new relief bill will target state and local governments

A new bill under consideration in Congress will be designed to provide funding directly to both state and local governments as part of a COVID-19 relief measure.

The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, otherwise known as the HEROES Act, comes with a $3 trillion price tag and will include a second round of relief spending, with another $1.200 for individuals, capping out at $6,000 per household.

The measure will also extend the $600 per week additional unemployment benefits passed in the earlier Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

Up to $1 trillion will go directly to state and local governments, including $915 billion in flexible payments to be paid out in installments between now and 2021.

Local funding will see $131 billion going to cities based upon their population, with another $187 billion set for counties, also using a population formula.

According to figures compiled by the Washington-based Tax Foundation, Arizona would qualify for up to $5.3 billion in direct state aid under the HEROES Act, with another $9.5 billion provided in local aid.

Colorado is in line for $4.6 billion in state funding and $9.5 billion in local aid. New Mexico would see $2.9 billion in state support, and $2.4 billion in local aid.
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Members of the House of Representatives are expected to vote on the HEROES legislation soon, but the Senate most likely will not take up the legislation until after the Memorial Day weekend.

By Garry Boulard

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