On Saturday, March 6th, the Senate passed the $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan (HR 1319), with some updates to the bill. Click here for the Senate’s version of the bill text. The Senate bill has been sent back to the House, where it is expected to be voted on for final approval on Tuesday, March 9th. Once the House provides final passage, the bill will be sent to the President for signature.
Additional Funds for AFG, SAFER, & Emergency Management Performance Grants
The updated Senate version of the American Rescue Plan includes $100 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program, $200 million for SAFER, and $100 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants. Funding for each of these programs will remain available until September 30, 2025.
The bill does not indicate that this funding must be used specifically for COVID-19 related expenses.
Direct Fiscal Assistance for Local Governments, States, Territories, & Tribes
Additionally, the Senate bill includes $65.1 billion in direct fiscal assistance to cities, $65.1 billion to counties, and $219.8 billion to states, territories and tribes. As previously mentioned, these funds may be used to address loss of revenues in city budgets, and therefore, should have the effect of unfreezing capital budgets, while also keeping first responders and providers of vital public services on the job. They may also be used to address broader negative economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will be available through December 31, 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact the GAC Co-chairs:
John Granby at [email protected]
Lee Morris at [email protected]
David Durstine at [email protected]
or GAC Sr. Adviser Dave Gatton at [email protected]