May 29, 2021

Duckworth Discusses Importance of American Rescue Plan Funding for Local Governments with Northwest Suburban Mayors

 

[DES PLAINES, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with local mayors and members of the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) to discuss the importance of federal funding in President Biden’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) to help municipal governments recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. In total, Illinois will receive more than $13 billion in relief funding, including more than $2 billion for municipal governments. Photos from today’s event are available here.

“We know our local governments are hurting from the economic impacts of COVID-19,” Duckworth said. “I’m pleased Illinois municipalities will receive this critical funding as a result of Democrats’ efforts to pass President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. It’s important local governments have access and flexibility with this relief funding to ensure our communities have the necessary resources to recover from COVID-19, and I’ll keep doing all that I can to support communities all across Illinois.”

“We are deeply appreciative to Senator Duckworth for her leadership in providing desperately needed relief for our residents and businesses,” said NWMC President and Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering. “The American Rescue Plan funding will allow us to address the impact of the pandemic while accelerating the recovery of our communities and local economies.”

Duckworth met with NWMC President and Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, NWMC Executive Director Mark Fowler, NWMC Vice President and Deerfield Mayor Dan Shapiro, Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski, Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, Hanover Park Village President Rodney Craig, Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly, and Libertyville Mayor Donna Johnson.

Earlier this month, U.S. Treasury Department began accepting eligible state and local government requests for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to help COVID-19 response efforts, strengthen support for public services and help retain jobs, assist small businesses and address systemic public health and economic challenges.

In March, Duckworth wrote to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expressing the need for quick and flexible guidance from Treasury to states so local governments can get relief immediately. Throughout the pandemic Duckworth has continuously called for maximum flexibility and fairness for local relief dollars.

NWMC is a nonpartisan organization that works to strengthen communities and enhance intergovernmental relationships in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago, comprising 42 municipalities and one township across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties. 

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