WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) announced his support for the Coronavirus Relief Fund Flexibility for State and Local Government Act, a bill that would provide more flexibility to states and local governments as they use CARES Act funding.
This bill would allow states and local governments to keep these funds until they are expended instead of requiring unused funds be sent back to the U.S. Treasury at the end of the year. It would also open up the ability for state and local governments to use CARES Act funds for critical services not directly related to the coronavirus, excluding state pension and debt crises.
Today’s announcement comes after Sen. Cornyn has held nearly ninety video conference calls with Texans, including many with cities, counties, and state officials, to hear their feedback on how the federal government can best help them deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
Sen. Cornyn launched a series of statewide outreach calls with small businesses, healthcare workers, nonprofits, local municipalities, agricultural groups, trade associations, and other Texans on March 6. His website has additional resources for Texans during the coronavirus outbreak here.