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Weekly Update: December 6 – News and Resources for State Leaders

This week, visit the American Rescue Plan state utilization resources available from The Council of State Governments. The State Recovery website provides information on state allocations for policy areas and program types using the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund in the American Rescue Plan Act. Additionally, this issue of the newsletter includes a few recent developments that every state leader should know ranging from the just-in-time passage of Continuing Resolution to keep the federal government running, the debt ceiling and Supreme Court proceedings on abortion law.

The newsletter also contains news, guidance updates and resources for workforce loan and scholarship programs, Emergency Rental Assistance Guidance and a reminder that CARES Act funds expenditure is approaching.

New This Week:

State ARPA Utilization Database: 

Recognizing the desire of policymakers to learn and share best practices, The Council of State Governments conducted an extensive 50 state scan of the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds, focused on The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. State ARP allocation data was collected by analyzing state actions, enacted legislation appropriating ARP funding and State Recovery Plan Performance Reports submitted to the U.S Treasury. In collaboration with the National Association of State Budget Officers, the state allocations were reviewed and verified by state budget offices.

The State ARP Utilization Database includes information on categories of spending, legislative authority, summary of fund allocation, authorizing language, amount budgeted, distributing entity, distribution method and final approval.

Please note: This database includes information from 41 states as of Dec. 6, 2021. CSG analysts are continuing to collect and verify data for the remaining nine states and will continue to update the website with additional state actions.

Recent Updates Every State Leader Should Know: 

  1. Last Friday, Dec. 3, President Joe Biden signed a Continuing Resolution, H.R. 6119, passed by Congress. This resolution authorizes federal spending at pre-existing levels through Feb. 18, 2022. Though passed just hours before the previous Continuing Resolution was set to expire, states should experience no disruptions to revenue flow from the federal government.
  2. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has stated that the federal government’s ability to borrow money to pay the federal debt will expire by Dec. 15. Senate and House leaders continue to negotiate at a now-accelerated pace over the appropriate mechanism to accomplish an extension of borrowing authority. 
  3. Last Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case involves a Mississippi statute that generally prohibits abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The questions from the justices signaled that a majority is considering whether to narrow — or overturn — the court’s holding in Roe v. Wade (1973). The effect would be to return full authority to state governments to determine access to abortion services. While a decision is not anticipated until next summer, 11 states have “trigger” laws in place that would ban the practice should the Court overrule Roe v. Wade. More states are expected to consider such legislation during their 2022 sessions.
  4. In the wake of concerns about the emergent Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Biden administration announced last Thursday a series of measures including:
  1. Boosters for adults.
  2. Vaccinations for children.
  3. Expanded free at-home testing.
  4. Stronger public health protocols for international travelers.
  5. Supplying treatment pills.

News, Updates and Resources

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act State and Program Allocations Published by Federal Funds Information for States

FFIS is a subscription service providing analysis on the impact of federal actions on states. Most states subscribe to FFIS, and you can contact Ethan Ableman at [email protected] or 202-624-5849.

U.S. Department of Transportation publishes Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act state fact sheets

The fact sheets cover how each state will benefit from the law and can be found here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

The Treasury publishes 2021 State Small Business Credit Initiative Application Material

The application portal was launched on Nov. 22, and email instructions and a link were emailed to eligible jurisdictions. The application materials can be found here.

Approaching deadline for incurring expenditures from Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Coronavirus Relief Fund 

The Department of the Treasury re-published Coronavirus Relief Fund Final Guidance as the deadline for state, local and tribal government applications approaches Dec. 31, 2021.  

The Treasury updates Emergency Rental Assistance Section on Promising Practices for Utility Assistance Program

This update includes advice on working with energy companies and other utility assistance programs. The Department of the Treasury also updated the example screens for housing instability and the financial impact of COVID-19.

Internal Revenue Service publishes Frequently Asked Questions on tax treatment for payments to individuals and employers from Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

The answers to 14 FAQs can be found here on taxability and reporting of payments from Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The information includes items such as including premium pay in gross income, reporting direct payments and when to withhold taxes.

October Emergency Rental Assistant Report now available

More than 521,000 renters received assistance in October, totaling $2.8 billion in payments. The press release can be found here, and a spreadsheet with state and local data can be found here.

The Treasury updates status of payments to states for distribution to non-entitlement units of government

The Department of the Treasury last updated these numbers on Nov. 22, and they can be found here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE:

USDA announces $90.2M in grants to bolster local and regional markets for United States agriculture

This money will go towards 203 projects. Funding is made possible through the farmer’s markets, local food promotion programs and regional food system partnerships. More information about the awards can be found here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION:

Education approves more state plans from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021


U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

HHS awards $1.5 billion for health workforce loan repayment and scholarship programs

These awards include $1 billion from the American Rescue Plan and help health care providers who serve rural and underserved communities. More information about these awards and their goals can be found here. HHS also awarded $28.4 million in ARP funding to create new accredited teaching health centers with primary care residency programs in rural and underserved communities. A list of the 47 grantees can be found here.

Administration for Community Living Updates American Rescue Plan FAQs for Adult Protective Services Grants

These grants intend to enhance and improve adult protective services provided by state and local governments. The FAQs can be found here.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services releases tools to help states return to prior enrollment and match rates for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program

The firstset of strategies will help states maintain continuity of coverage once the continuous enrollment requirement expires and the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) is reduced. The second brief focuses on states with outreach, enrollment and retention strategies to help ensure coverage for children.

Administration for Children and Families publishes a sample household application template for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

The provided template intends to reduce the administrative burden for potential grant recipients to apply for assistance with water and wastewater bills. 

Administration for Children and Families publishes guidance on Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program coordination with emergency assistance for homeowners and renters

This guidance is intended to help prepare for a likely increase in the need for energy assistance during the winter months. Similar guidance was released to Low Income Household Water Assistance Program and Community Services Block Grant grantees.

HHS releases new Head Start Program Performance Standards

These new masking and vaccination requirement standards are outlined for grant recipient staff. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration extends methadone take-home flexibilities for one year

This one-year extension will be effective after the COVID-19 public health emergency. More information about these flexibilities can be found here, and the administration’s overdose prevention strategy can be found here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT:

HUD Office of Inspector General reviews Public Housing Agencies’ Experiences and Challenges

HUD found public housing agencies cited positive experiences and no significant challenges related to CARES Act public housing operating funds. Additional findings and considerations can be located here as states ensure funds are spent by Dec. 31, 2021.

Webinar on HOME-ARPA Planning Process now available

In the HOME-ARPA Planning process webinar, participants will learn how to form strategic partnerships and leverage funding and what other communities have done. 

Health Resources and Services Administration begins releasing American Rescue Plan rural payments

These payments go to providers and suppliers who serve rural Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare beneficiaries. A table with the distribution of payments by state can be found here.

HUD announced $20 million in grants for eviction protection and diversion

The newly created Eviction Protection Grant Program provides grants to legal service providers to help low-income tenants at-risk for eviction. The press release regarding the grant can be found here.

HUD extends the deadline for adjustment funding for ARP Housing Choice Voucher Program and Mainstream Vouchers Renewal Funding applications

The deadline is now Dec. 21. More information about the deadline extension can be found here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION:

Transportation and Department of Energy publish a request for information on electric vehicle charger production

Responses regarding shifting manufacturing and assembly of electric vehicle chargers to the United States are due Jan. 10. More information can be made here.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration extends COVID-19 emergency declaration and waivers

More information about the Feb. 28 extension can be found here.


INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

National Endowment for the Arts announces $20.2 million in ARP grants

These grants will go to 66 local arts agencies, which can be found here.

Environmental Protection Agency publishes new website on Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The EPA website includes a new fact sheet and information to explore EPA funding available for water infrastructure, pollution remediation and prevention and electric and low-emission school transportation.

Wireline Competition Bureau announces additional integrity measures for Emergency Broadband Benefit Program based on Community Eligibility Program

The measures intend to strike a balance between programming integrity and continuation of allowing households to qualify based on a household member’s enrollment in a school or school district that participates in Community Eligibility Programs. The public notice can be found here.

WCB publishes guidance for transition from the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Program to the Affordable Connectivity Program as EBC Program ends Dec. 31, 2021

The Guidance to Transition to Affordable Connectivity Program provides instructions to help consumers, service providers and stakeholders with the end of the EBC Program authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act to help Americans afford internet service effective Dec. 31, 2021. The program will transition to the long-term Affordable Connectivity Program authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. To ease the transition, the WCB waived rules governing an enrollment freeze and notice requirements, and enrollees will have 60 days to continue receiving their benefit amount. 

Small Business Administration updates guidance regarding application deadlines for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

The SBA encourages the submission of supplemental advance applications by Dec. 10. All applications are due Dec. 31. More information about the loans and their deadlines can be found here.

Federal Communication Commission announces over $169 million in Emergency Connectivity Funding

The latest funding assists over 500,000 students in 47 states. The news release regarding this funding can be found here.

FCC seeks comments on the new affordable connectivity program

This new program is an extension and modification of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. The public notice can be found here, and comments are due Dec. 8

OTHER:

Pandemic Response Accountability Committee publishes Coronavirus Relief Fund data for March 2020 through September 2021

944 prime recipients received $150 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funds. Other data listed includes funds allocated to prime and sub-recipients and can be found here.