[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 101 (Monday, June 1, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL DISTRICTS PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 1, 2020

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Special 
Districts Provide Essential Services Act,'' at the request of the 
California Association of Special Districts. I want to thank my 
original cosponsors for their support of this much-needed legislation.
  Special districts are independent units of local government that 
provide public services cities and counties do not provide for 
residents. Those services include first responders, policing, 
firefighting, public health, transit, and more, making special 
districts critical to the communities they serve.
  However, special districts are currently ineligible for direct 
federal financial assistance under the ``Coronavirus Relief Fund'' 
established by the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136). My legislation would 
ensure that the 2,700 special districts in California and 30,000 
special districts nationwide are eligible for any additional assistance 
provided by Congress to state, county, and local governments to aid in 
the fight against COVID-19. There are 237 special districts alone in, 
California's third Congressional district, which I am honored to 
represent.
  The ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act'' would also 
allow special districts access to the Federal Reserve's Municipal 
Liquidity Facility, which provides states, counties, and cities 
federally guaranteed bridge financing to offset unexpected short-term 
revenue shortfalls. Like states, counties, and cities, many special 
districts serve large populations and have the legal authority to issue 
short-term tax and revenue anticipation notes. However, special 
districts are not currently granted direct access to the Municipal 
Liquidity Facility, even to offset revenue shortfalls caused by the 
current pandemic
  Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to cosponsor the ``Special 
Districts Provide Essential Services Act'' to ensure that all local 
governments have the support needed to deliver crucial quality-of-life 
services for our communities during this global pandemic.

                          ____________________