TO: Napa County Legislative Subcommittee
FROM: Ryan J. Alsop, County Executive Officer
REPORT BY: Andrew M. Mize, Legislative & Policy Analyst
SUBJECT: Federal Legislative & Regulatory Update
RECOMMENDATION
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Receive a presentation by Federal advocates regarding recent actions of the Federal legislature and executive branch.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The presentation will cover, among other topics, pending budget deadlines, efforts to renew the Affordable Connectivity program, and proposed regulatory reform in FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In late January, Congress passed a third continuing resolution to fund the Federal government through March 1. Advocates will discuss the political climate and deliberations surrounding next steps.
Also in late January, the Biden-Harris administration announced significant proposed regulatory reform to FEMA’s Individual Assistance program designed to help survivors of disasters recover faster. The proposed rules establish Serious Needs Assistance to provide $750 for households immediately after a disaster for expenses related to sheltering, evacuation, and meeting basic household needs. The proposal also established Displacement Assistance to help survivors quickly secure rental housing and allow them to focus on long-term recovery. Finally, the proposed rules remove administrative barriers and requirements to expand eligibility to more people and streamlining recovery.
Finally, as of February 7, 2024, due to a lack of funding, the Federal Communications Commission is no longer accepting new applications for its Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a discount of $30/mo. for eligible households, and the program will de-enroll 22 million households, including more than 3,000 in Napa County. Advocates will provide information about the political climate surrounding the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 (Sen. Vance, R-OH, Sen. Welch, D-VT; Rep. Clark, D-NY, Rep. Fitzpatrick, R-PA), which would appropriate $7bn in funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program to extend coverage through 2024.