Congressman Cohen Reiterates Call to Help States, Tribes and Local Governments Access Desperately Needed Funds
Sends letter to leaders expressing his support for including extension of spending deadline
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today sent a letter to coronavirus relief negotiators expressing his support for an extension of the December 30, 2020 spending deadline for financial assistance to states, tribes and local governments.
The letter reads in part:
"Unfortunately, the deadline to use CRF payments is fast approaching, and any unused funds will have to be returned if unspent by December 30, 2020 – a mere 21 days from today. According to the most recent report from the Department of the Treasury, less than 25 percent of the $142 billion in funds for state and local governments have been spent. In fact, due to a wide range of challenging circumstances, from pandemic-related construction delays and supply chain constraints to the Treasury Department's onerous program requirements, several local officials have indicated that there is simply not adequate time to plan and spend their allocated funds. Moreover, not all jurisdictions were afforded timely and equal access to their allocations."
See the entire letter here.