GOP House Bill Would Make States Explain Plans to Aid Cities

A bill requiring states to certify that they have a process to distribute pandemic-related federal aid to local governments was introduced Monday by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas).

• If they don’t certify such plans by June 12, the bill would enable Treasury to take back 25% of the funds provided.
• “If we are going to reopen our economy safely while continuing to apply maximum pressure on the virus, these communities need these funds now,” Brady said in a statement.
• The National League of Cities found that 32 states have been withholding funds from local governments.