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

Strategic Insights -

As the novel coronavirus continues to impact Illinois severely, Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) has been pushing for state and local funding in the next coronavirus emergency funding package. He recently hosted a zoom video conference with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and 30 local leaders from IL-06 to discuss the need for prioritizing state and local funding. This effort follows a bipartisan letter signed by 41 local leaders, including Casten, urging Congress to provide stabilized, equitable per-capita distribution of funds to states in the next coronavirus emergency relief package.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bipartisan call emphasized the need for prioritizing state and local funding in the next coronavirus emergency funding package, particularly for high population states like Illinois.
  • The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act perpetuated inequality in federal spending, with citizens in states with populations above 3.5 million receiving an average of just $390 per capita, while those in less populous states received as much as $2100 per person – over five times larger.
  • The economic fallout of COVID-19 is projected to cause Illinois' revenue to drop by $2.7 billion this year and $4.6 billion next year.
  • The call included local leaders from various municipalities, including County Board Chairs, Village Presidents, and City Mayors, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on local communities.
  • Representative Casten has been actively advocating for federal assistance and resources to support local leaders and residents in the 6th district.
  • Majority Leader Steny Hoyer expressed support for prioritizing state and local funding in the next CARES package, emphasizing the importance of keeping first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers on the job during the pandemic.

Statistics:

  • Illinois is projected to lose $2.7 billion in revenue this year and $4.6 billion next year due to the economic fallout of COVID-19.
  • Under the CARES Act, citizens in states with populations above 3.5 million received an average of $390 per capita, while those in less populous states received as much as $2100 per person – over five times larger.
  • The bipartisan letter was signed by 41 local leaders, including Representative Casten, urging Congress to provide stabilized, equitable per-capita distribution of funds to states in the next coronavirus emergency relief package.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives, press release, "Representative Sean Casten Advocates for State and Local Funding in Next Coronavirus Emergency Funding Package"
  • Quotes from Representative Sean Casten and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer cited in the press release.