Abstract:
We write today to offer our enthusiastic endorsement of the budget reconciliation language
providing $350 billion in flexible aid for our states, cities, counties, tribes, and territories. We
encourage the House and Senate to swiftly pass this urgently needed aid.
Many states and localities have seen their revenues plummet as a result of the pandemic even
as costs have risen sharply to fight the virus and to help millions of struggling people and
businesses. State revenues are down some 7 percent compared to before the pandemic even
as the need for state services has skyrocketed with one in three adults struggling to meet
household expenses. Meanwhile, many cities and counties have been hit even harder. The
average city with falling revenues has seen collections drop by 21 percent, even as costs have
soared, and counties face similar conditions.
