NACo News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Association of Counties (NACo) responded to President Biden’s State of the Union address with the following statement from Executive Director Matthew Chase:

“Tonight’s State of the Union address highlighted the need for a strong intergovernmental partnership. Counties will continue to work with the administration and bipartisan congressional partners to achieve our common goals. Only together can we recover from the pandemic, strengthen our economy, and improve the quality of life and the livelihoods of our residents. 

“For the past two years, counties have served on the front lines of our nation’s response to the pandemic. With resources from the American Rescue Plan, we are building healthier, safer counties where all our residents have opportunities to thrive. Investing in counties means investing in struggling small businesses, nonprofits, infrastructure, public health and safety, and human services, especially for those suffering from domestic violence, mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

“Additionally, with the resources in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, counties are building, maintaining and upgrading major infrastructure – roads, bridges, airports, public transportation, water and sewage, and broadband. We will continue to work across the aisle to preserve local decision-making and streamline federal regulations. 

“We urge our federal partners to embrace bipartisanship and focus on solutions that will enhance our resiliency for the future, solutions that will make a difference for Americans every day. We look forward to continuing to work with the administration and Congress as we build stronger counties that result in a stronger America.”

 View NACo’s 2022 federal policy priorities here.