How Congress’ Competing Coronavirus Bills Would Help State, Local Governments

While state and local government officials have argued they need billions from Congress to help stay afloat while spending to fight the spread of the coronavirus, the Senate’s $1.8 trillion economic stimulus package would pit them against businesses instead of providing dedicated funding. The latest version of the bill would provide $500 billion in economic stabilization loans for state and local governments and businesses. The bill crafted by Senate Republicans includes few stipulations to limit how the money could be spent and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin would have wide latitude to make determinations about who would receive funding.

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