U.S. cities, left behind in COVID-19 aid, look for lifeline in Biden era

Reuters ^ | January 3, 2021 | By Richard Cowan, Trevor Hunnicutt

[Oldeconomybuyer]

In Washington’s months-long political slugfest over who should get aid to counter the financial damage from the COVID-19 pandemic, there was at least one clear loser: local government.

In the midst of cutbacks in workforce and emergency services and growing poverty, U.S. cities, especially the smaller ones, are hoping the next round of stimulus includes them and that President-elect Joe Biden advocates for them when he takes office on Jan. 20.

The latest coronavirus bill for $892 billion in aid - painstakingly negotiated over months and begrudgingly signed into law last week by President Donald Trump - left a bad taste in some mayors’ mouths.

Under Biden’s guidance, a Democratic-crafted bill is likely to seek an infusion of hundreds of billions in cash to help state and local governments, compelled by the toll of the pandemic. He has called for a bipartisan effort in January.

“That action should include additional resources to communities to help keep teachers, firefighters, police officers and other first responders on the job, and more funds for testing, vaccine manufacturing and distribution and resources for schools across the country,” said Biden transition spokesman TJ Ducklo.

But with the new Congress that convenes on Sunday, there could be resistance from the Senate, especially if Republicans hold control of the chamber after two runoffs in Georgia on Jan. 5.

After allowing some state and local aid in an early 2020 stimulus, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, stood firmly against an additional tranche, calling it “massive bailouts” and an unnecessary “slush fund” for Democratic states.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

[GailA]

Hot Spot Memphis is crying they didn't get enough, you should of stuck to just taking in Tennesseans then, Not MS/AR too, greed, double counting. The way we border those states where hospitals are few really sick come into Memphis for medical care, from a 50 mile radius surrounding it, includes our own state small counties.

P>

[P.O.E.]

Months ago, in PA RINO Toomey was floating trial balloon support for a bailout for Philadelphia.

That’s been the name of this whole game all along.

Massive redistribution of wealth into die-hard liberal voting districts.

[dp0622]

are you TRYING to give me a heart attack with these msm articles?!?!

I know we ALWAYS need to be reminded of what most of the general public are seeing.

I just need to take my pills before I read them :)

[Sooth2222]

Like throwing a lifeline from one of the lifeboats to the Titanic.

[TheRake]

are you TRYING to give me a heart attack with these msm articles?!?!

——————-

dp, I think the old guy is on the other side. He’s sly though.

[Presbyterian Reporter]

Here comes the Fake News Media to the rescue of the Democrat run cities and states that are deeply in debt because of their financial abuses.

Reuters is setting the stage for massive Federal bailouts to pay the bloated salaries and benefits for government workers in Democrat states and cities.

[dp0622]

I’m terrible figuring that stuff out.

Hell I got fooled by mcconnell AGAIN.

After I said I wouldn’t get fooled again.

i’m likely being fooled by a number of house and senate members.

It’s not easy to tell.

Linda fooled me for a little while..he confused me a lot the past few years..he SAYS the right things...but doesn’t seem to do them

[I want the USA back]

biden will be giving our money as aid to democrat cities, iran, teachers’ unions, and the chicoms.

[kearnyirish2]

This reminds me of the news story after 9/11 where Newark NJ used anti-terrorism funds to buy garbage trucks; when confronted about it, the Kleptocrats replied that they’d need them to haul away rubble in the event of a terrorist attack in the city. There are no targets in Newark NJ (even gubmint buildings, trains, planes), as any attack would most likely kill plenty of imported Muslims as well.

These cities that were financially ruined before the Red Chinese virus ever arrived are simply seeing a chance to get “mo’ money” to keep their charade going - and the gubmint worker caste funded. They provide no services (in education, police protection, road maintenance, etc.) but transfer taxpayer wealth to Dem agents (AKA gubmint workers).

[bk1000]

Biden era.

Right...

[drypowder]

If it’s from Reuters or the AP, just figure it is propaganda!

[CoastWatcher]

If cheating Joe doesn’t come through with some serious money; we are going to expose the cheat. We have video evidence of the cheat; so all you deep state guys better give us our share for the next for years.

[P.O.E.]

I will never forget the untold millions collected by various 9/11 charities that the organzations spent on themselves - new offices for the Red Cross and such.

[Obadiah]

Nailed it.