The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package, was signed by President Joe Biden on March 11. Much of the funding included will have impacts on states, both in their budgets and in the specific policies they enact. The Council of State Governments (CSG) is providing our members with ongoing analyses of the various components of the ARP in this special edition series of The Current State e-newsletter, out each Monday.
This week, The Council of State Governments (CSG) provides resources on Recovery Plan Performance Reports submitted by states as part of the requirements of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. This edition of the bi-weekly newsletter also contains news, guidance updates, and resources related to the Capital Project Fund, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and other federal funding opportunities.
New This Week
U.S. Department of the Treasury releases reallocation guidance for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Treasury released new guidance on and a summary to explain the reallocation of the first Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA1), which Congress authorized in order to provide emergency rental assistance to households undergoing financial hardship and duress as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This first appropriation of $25 billion from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 included a provision for the Treasury to reallocate “excess funds” beginning Sept. 30, 2021. The second round of funds dedicated for this purpose included an additional $21.55 billion in the American Rescue Plan Act to meet the needs in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA2). That reallocation process will start in March 2022.
State and local governments that have not obligated at least 65% of the funds from ERA1 have to submit an improvement plan by Nov. 15 to outline how they will increase the delivery of funds to eligible tenants and landlords. Additional parameters are outlined for states that have not expended at least 30% of the funds and how they can avoid redistribution of the funds. The U.S. Department of the Treasury anticipates distributing recaptured funds every two months based on availability and need.
The application portal for the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund is now open
The American Rescue Plan Act provides $10 billion for payments to state governments to carry out critical capital projects that directly enable work, education and health monitoring, including remote options in response to the public health emergency. States can apply for Capital Projects Fund allocations using the Treasury Submission Portal. The deadline for applications is Dec. 27. More information regarding the Capital Projects Fund and the application portal, can be found here.
The Treasury announces updated timeline for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Project and Expenditure Reports
On Sept. 30, the Treasury released a notice of a revised timeline for states to submit Project and Expenditure Reports. States must submit reports by Jan. 31, 2022, instead of the original deadline of Oct. 31, 2021. This change is due to comments and feedback gathered by the Treasury on the Interim Report and Recovery Plan Performance Report process. Project and Expenditure Reports are to cover the period between award date and Dec. 31, 2021.
Federal budget and congressional update:
On Thursday, Sept. 30, Congress passed a continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating — just hours before the end of the fiscal year. The new deadline for action is Dec. 3.
On Thursday, Oct. 7, a bipartisan deal was reached in the Senate to raise the debt ceiling effectively through early December. The House is expected to vote on the bill tomorrow.
For the moment, the continuing resolution and debt ceiling increase allow Congress to refocus attention on the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which passed the Senate in early August. Originally scheduled for a vote in the House the last week of September, disagreement between moderate and liberal factions among House Democrats resulted in the vote being delayed.
Work also continues on the Build Back Better initiative, which would include investments in a host of Biden Administration priorities.
News, Updates and Resources
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
The Treasury updates the status of payments to states for distribution to Non-Entitlement Units of local governments
The data was updated Oct. 4 and can be viewed here.
The Department of the Treasury publishes notice regarding applications for the State Small Business Credit Initiative
Applications for the State Small Business Credit Initiative must be initiated by Dec. 11 and completed by Feb. 11, 2022. More information about the notice and timelines can be found here.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The Department of Education releases new maintenance of equity guidance for the American Rescue Plan Act
The new guidance aims to ensure equity for students who face opportunity gaps by requiring state educational agencies to publish local educational agencies equity data on their website. Initial data and frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the maintenance of equity requirements can be found here.
An updated list of approved American Rescue Plan emergency assistance to non-public schools was released
The awards table can be found here.
The Department of Education updates Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund FAQs
This update addresses reporting requirements and can be found here.
New FAQ released on the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs)
This new document interprets the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in the context of COVID-19. The document and more information can be found here.
Updated maintenance of equity data released
The data was updated on Oct. 1 and can be found here.
The Department of Education announces a proposed requirement for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief
This proposed rule would require each local education agency to release information on how they are maintaining fiscal and staffing equity. Comments close Nov. 4. More information can be found here.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS):
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases recommendations on a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shot
Those recommended for a booster shot include individuals who are 65 and older, living in long term residential care facilities and those ages 50-64 who have underlying medical conditions. More information about those who should or may receive a booster shot can be found here.
$1 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds go to health resources and services administration centers
These funds will help upgrade health centers and provide services for underserved communities. More information and a state-by-state breakdown of funding can be found here.
States and territories will now coordinate the distribution of COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapeutics
A summary of total doses and distribution by state and territory can be found here.
$73 Million in funding goes toward a Public Health Information Technology workforce development program
This program intends to improve public health information technology and the collection of COVID-19 data as well as increase information available on underrepresented communities within public health information technology. More information about the program and the institutions receiving this funding can be found here.
The Office of Community Services provides training and technical assistance to Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) grantees
This training comes before the Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, deadline to submit LIHWAP Implementation Plans. Office hours will be Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, from 2 – 3 p.m. (E.T.) and Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, from 2 – 3 p.m. (E.T.). More information and how to register can be found here.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announces distribution of $825 million to Community Mental Health Centers
More information about what the grant covers and eligible recipients can be found here.
New guidance issued on detection and mitigation of COVID-19 in homeless shelters and congregate living sites
This guidance covers allowable costs, terms and conditions, submission information, requirements, activities, performance measures and reporting requirements. The document can be found here.
Applications for Phase Four of provider relief funding and American Rescue Plan rural payments now open
Applications close Oct. 26. More information about the program, terms and conditions, and how to apply can be found here.
Updated FAQs on stabilizing child care during COVID-19
The FAQs are divided into four categories: American Rescue Plan Stabilization Grants, Supplemental Funds, Tribes and Emergency Response. The updated FAQs can be found here.
Office of Refugee Resettlement allows states to request waivers for continued flexibility
These waivers would provide eligible populations important assistance and services. More information can be found here.
Administration for Community Living publishes COVID-19 vaccine access funding FAQs
Information about incentives and funding streams for Aging and Disability Resource Centers and No Wrong Door grantees can be found here.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD):
HUD updates reporting requirements for the State Performance and Evaluation Report
Updates include guidance on recipient fiscal summary report of funds from the State Community Development Block Grant and can be found here.
New training on the Child Tax Credit available
The training as well as other resources are available here.
HUD proposes changes to Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) reporting
Public comments are due Dec. 6. The proposed revision can be found here.
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES:
National Endowment for the Humanities awards $87.8 million in American Rescue Plan relief funding
This funding will help cultural and educational institutions recover from the pandemic. More information about the program and eligible grant recipients can be found here.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) awards more than $41 million in round two of COVID-19 telehealth program awards
The news release and public notice can be found here.
FCC commits to over $1.2 billion in the first emergency connectivity funding wave
This funding will help connect over 3.6 million P-12 students. More information about the first funding wave can be found here.
FCC opens second filing window for Emergency Connectivity Fund
Schools and libraries have until Oct. 13 to apply for Emergency Connectivity Fund support. More information can be found here.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR:
Department of Labor awards $195.7 million in grants to bolster fraud detection and prevention in state or territory Unemployment Insurance Programs
States have until Oct. 31 to apply. More information about the grant and allocations by state or territory can be found here.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES:
USDA-FNS releases outreach, innovation and modernization strategy for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
With $390 million available, FNS hopes this strategy will increase participation in and the benefits of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) for WIC and the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. More information about the strategy and its goals can be found here.
FNS updates expiration schedule for previously approved Women, Infant, and Children COVID-19 waivers
FNS stopped approving new waivers on Sep. 30. More information can be found here.
FNS publishes new FAQs about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit changes
The post covers questions regarding the increases in SNAP benefits starting Oct. 1. The document can be found here.
COMMERCE:
National Telecommunications and Information Association releases proposed service areas for the broadband infrastructure bill
This excel sheet includes applicant name, proposed service areas, census blocks and state or territory of applicant.
OTHER:
List of approved American Rescue Plan Act-funded federal financial assistance programs released
This list is not definitive and will be subject to change. It can be found here.