about to be laid off or have been laid off.
U.S. Department of Labor
WIOA Youth Formula Program
Funding Level
$948.1 million
Change
$15.0 million
Percent Change
1.61%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Labor
Provides training and education to individuals between the ages of 14 and 24, focusing primarily on youth who are out of school and face barriers to employment.
U.S. Department of Labor
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Programs
Funding Level
$2.9 billion
Change
$29.3 million
Percent Change
1.01%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Labor
WIOA provides federal funding to states and counties for a wide range of workforce development and job training programs for jobseekers and employers. WI empowers state and local governments to connect individuals with in-demand skills training and education, and businesses to skilled jobseekers. WIOA Title I focuses on workforce development activities at the state and local level and establishes funding for three key formula grants - Adult, Dislocated Workers and Youth programs.
U.S. Department of Labor
YouthBuild
Funding Level
$105.0 million
Change
$6.0 million
Percent Change
6.06%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Labor, Health and Human Services & Education
Department: U.S. Department of Labor
The YouthBuild program serves counties and provides effective pathways to education, workforce training, community service and leadership training for low-income young adults who are unemployed or do not hold a high school diploma.
Legislative Branch
Military Construction – Veterans Affairs
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Total
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Funding Level
$134.7 billion
Change
$22.5 billion
Percent Change
20.05%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Military Construction – Veterans Affairs
Department: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Program
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration General Operating Expenses
Funding Level
$3.9 billion
Change
$409.2 million
Percent Change
11.85%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Military Construction – Veterans Affairs
Department: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
In 29 states, counties fund County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) who help veterans access a range of service-connected federal benefits, including VA health care, housing and transition assistance programs. Operational funding for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) supports the timely processing of benefits claims, directly impacting the ability of CVSOs to manage their caseloads.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Homeless Assistance Programs
Funding Level
$2.7 billion
Change
$545.5 million
Percent Change
25.32%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Military Construction – Veterans Affairs
Department: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Counties deliver a wide range of services to veterans, including federally-funded programs to address and prevent veterans homelessness. Note--this funding includes HUD-VASH, which is also accounted for within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Mental Health Programs
Funding Level
$13.9 billion
Change
$723.3 million
Percent Change
5.49%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Military Construction – Veterans Affairs
Department: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Ending the veteran suicide epidemic is a key county priority. VA Mental Health programs support general and specialty mental health services for treatment of the broad range of mental health conditions, the Veterans Crisis Line, suicide prevention outreach and more.
State – Foreign Ops
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Total
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Funding Level
$60.2 billion
Change
$6.5 billion
Percent Change
12.06%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Program
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Funding Level
$3.3 billion
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Counties strongly support the CDBG program, which provides increased opportunities for elected county officials to plan, implement and evaluate local community development and housing assistance programs.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
Funding Level
$1.5 billion
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The HOME Investment Partnerships program build upon the significant capacity and experience of county and other local and state governments to design and implement affordable housing programs for low and moderate-income persons.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Homeless Assistance Grants
Funding Level
$3.6 billion
Change
$420.0 million
Percent Change
13.07%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Counties support full funding of federal homeless assistance programs.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD-VASH vouchers
Funding Level
$50.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Counties strongly recommend the continued appropriation of resources through HUD-VASH.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Project-Based Rental Assistance
Funding Level
$13.9 billion,
Change
-$3.0 million
Percent Change
-0.02%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Counties support expanding the limit for project-based vouchers from 20 to 35 percent of a locality's allocation.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Section 8 Housing Vouchers
Funding Level
$26.4 billion,
Change
-$969.6 million
Percent Change
-3.54%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Counties support the expansion of the Section 8 voucher program in addition to full funding for existing Section 8 project-based and tenant-based contracts.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Total
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation
Funding Level
$106.3 billion
Change
$3.4 billion
Percent Change
3.35%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Program
U.S. Department of Transportation
Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program
Funding Level
$45.0 million
Change
$45.0 million
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$200.0 million
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Counties support full funding of the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program and encourage Congress to develop and fund additional programs specifically focused on development of trail networks at the County and regional level.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Airport Improvement Program (discretionary)
Funding Level
$398.0 million
Change
-$156.9 million
Percent Change
-28.28%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$20.0 million
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Counties can apply directly for AIP discretionary funds as airport sponsors.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Airport Improvement Program (formula)
Funding Level
$3.4 billion
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$3.0 billion
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Counties support continued federal funding for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides resources to make capital improvements at America's airports, including the 34 percent directly supported by counties.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Amtrak
Funding Level
$2.5 billion
Change
$121.0 million
Percent Change
5.19%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$4.4 billion
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Counties believe Congress should continue to provide subsidies to Amtrak at a level consistent with maintaining a reasonable level of service and to provide necessary capital improvements with appropriate accountability controls.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Areas of Persistent Poverty Competitive Grants (FTA)
Funding Level
$20.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Areas of persistent poverty are newly defined in 49 U.S.C. 6702 and include counties in which, during the 30-year period ending 11/15/21, >20 percent of the population continually lived in poverty, as measured by the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses, as well as the most recent annual small area involve and poverty estimate by the Census Bureau. Local public agencies who meet this criteria and are normally eligible under 49 U.S.C. 5307, 5310, or 5311 are also eligible for this competitive funding.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Bridge Replacement & Rehabilitation Grants
Funding Level
$1.1 billion
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Counties own, operate and maintain four out of every ten of the nation's bridge, including many that are off the National Highway System. In 2020, nearly 44,000 bridges were structurally deficient, of which 53 percent were county-owned.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Bus and Bus Facilities Program [5339(b)]
Funding Level
$90.0 million
Change
-$85 million
Percent Change
-48.57%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
This program makes funding available to local public agencies and other eligible entitites that operate fixed route bus service to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Capital Investment Grants (CIG)
Funding Level
$2.6 billion
Change
$387.0 million
Percent Change
17.22%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$1.6 billion
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Counties are directly eligible for CIG grants that ensure the 78 percent of public transit systems directly supported by counties can carry out vital capital projects, including heavy rail, commuter rail, light rail, streetcars and bus rapid transit.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grants
Funding Level
$560.0 million
Change
-$65 million
Percent Change
-10.40%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$1.0 billion
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Counties are eligible for CRISI grants, which fund capital projects to improve rail infrastructure and safety.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Essential Air Service (EAS) Program
Funding Level
$354.8 million
Change
$4.8 million
Percent Change
1.37%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Many small and isolated communities rely on EAS to ensure access to air service. Counties believe the federal government should continue subsidies for assisting airlines serving small communities and fully fund the EAS program.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR)
Funding Level
$100.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$7.2 billion
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Counties are eligible to apply for IPR grants, formerly known as State of Good Repair Grants, which fund capital projects that replace and rehabilitate rolling stock, track infrastructure, communication and security systems and maintenance and related equipment and facilities.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Ferry Boat Competitive Grants [5307(h)]
Funding Level
$15.0 million
Change
$8.5 million
Percent Change
130.77%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Under this competitive portion of the Urbanized Area Formula Grants Program (5307), USDOT is authorized to make discretionary grants for passenger ferry projects that meet certain criteria, including the requirement that the system be located in an urbanized area with a population over 200,000. No less than $3.25 million can be awarded to low or zero-emission ferries, ferries utilizing electric batteries or fuel cell compononents, and the infrastructure needed to support such ferries.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Ferry Service in Rural Communities
Funding Level
$17.5 million
Change
$4.5 million
Percent Change
34.62%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$200.0 million
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Newly established by the BIL, this program provides funds to states to support ferry service in rural communities. A ferry service serving at least two rural areas with a single segment over 20 miles between the areas that is not otherwise eligible for discretionary ferry grants provided under the Urbanized Area Formula Grants (5307) are eligible for these funds.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF)
Funding Level
$2.3 billion
Change
$275.7 million
Percent Change
13.50%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Counties support the full expenditure of harbor maintenance trust fund collections on dredging and harbor maintenance, and providing equity for deep draft ports that contribute collections to the fund but do not have significant dredging needs by allowing them to utilize trust fund dollars for limited port-related uses other than dredging.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Low or No Emissions Bus Grants [5339(c)]
Funding Level
$50.0 million
Change
-$25 million
Percent Change
-33.33%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$1.1 billion
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Local public agencies and other eligible entities are eligible for funding under the Low-No Program, which is designed to support the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy efficient transit vehicles.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP)
Funding Level
$212.2 million
Change
-$22.1 million
Percent Change
-9.43%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$450.0 million
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Annually, counties invest over $550 million in the operation, maintenance and support of sea and inland port facilities. The PIDP assists counties with coastal and inland ports to improve port facilities and construct critical infrastructure that fosters economic benefits for local, regional, state and federal levels of government.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program: At-Risk Coastal Grants
Funding Level
$25.0 million
Change
-$25 million
Percent Change
-50.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
The PROTECT program, recently established by the BIL, provides competitive grants that counties can apply for directly through USDOT to carry out projects that enhance resilience, improve evacuation routes and ensure continuity of operations and/or the rapid recovery of communities where a natural disaster has occurred.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program: Resilience Grants
Funding Level
$125.0 million
Change
-$75.0 million
Percent Change
-37.50%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
The PROTECT program, recently established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides competitive grants that counties can apply for directly through USDOT to carry out projects that enhance resilience, improve evacuation routes and ensure continuity of operations and/or the rapid recovery of communities where a natural disaster has occurred.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Public Transportation Innovation Program (5312)
Funding Level
$12.0 million
Change
$12.0 million
Percent Change
N/A
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Through this program, USDOT can make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with counties and other eligible entities for research and development, demonstration and deployments projects deemed to be of national significance to public transportation.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Rebuilding America's Infratructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grants
Funding Level
$800.0 million
Change
$25.0 million
Percent Change
3.23%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
$1.5 billion
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Counties own and maintain 44 percent of America's public roads miles and 38 percent of the National Bridge Inventory. To support these roads and the safety of our residents and the many urban dwellers who travel our local roads each day, and to ensure efficient commerce, counties must rely on the intergovernmental partnership and flexible programs, like RAISE, to ensure the operability of these essential local connections.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP)
Funding Level
$10.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
Counties support continued, sufficient and guaranteed funding of SCASDP to meet the needs of small communities to retain, expand and attract air service.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Thriving Communities Program
Funding Level
$25.0 million
Change
0
Percent Change
0.00%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
The FY 2022 omnibus creates the Thriving Communities Program that will allow USDOT to enter into cooperative agreements with counties and other eligible entities to provide and implement technical assistance, planning and capacity building for projects designed to foster thriving communities through transportation improvements.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Transit Formula Grants (obligation limit on IIJA funds)
Funding Level
$13.6 billion
Change
$279.0 million
Percent Change
2.09%
Additional FY 23 Funding Under IIJA
--
Funding Bill:
Transportation – Housing and Urban Development
Department: U.S. Department of Transportation
The FY 2022 omnibus sets the obligation limits for federal spending on transit formula grants, which is provided from the mass transit account of the Highway Trust Fund. The limits are consistent with the amounts authorized by the BIL.
Emergency SpendingAssistance to UkraineThe FY 2023 omnibus spending deal includes $47.3 billion of emergency funding to provide humanitarian, military, and economic assistance to Ukraine. Other ProvisionsState and Local Tax (SALT) DeductionCounties have supported a full restoration of the SALT deduction since the establishment of the cap as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-97). The SALT deduction allows taxpayers to deduct state and local taxes paid from their federally taxable income, protecting individuals and families from double taxation and local governments’ decision-making authority. Capping the deduction has limited state and local control of tax systems and shifted the intergovernmental balance of taxation. By fully or partially restoring the SALT deduction counties’ ability to deliver essential public services, such as emergency response, infrastructure development and public health services would be improved. Efforts to restore the SALT deduction have continued in the 117th Congress, including through the stalled Build Back Better reconciliation bill and standalone legislation. H.R. 5735 ARPA Recovery Fund FlexibilityThe State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act provides additional flexibility for the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund) authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Specifically, if enacted, the bill would collectively allow counties nationwide to utilize the Recovery Fund for roughly $27 billion in new transportation and infrastructure projects and unlocks unobligated administrative funds for the U.S. Department of the Treasury to continue administering the Recovery Fund. The Recovery Fund, which NACo helped develop and strongly advocated for its passage, is a historic investment in our nation’s counties. These funds provide direct, flexible aid to every county, parish and borough in America. The legislation strengthens the Recovery Fund by providing counties with the flexibility to invest funds in transportation, infrastructure and other vital public services and allows counties to continue working with our intergovernmental partners to successfully implement this historic investment in our communities. ARPA PAYGO Waiver for 2023-2024Counties support the use of direct subsidy bonds (e.g. Build America Bonds and Recovery Zone Bonds) as additional financing options for county governments to implement critical infrastructure in our communities. As opposed to tax-exempt municipal bonds, interest on direct subsidy bonds are generally subject to tax however issuers instead receive subsidy payments from the federal government. While these payments were not initially subject to sequestration cuts, the Budget Control Act of 2011 triggered a schedule of cuts to these payments through 2031. Further, a failure to waive the statutory Pay-as-You-Go (PAYGO) requirements as they related to the budgetary impacts of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) would have resulted in further cuts to subsidy payments from the federal government owed to issuers. SECURE 2.0 Retirement ProvisionsNACo believes that all counties should provide all county employees with adequate pension and retirement benefits that are governed by county elected officials and that are exempt from tax and regulatory burdens. NACo supports the continuation of deferred compensation (457) plans for county employees. County employees should be able to utilize these plans to adequately provide for their own retirements. NACo supports full portability of retirement benefits between all types of retirement plans and opposes any policy that would eliminate or limit the special features of state and local governmental retirement plans. Counties support pension and retirement reforms that would increase IRA limits and catch-up contributions to public sector plans, continue employer-sponsored 457 deferred compensation plans for county employees and increase benefit and contribution limits, and simplify rollover procedures between all types of plans. |
Emergency SpendingAssistance to UkraineThe FY 2023 omnibus spending deal includes $47.3 billion of emergency funding to provide humanitarian, military, and economic assistance to Ukraine. Other ProvisionsState and Local Tax (SALT) DeductionCounties have supported a full restoration of the SALT deduction since the establishment of the cap as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-97). The SALT deduction allows taxpayers to deduct state and local taxes paid from their federally taxable income, protecting individuals and families from double taxation and local governments’ decision-making authority. Capping the deduction has limited state and local control of tax systems and shifted the intergovernmental balance of taxation. By fully or partially restoring the SALT deduction counties’ ability to deliver essential public services, such as emergency response, infrastructure development and public health services would be improved. Efforts to restore the SALT deduction have continued in the 117th Congress, including through the stalled Build Back Better reconciliation bill and standalone legislation. H.R. 5735 ARPA Recovery Fund FlexibilityThe State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act provides additional flexibility for the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund) authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Specifically, if enacted, the bill would collectively allow counties nationwide to utilize the Recovery Fund for roughly $27 billion in new transportation and infrastructure projects and unlocks unobligated administrative funds for the U.S. Department of the Treasury to continue administering the Recovery Fund. The Recovery Fund, which NACo helped develop and strongly advocated for its passage, is a historic investment in our nation’s counties. These funds provide direct, flexible aid to every county, parish and borough in America. The legislation strengthens the Recovery Fund by providing counties with the flexibility to invest funds in transportation, infrastructure and other vital public services and allows counties to continue working with our intergovernmental partners to successfully implement this historic investment in our communities. ARPA PAYGO Waiver for 2023-2024Counties support the use of direct subsidy bonds (e.g. Build America Bonds and Recovery Zone Bonds) as additional financing options for county governments to implement critical infrastructure in our communities. As opposed to tax-exempt municipal bonds, interest on direct subsidy bonds are generally subject to tax however issuers instead receive subsidy payments from the federal government. While these payments were not initially subject to sequestration cuts, the Budget Control Act of 2011 triggered a schedule of cuts to these payments through 2031. Further, a failure to waive the statutory Pay-as-You-Go (PAYGO) requirements as they related to the budgetary impacts of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) would have resulted in further cuts to subsidy payments from the federal government owed to issuers. SECURE 2.0 Retirement ProvisionsNACo believes that all counties should provide all county employees with adequate pension and retirement benefits that are governed by county elected officials and that are exempt from tax and regulatory burdens. NACo supports the continuation of deferred compensation (457) plans for county employees. County employees should be able to utilize these plans to adequately provide for their own retirements. NACo supports full portability of retirement benefits between all types of retirement plans and opposes any policy that would eliminate or limit the special features of state and local governmental retirement plans. Counties support pension and retirement reforms that would increase IRA limits and catch-up contributions to public sector plans, continue employer-sponsored 457 deferred compensation plans for county employees and increase benefit and contribution limits, and simplify rollover procedures between all types of plans. |
CEQ issues interim final rule on implementing NEPA regulations
On February 25, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued an interim final rule to remove existing federal regulations on P.L. 91-190, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and rescind CEQ’s authority to promulgate NEPA regulations. CEQ issued a memo on February 19 asserting that any federal agencies implementing regulations should prioritize streamlining and expediting NEPA’s permitting process. The rule is effective April 11, 2025.
EPA & U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revise Waters of the United States (WOTUS) definition
On March 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) issued a joint memorandum outlining the next steps to revise the “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) definition under the Clean Water Act (CWA). This follows the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Sackett v. EPA, which limits the EPA’s regulatory authority over wetlands without a “continuous surface connection” to traditional navigable waters.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services moves to reduce public comment in rulemaking
On February 28, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a policy change limiting public comment opportunities to only those required by law. Published in the Federal Register on March 3, the decision rescinds the “Richardson Waiver,” a 1971 directive from then-HHS Secretary Elliot Richardson that encouraged broader public input on regulations related to public benefits, grants and healthcare policies.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services renews Public Health Emergency Declaration to address national opioid crisis
On March 18, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the direction of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. renewed the public health emergency (PHE) declaration to address the ongoing opioid crisis, extending critical federal support for coordination, treatment expansion and research efforts. While overdose deaths have declined by 25.5 percent over the past year, synthetic opioids like fentanyl continue to drive fatalities, with approximately 150 Americans dying daily from overdoses.
White House signs Executive Order Examining State and Local Preparedness
On March 18, President Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at aligning federal preparedness and response doctrines, while examining state and local preparedness capabilities. The order does not shift any responsibilities or costs to state and local governments, rather producing a set of recommendations for better collaboration across all levels of government.