Governors’ Urge Swift Passage of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act

March 4, 2020

Dear Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy:

The nation’s governors applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for passage of the “Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020” (H.R. 6074) and urge the U.S. Senate to take swift action and pass the emergency supplemental request, in response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  

As the nation’s governors, the health and well-being of our residents is our primary concern. States and localities are at the forefront of public health crises, and COVID-19 is no different. As the situation evolves, states are incurring escalating costs in assisting the federal response to COVID-19.  It is imperative that we have adequate resources and funding to respond to this rapidly developing public health emergency. Any appropriation must include the allocation of new federal funding for preventing and responding to COVID-19, backfill states for costs already incurred, and ensure that any monies transferred from existing programs be replenished.

Congress must assure states and territories that necessary resources will be provided to address the multitude of costs associated with a public health emergency. These include but are not limited to travel screening, isolation and quarantine related activities, transportation, lodging, increased staffing, National Guard personnel, testing and monitoring patients, public outreach, supplies, equipment, schools, and wrap-around services. States and territories are relying on federal dollars to support state public health efforts to prevent and reduce the impact of COVID-19. We appreciate the state-federal coordination on the response thus far and look forward to working with both the Administration and Congress as the nation tackles this public health threat.  

Sincerely,

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