Strickland Leads 48 Members in Urging Additional COVID Relief for Struggling Cities, States, Local & Tribal Governments

Statement

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement after leading 48 of her colleagues in sending a letter urging House leadership to include $350 billion in the budget reconciliation package for state, local, and tribal governments. In order to stabilize the economy and prevent further harm, we must provide support to our state and local governments who are on the frontlines of this crisis, providing crucial services to our communities. The letter was endorsed by: The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); National League of Cities; and the National Association of Counties.(Please find a copy of the letter below and attached.)

"As many families face housing and food insecurity, health concerns, and on top of all of that are struggling to stay afloat, I know firsthand from my experience as Mayor of Tacoma that cities and localities can be the first line of defense. Over the past month, I've met with several mayors, city managers, and tribal leaders from Washington's 10th Congressional District who are on the frontlines of this crisis, providing crucial services to our communities. I said: We need local government officials like you to step up and be unapologetic and unafraid to tell us what you need. And when my community told me what was needed, I listened. State, local and tribal governments are facing dire budgetary shortfalls along with an influx in demand for services - that is why I'm proud to have led my colleagues in requesting $350 billion in relief for cities and localities as Congress continues to pave the way for a landmark coronavirus rescue plan," said Strickland.

"For the last year, public service workers have fearlessly answered the call, doing everything possible to keep us all safe and healthy," said Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. "But for their courage and sacrifice, too many are being thanked with pink slips. We need robust aid to states, cities, towns and schools, so we can keep our front-line heroes on the job and maintain the vital services -- education, transportation, sanitation and more -- that are the lifeblood of our communities. This aid is essential to defeating the pandemic, vaccinating our people and breathing life back into the economy. On behalf of all AFSCME members, I'm grateful for the support of Representative Strickland and the other House members leading this charge to fund the front lines.

"The National League of Cities thanks Rep. Strickland for her leadership in fighting for $350 billion in COVID relief aid to state, local and tribal governments," said Clarence E. Anthony, Executive Director and CEO of the National League of Cities. "As a former mayor, Rep. Strickland knows the importance of providing funding to cities, towns, and villages so they will not continue to face such tough economic choices brought on by this pandemic, including layoffs for municipal workers."

"Investing in counties means investing in people. It means investing in the heroes who will ultimately help win the war against COVID-19. Let's come together as intergovernmental partners to end this devastating pandemic and pursue a brighter and safe future for all our communities," said Matthew Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties.

Please find the letter text below:

Source