DEPARTMENT: Government & Public Affairs
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jeff Coyle
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT: Federal Legislative Program for the 117th U.S. Congress
SUMMARY:
Briefing on the City of San Antonio's Federal Legislative Program for the 117th Congress.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The United States Congress' 117th Session began on January 3, 2021. Prior to each congressional session, Government & Public Affairs (GPA) develops a legislative program with City Council input and approval. The program provides direction to GPA staff and federal consultants on the City of San Antonio's federal priorities.
Development of the City of San Antonio's new Federal Legislative Program began in August 2020 in collaboration with City Departments and the City's federal consultant team. GPA staff worked with the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the San Antonio Congressional Delegation and community partners to identify issues important to the San Antonio community. On December 9, 2020, the IGR Committee received a briefing on the recommended priorities. The IGR Committee provided recommendations and approved moving consideration of the legislative program to full City Council.
The Federal Legislative Program for the 117th Congress heavily prioritizes economic recovery and resiliency in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal program is designed to be strategic and impactful, align with the priorities of the San Antonio community and help advance a resilient and sustainable city infrastructure.
The proposed Federal Legislative Program is comprised of the following priority issues.
Coronavirus Response: Support for direct, flexible funding assistance to cities dealing with the ongoing health response and economic community impacts.
Support relief assistance for small businesses and hard-hit industries, such as restaurants and bars, tourism/hospitality and arts entities, healthcare providers, schools and for food assistance.
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