Pence Cosponsors Legislation Empowering States to Allocate Remaining CARES Act Funds
Washington, DC – Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) cosponsored the Coronavirus Relief Fund Flexibility Act (H.R. 8360), which would allow states to determine how to spend remaining Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars issued under the CARES Act, which Pence supported earlier this year.
States and localities were provided $150 Billion for mitigation and response to COVID-19, and it is now estimated that approximately $80 billion remains unspent. The Coronavirus Relief Fund Flexibility Act would allow state legislatures to determine how to utilize these remaining funds, with measures to encourage infrastructure development and future COVID-19 preparedness.
"A "one size fits all" approach fails to address the differences in how individual states are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Relief Fund Flexibility Act will give power back to the states and local officials who truly understand where resources are needed. If passed, this bill will give states more power to make their own decisions, so taxpayer money is not spent in inefficient or ineffective ways," said Congressman Pence.
The Coronavirus Relief Fund Flexibility Act would prohibit funds from being spent on government employee bonuses, lobbying expenses, or budget shortfalls predating the pandemic, while providing a 50% match for funds spent on infrastructure projects begun in the next year. It would also require states to hold 25% of their remaining relief funds in trust for future COVID-19 expenses.
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Congressman Greg Pence represents Indiana's 6th District. From Columbus, Indiana, Pence advocates for conservative Hoosier values as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee.