Congressman Andy Levin (D-MI), a member of the House Education & Labor Committee, sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging the Treasury Department to pursue guidance, implementation and auditing policies that show deference and flexibility to local leaders as they utilize American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. Rep. Levin asked Secretary Yellen to distribute funds in a manner that allows municipalities to "rebound in the post-COVID era without posing an undue burden or new obstacles to a full and successful recovery."
"I am committed to making every dollar of these funds go as far as possible. I believe the best way to do this is to capitalize on local leaders' experience, knowledge and creativity, allowing them to designate ARP funds in the manner that has the biggest, most lasting impact," writes Rep. Levin.
Rep. Levin continues, "I am concerned that, in implementing the CARES Act, the Department was overly restrictive. For example, under the previous administration, a MI-09 city manager was not allowed to use CARES Act funds to purchase a new ambulance because it was the opinion that this ambulance could be available for non-pandemic purposes in addition to pandemic-related responses."
Rep. Levin also raises concerns from communities who have long faced discrimination and economic disparities.
Rep. Levin writes, "[T]he pandemic laid bare massive disparities in Americans' access to key resources, such as clean water and broadband. I hope the Department will allow communities to use ARP funds to meet these infrastructure needs and mitigate those disparities, which, if allowed to persist, will keep our communities from building back better in an equitable way."
Rep. Levin concludes, "While I support flexibility that empowers American communities to make decisions on the best use of ARP funds, I am also absolutely committed to robust oversight that ensures funds are not misused or abused. I believe the best way to achieve this is through a supportive auditing process that offers communities clear, comprehensive guidance and open lines of communication."
Source:https://andylevin.house.gov/media/press-releases/levin-treasury-provide-deference-and-flexibility-local-leaders-determine-best
