No community in New Mexico left behind
Dear Friend,
As the Senate continues to negotiate the next major COVID-19 legislation, I remain dedicated to securing all of the funding and resources New Mexico needs for both a lifesaving public health response and a strong long-term economic recovery.
This public health and economic crisis has taken a significant toll on the rural areas of our state. Smaller counties and municipalities are taking on enormous and unprecedented costs to protect their communities' health and safety. They are deploying unbudgeted emergency operations, public service outreach, and telework services. The federal government has a responsibility to grant these smaller counties and municipalities the same stability provided to their larger counterparts.
That's why I am fighting to pass the Coronavirus Community Relief Act. I just introduced this legislation in the Senate to provide $250 billion in stabilization funds geared specifically toward localities with populations under 500,000. I am grateful for Congressman Ben Ray Luján's leadership on this same legislation in the House of Representatives.
Under the Coronavirus Community Relief Act, local governments with a population under 500,000 could use the funds to cover lost revenue, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, and increases in costs reasonably believed to have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We must ensure that all communities receive the direct relief they need to continue the fight against COVID-19 and mitigate the economic crisis.
I am deeply grateful to all of the New Mexicans who are continuing to do their part to protect the health of their neighbors and families during this difficult time. Together, we will get through this. I encourage you to visit the Coronavirus Resource Center on my website for helpful information about how to stay healthy and find critical support services. And please don't hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance.
Be well and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator
