Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Renews Call For Aid To State And Local Governments In Wake Of Projected Budget Shortfalls Due To Coronavirus

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi released the following statement in response to an alarming new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities detailing the impact of COVID-19 on state and local budgets:

"This report estimates states are headed towards total revenue shortfalls of $500 billion between now and 2022 – a staggering sum that far exceeds any rainy day funds and the relief Congress has provided thus far. It is critical that Congress provide additional, flexible funds to state and local governments as quickly as possible to avoid deep, lasting economic damage in nearly every community across America.

"Ensuring the viability of state and local governments is not a Democratic or Republican issue. Red, blue, and purple states alike will feel the pain of severe revenue shortfalls, whether that manifest in cuts to critical public services or tax increases on working families or organizations. It is critical that Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle come together for the sake of the communities they represent and provide robust relief before our economic health and safety suffers any further."

Last week, Congressman Krishnamoorthi ledletters to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin calling for additional, flexible aid to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to address these surprise revenue shortfalls.