“The funding deal in question was really focused on purchasing commodities – tests, vaccines and treatments – which is critical, but did not include resources to raise consumer awareness and demand to reach those who need them.” , – she said. “We hope negotiators can return to the negotiating table to find a way to fund the full range of needs in response to Covid-19.”
Some governors, upset that Congress planned to take some of their pandemic money from last year’s $1.9 trillion stimulus bill, were pleased with Wednesday’s developments. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, chairman of the National Governors Association, said he was “very pleased” that the coronavirus addition was removed from the bill.
Many states already had plans to spend stimulus money that Congress wanted to divert, he said.
“Arkansas does not need additional Covid funds,” Mr. Hutchinson said. “But the last thing we need is to withdraw additional funds earmarked for broadband access and other infrastructure needs.”
Mr. Hutchinson, a Republican, and Governor Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey, a Democrat and vice chairman of the National Governors Association, pressured lawmakers to keep funding for state and local governments and urged them to “negotiate in good faith” in a letter to Congressional leaders on Tuesday.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, also sent a letter to Congressional leaders on Wednesday condemning the plan, which he said would cost his state about $225 million.
Brian Siegritz, director of state finance research at the National Association of Public Accountants, said the original spending plan could cut aid to 30 states that have not yet received their full share of the stimulus money. Under the plan, the states were to receive at least 91% of the total $195 billion in funding they were counting on.
And while Ms. Pelosi said earlier Wednesday that communities would not receive “cuts,” local leaders also expressed dismay at a proposal to cut public funding, which they say will eventually affect cities and towns.
Emily Cochrane and Benjamin Mueller provided reporting.