Illinois Representative Sean Casten Advocates for State and Local Funding in Next Coronavirus Emergency Package

Strategic Insights -

Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) recently hosted a Zoom video conference with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and 30 local leaders from IL-06 to discuss the need for prioritized funding in the next coronavirus emergency funding package. This call follows a bipartisan letter signed by Rep. Casten and 41 local leaders, urging Congress to provide stabilized, equitable per-capita distribution of funds to states in the next coronavirus emergency relief package. During the discussion, Rep. Casten emphasized the importance of federal assistance for local communities, while Leader Hoyer highlighted the need for local governments to keep first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers employed during the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Sean Casten hosted a Zoom conference with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and 30 local leaders from IL-06 to discuss the need for prioritized funding in the next coronavirus emergency funding package.
  • The bipartisan call included local leaders from various counties, villages, and cities in IL-06, who shared the challenges they face in the wake of the pandemic.
  • Leader Hoyer emphasized the importance of supporting local governments, highlighting the need to keep first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers employed.
  • Illinois is projected to experience a $2.7 billion revenue drop this year and a $4.6 billion drop next year due to the economic fallout of COVID-19.
  • The previous CARES Act package incorporated an inequitable spending formula, providing citizens in states with populations above 3.5 million with an average of $390 per capita, while citizens of less populous states received up to $2100 per person.

Statistics:

  • Illinois is projected to experience a $2.7 billion revenue drop this year and a $4.6 billion drop next year due to the economic fallout of COVID-19.
  • Citizens in states with populations above 3.5 million received an average of $390 per capita in the previous CARES Act package.
  • Citizens of less populous states received up to $2100 per person in the previous CARES Act package.

Sources:

  • Press release by the office of Illinois Rep. Sean Casten
  • Letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer