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Urgent Updates
Is Congress considering additional stimulus measures and how
have Texas cities expressed their support?
Yes, President Joe Biden is working with the new Congress to
pass another economic stimulus and relief package that will include another
round of stimulus checks, funding for a nationwide vaccine distribution
effort, and aid to states and cities affected by the pandemic.
Over 85 mayors across Texas signed this letter to our Congressional delegation to provide
direct and flexible assistance to Texas cities.
What’s the latest on aid to states and cities through stimulus
legislation?
Earlier this week, House and Senate Democrats started the
budget reconciliation process to fund President Biden’s $1.9 trillion
proposal by releasing a joint budget resolution. On page 46, the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform is authorized for $350,690,000. According
to the National League of Cities, that dollar amount references proposed
state and local fiscal relief. The House and Senate are both planning to vote
on the FY2021 budget resolution this week.
Has the new administration taken action related to Federal
Emergency Management Agency reimbursement?
Yes. Last week, President Biden issued a memorandum that increased FEMA’s cost share to 100
percent federal. However, it was not clear if this adjustment would be
retroactive. On February 2, the Biden Administration issued a revised memorandum clarifying that FEMA will be
“retroactively reimbursing states fully for the FEMA-eligible services –
including masks, gloves, emergency feeding actions, sheltering at risk
populations and mobilization of the National Guard – backdated to the
beginning of the pandemic in January 2020.”
The revised memorandum states that FEMA shall provide a 100
percent federal cost share for all work eligible for assistance under Public Assistance Category B, pursuant to the Stafford
Act, that was performed from January 20, 2020 through January 20, 2021.
City officials should contact their regional FEMA offices to
ensure they receive the full reimbursement for the cost share
adjustment.
Further Updates
What pandemic-related statements did Governor Abbott make in
his “State of the State” address?
Earlier this week, Governor Abbott presented his “State of the
State” speech. At the speech, he laid out several priority items. Expanded
broadband in the state and liability protections for business are the key
pandemic-related items.
Following the speech, he spoke to The Texas Tribune about legislation to curb his
emergency powers. He said that he is open to reconsidering his executive
powers during state emergencies and that his office is offering up some
legislation on this issue. “What we are working on – and we've already begun
working with legislators – is approaches to make sure we can pre-plan how a
response would be done, but it has to be done in a way that leaves
flexibility to move swiftly,” Abbott said.
Where can I find archived issues of the TML Coronavirus
Updates?
TML Coronavirus Updates are archived by date here and by subject here.
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