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Rep. Susie Lee, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Provide $250 Billion to Local Communities

April 9, 2020

Washington D.C.— U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (Nev.-03) and more than 70 of her congressional colleagues introduced the Coronavirus Community Relief Act, new legislation to provide $250 billion in stabilization funds for local communities, cities, and towns, like Boulder City and Henderson, which 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 stabilization funds for states and larger communities, but capped localities able to receive direct support at those with populations of over 500,000. This excludes towns, cities, and rural counties that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak.

"All cities and towns, regardless of their size, are struggling with the weight of the coronavirus pandemic," said Rep. Lee. "Direct stabilization funds are vital for our smaller communities to be able to both respond to the pandemic's impact and get communities back on their feet after we get through this. The Coronavirus Community Relief Act would provide that much-needed financial assistance for smaller communities like Boulder City and Henderson. We can't let our friends, family, and neighbors outside of cities fall through the cracks."

"The City of Henderson has continued to provide essential public services to our citizens, assistance for our most vulnerable populations and resources to our local schools as many have struggled to cope during the COVID-19 public health emergency," said Henderson Mayor Debra March. "The extended closure of nonessential businesses will have a devastating impact on our economy and the consolidated sales tax, which makes up 44 percent of the City's general fund revenue. We must be considered at the forefront for direct stabilization funds to help us continue to care for our community at a time when it will be needed most and to ensure a full economic recovery once this crisis has passed."

BACKGROUND: See the bill text here.

Last week, Rep. Lee led a letter to Speaker Pelosi requesting that the 500,000 cap be removed and additional funds be authorized for cities and towns in the next stimulus package from Congress. Read that letter here.