The new stimulus includes $11 billion for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing dedicated to state and local government (SLG) entities. They must prepare to access these funds and use them effectively.
On April 24, President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. The bulk of the funds were targeted at small businesses, e.g., $321 billion to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program and $50 billion to replenish the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program. The act also focuses on healthcare (e.g., $75 billion in healthcare and social service provider grants and $25 billion for COVID-19 testing).
Within the $25 billion for COVID-19 testing, there’s a substantial allotment of $11 billion for SLG entities.
The allocation of funds for COVID-19 testing funds is by far the largest and most relevant pool of funds for SLG entities. There are a few other streams of money for SLG entities to consider, especially if they are healthcare providers.