This week, learn more about recent developments on how states are responding to inflation, the transparency of pandemic funds and state budgets.
To view the CSG fiscal policy website, visit web.csg.org/recovery.
CSG Resources:
CSG has an update on how the federal and state governments are responding to inflation and its impact on people across the U.S.: States Respond to Inflationary Pressures
News State Policymakers Can Use:
- The National Association of State Budget Directors maintains an up-to-date look at state budgets for the next fiscal year, which can be accessed here: Fiscal Year 23 Proposed and Enacted Budgets. Most states were scheduled to pass a budget this spring, however, the uncertainty of the persisting COVID-19 pandemic altered the usual schedule. Several states passed supplemental budgets or budgeted for only one year.
- The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago published a report on states that experienced population gains and losses during the pandemic.
- Bloomberg reported last week on the substantial increases in the cost of 30-year mortgages and what it means for home buyers and the housing market.
Federal Policy Updates for State Leaders:
American Rescue Plan Act
- The Department of the Treasury released the updated Project and Expenditure Report User Guide and the Recovery Plan Reporting User Guide to assist states in preparing reports due on July 31.
- The Pandemic Resource Accountability Committee released an interactive State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Dashboard. Twenty-one inspectors general from various federal agencies provide this information to support transparency in government spending and use data-driven technology to detect fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement of pandemic relief funds. The dashboard provides an interactive and searchable report of the $350 billion fund, with information from expenditure reports submitted to the Treasury from March through December 2021. Information includes how the funds have been used to improve public health, offset negative economic impacts, strengthen government services, support disproportionately impacted communities and provide premium pay for certain professions.
- Registration is open to attend the White House Summit on the American Rescue Plan and Workforce with Vice President Harris on July 13 at 11 a.m. ET. The summit will feature state and local leaders discussing investments from the act, featuring infrastructure and apprenticeships, the public health workforce and expanding access to training for underserved populations.
Congress
- The Appropriation Committee of the House of Representatives completed work on spending bills for fiscal year 2023. The 12 bills now go to the full House for consideration, although the timing remains uncertain. The Senate Appropriations Committee plans to review bills this month. However, before significant progress on appropriations bills can be made, congressional appropriators will need a bipartisan agreement on discretionary spending targets for fiscal year 2023.
Transportation
- The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a proposed rule that would “require state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to establish declining carbon dioxide targets and to establish a method for the measurement and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation under Title 23 of the United States Code. The proposed rule would not mandate the level of the targets.”
- The Federal Aviation Administration announced the awarding of nearly $1 billion in funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to 85 airports across the U.S.
- Applications for the Reconnecting Communities and Thriving Communities competitive grant pilot programs are due on Oct. 13, 2022. A webinar for stakeholders to learn about the application opportunity will be held on July 14 at noon ET.
Veterans
- The Veterans Administration Office of Inspector General released a report showing a substantial staffing shortage among providers across the U.S. For example, “Facilities reported 2,622 severe occupational staffing shortages across 285 occupations in fiscal year 2022.”