Stevens Sponsors Legislation to Provide $250 Billion to Local Communities in Coronavirus Stabilization Funds
WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) joined her colleagues to introduce the Coronavirus Community Relief Act, new legislation led by Representatives Joe Neguse (CO-02), Ben Ray Luján (NM-03), Andy Levin (MI-09) and Tom Malinowski (NJ-07) to provide $250 billion in stabilization funds for local communities, cities and towns across the United States that are struggling amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, signed into law on March 27th, provided $150 billion in stabilization funds for states and large communities, but capped localities able to receive direct support at those with populations of over 500,000. This excludes many large metropolitan areas, as well as small and mid-sized towns, cities, and rural counties that have been hit hard responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Over the past several weeks I have convened weekly calls with Mayors and Township Supervisors representing each of the 24 municipalities in Michigan’s 11th District, and they have made it clear that they need stabilization funds now to provide critical services to their residents,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “Municipal governments in Michigan are facing enormous costs as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, more than 90% of cities are currently reporting a shortage of test kits and much-needed personal protection equipment for our emergency responders and medical workers. Our cities are on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, and we have an obligation to provide sufficient funding to keep their doors open so they can continue fighting this invisible war.”
See the bill text here.
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