Policy Resolution BED-23-09

WHEREAS, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law on March 11, 2021 and provided $350 billion to state, local, and Tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency;

WHEREAS, there are numerous other grants that have gone to help states recover from the pandemic beyond the $350 billion;

WHEREAS, these funds were sent to states because of the numerous fiscal challenges faced under of the COVID-19 pandemic to the states, but most importantly all of its residents; and

WHEREAS, one of the stated goals of the American Rescue Plan is to advance equity in the United States, so that communities that have historically struggled are given the resources necessary to succeed and close the racial disparities that exist in the United States.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators urges the United States Congress to appoint a federal monitor to each state that receives funding under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law No. 117-2) for the purpose of overseeing state expenditures of such funds in an equitable manner;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL further urges that these funds be distributed equitably between all communities in the state, to ensure that those communities that have long struggled economically are given the resources long need to improve their community; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• Resolution ID: BED-23-09
• Sponsored by: Rep. Larry Miller (TN)
• Policy Committee: Business and Economic Development (BED)