Research Project
Slow To Spend? State Approaches To Allocating Federal Coronavirus Relief Funds, by Amanda Kass and Isabella Romano
- Research Area(s)
- CARES Act Aid
- Fiscal Federalism Intergovernmental Aid
- Fiscal Policy and Financial Positions
- Government Finance Research
Abstract
In the research report, Slow To Spend? State Approaches To Allocating Federal Coronavirus Relief Funds, Amanda Kass and Isabella Romano discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented health, economic and fiscal consequences. State and local governments are facing significant budget gaps because of sharp revenue declines and increased spending demands. To address the crisis, Congress passed a series of stimulus bills in March 2020, the largest being the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. While the CARES Act mainly provided relief for individuals and businesses, it also set aside money to cover state and local governments’ unexpected COVID-19 related expenses. As we highlight in this report, changing guidelines from the Treasury Department have led to confusion and spending delays. Published: November 2o2o Read the full report here