The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act was introduced to the United States Senate on July 27 as a proposed stimulus bill that would go towards financial aid from the pandemic. However, another stimulus bill has already passed the House of Representatives called the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act. While the existence of both legislations can be perceived positively as they will create the opportunity for Congress to pass their preferred option, their competition is widely viewed as a negative as they are essentially halting the progress of one another.

 

The National Leagues of Cities (NLC) has expressed concerns about the delays Congress has had in passing a new stimulus bill. The CEO and executive director of NLC, Clarence E Anthony, issued a statement in response to the situation in which he explained the need for federal aid towards local governments. He said, "America's cities, towns, and villages have been on the frontline of supporting our nation's battle against the coronavirus pandemic since the beginning, and in protecting our fellow citizens, have incurred severe budget shortages that impact essential public services, private sector growth, and job creation. Failing to address the budget crunches our municipalities are experiencing will deal a major blow to the already fragile national economic recovery."

Anthony went on to implore Congress to act swiftly to support cities through passing a new stimulus bill. He noted that political affiliation should not impact the progress of the legislation, as he explains that the well-being of American cities is more important. Anthony concludes his words by stating, "Our national leaders need to move past the partisan rhetoric and come to an agreement to stop the financial decimation our communities are facing."

Read Anthony's full statement here: https://www.nlc.org/article/national-league-of-cities-responds-to-heals-act-negotiations-stalling-urges-congress-and