National Association of Counties Responds to State of the Union Address, Elevates Role of Federal-County Partnership

“Tonight’s State of the Union address highlighted the need for a strong intergovernmental partnership as the country addresses our future competitiveness, security and well-being. County officials stand ready to work with the administration and bipartisan congressional partners as we navigate an increasingly complex, interconnected world.

“As our county leaders focus on local economic growth, disaster recovery and preparedness, and the community, physical and social infrastructure necessary to lead the world, we value the investments and partnership from the federal level, from the American Rescue Plan to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“As the President highlighted, our nation’s county officials are also confronting a growing crisis with mental health and substance abuse across the nation, from our most rural areas to our urban centers, from our veterans to our youth. These mounting challenges will require new thinking and new partnerships at all levels of the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

“We urge our federal partners to embrace bipartisanship and focus on practical solutions that will enhance our resiliency for the future. We look forward to continuing our work with the administration and Congress as we build stronger counties that result in a stronger America.”