In a digital press conference on April 22, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) announced a new Northeast/Mid-Atlantic County Coronavirus Coalition, called on congress to pass another COVID-19 relief package for state and local governments, and discussed reopening local economies on a regional basis.
“This global pandemic does not follow geographic borders, and we need to collaborate and coordinate with the 300+ counties in this region of the United States to best protect our residents. That’s why this week, counties across the Northeast created a coalition designed to share information that can keep residents safe, help prepare for the reopening of local economies and effectively advocate on behalf of the counties in the region,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.
The coalition was created at the monthly meeting of the Northeast Caucus of the National Association of Counties (NACo), and is designed to share best practices between counties in some of the states that have been hardest hit by the pandemic.
“Many people don’t realize the extent to which the battle against COVID-19 is being fought by county government employees, and we salute the work that they are doing each and every day. I am humbled and grateful for the heroic services our employees provide to protect the public,” said NYSAC President John F. Marren, chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors.
The county association also hailed the federal decision to allow FEMA to reimburse counties for 100 percent of all COVID-19 expenses, rather than the typical 75/25 percent split. At the same time, they called on Congress to pass a Coronavirus Relief Package designed to provide direct relief for states and local governments who are on the front lines of fighting the pandemic but are seeing severe drops in revenues to fund local programs and services.
Finally, NYSAC also commented on the Governor’s announcement to consider re-opening regional economies based on local coronavirus circumstances.
“County leaders will continue to collaborate with local governments, residents and private essential and non-essential businesses, and bring this regional information to the attention of officials charged with developing re-emerging plans at the state level,” said Acquario. “Local governments have been planning for this and are creating blueprints for re-emerging better and stronger than before.”
He pointed to local business surveys, regional business coalitions, and the creation of public-private groups designed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on local industry, academic, and business operations.
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