Introduction of Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act,'' at the request of the California Association of Special Districts. I want to thank my original cosponsors for their support of this much-needed legislation.
Special districts are independent units of local government that provide public services cities and counties do not provide for residents. Those services include first responders, policing, firefighting, public health, transit, and more, making special districts critical to the communities they serve.
However, special districts are currently ineligible for direct federal financial assistance under the ``Coronavirus Relief Fund'' established by the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136). My legislation would ensure that the 2,700 special districts in California and 30,000 special districts nationwide are eligible for any additional assistance provided by Congress to state, county, and local governments to aid in the fight against COVID-19. There are 237 special districts alone in, California's third Congressional district, which I am honored to represent.
The ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act'' would also allow special districts access to the Federal Reserve's Municipal Liquidity Facility, which provides states, counties, and cities federally guaranteed bridge financing to offset unexpected short-term revenue shortfalls. Like states, counties, and cities, many special districts serve large populations and have the legal authority to issue short-term tax and revenue anticipation notes. However, special districts are not currently granted direct access to the Municipal Liquidity Facility, even to offset revenue shortfalls caused by the current pandemic
Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to cosponsor the ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act'' to ensure that all local governments have the support needed to deliver crucial quality-of-life services for our communities during this global pandemic.
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