The U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Oversight released a summary of provisions that would create new funding for states and localities combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty percent of the funds would go to States and 40% to localities. Local governments of every size would receive dedicated allotments. Funds would be available until expended, awarded directly from Treasury within 60 days of enactment and subject to eligible uses including to replace revenues lost, delayed or decreased as a result of the pandemic. It is estimated that the plan would make $7.549 billion available to the State of Illinois and $5.684 billion available to Illinois local governments.

The National Association of Counties released projections about how much each county would receive should the funding be approved at current levels. Here is a link to a document with estimates about how much each Illinois county would receive. All projections are subject to change.

The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform is expected to “mark up” the proposal on February 12, followed by consideration of the House Budget Committee (and the full House) of this specific package, along with other parts of the broader $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, the week of February 15. The U.S. Senate is expected to start deliberations on its version of COVID relief aid following the presidential impeachment process. Once, and if, both chambers have completed their respective work, they will meet to reconcile differences before sending a final bill to the president's desk for his signature.

ISACo is communicating with Illinois’ Congressional delegation to support approval of these funds to counties. We ask that county officials contact their members of Congress and convey that these funds are critical to assist counties emerging from the fiscal challenges created by the pandemic emergency response. Thanks.