Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) released the attached statement following Governor Murphy’s announcement of CARES Act federal funding to additional New Jersey counties. 

   “The federal CARES Act grants and support provided through the State to our counties today, including at least $4 million to Mercer County in my district, is critical to fighting the ongoing coronavirus threat and pushing for full recovery.  I have introduced legislation which will enable government entities of less than 500,000 people, like Mercer, to get federal COVID grants directly, but until then, the state is empowered to direct federal funds to our local governments and ensure that they get as much support as possible.  NJ’s county governments, of every size, have been working in our communities and they need federal assistance—both directly and through the State—to help fight the virus and support our local economies.   

   “I not only supported the CARES Act which provided this funding, but I was pleased to cosign a letter with the full NJ Congressional Delegation to the governor asking him to make sure the administration provided part of the State’s federal award to the additional 12 counties that did not get direct funding from the federal government.   It has taken some time to get through the state to the counties but the federal funding is very welcomed support.

   “The financial assistance to our localities must not end today.  Thus, I will continue to advocate for my legislation,  the NJ, NY, and Highly Impacted States COVID-19 Relief Fund Act, which will provide an additional $500 billion to states and municipalities based not only on their population but also on their number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.”