Congressman Malinowski Introduces Legislation to Support Smaller Municipalities with Coronavirus Stabilization Funds

(Somerville, NJ) Today, Congressman Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), along with Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03), Congressman Andy Levin (MI-09) and Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02) introduced the Coronavirus Community Relief Act, new legislation to provide $250 billion in stabilization funds for mid-sized local communities, cities and towns across the United States that are struggling amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation has the support of over 70 Members of Congress as original cosponsors.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, signed into law on March 27th, provided stabilization funds for states and larger communities, but capped localities able to receive direct support at those with populations of over 500,000. This excludes many large metropolitan areas, as well as towns, cities, and rural counties that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak. The Coronavirus Community Relief Act will rectify this problem, and allow the majority of municipalities in New Jersey’s 7th district to apply for funding.  

“COVID-19 has hit New Jersey hard, and our smaller municipalities should be able to apply directly for financial relief as well,” said Congressman Tom Malinowski. “As local revenues dry up, these communities need direct support from the federal government to survive. We can’t leave them behind.” 

Last week, Congressmen Malinowski, Lujan, Levin and Neguse led a letter to Speaker Pelosi requesting that the 500,000 cap be removed and additional funds be authorized for cities and towns in the next stimulus package from Congress. Read that letter here.