American Rescue Plan Act
Coverage of American Rescue Plan Act in the Nexus archive.
- Cook County sticks with road map to reduce gun violence as federal funds dry up
Cook County has recorded 220 gun homicides through June 2024, a 24% increase from the same period last year, but a 50% decline from the 2021 peak. Federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act enabled over $350 million in community-based violence intervention investments, with a 2025 Northwestern University study showing these efforts reduced violent crime arrests by 73% for program participants.
- Wisconsin’s Childcare Providers Face Uncertainty As Funding Comes to an End
Wisconsin's childcare providers, including Nestling House in Milwaukee, face financial uncertainty as pandemic-era funding through Child Care Counts and Child Care Bridge Payments ends. The center relies on monthly stipends to cover operational costs and staff bonuses, but losing $50,000 annually threatens its sustainability without rate hikes or reduced staff.
- Nashville’s participatory budgeting funds will expire. Most projects — but not all — are complete
Nashville’s participatory budgeting initiative, which allocated $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for 35 citywide projects, faces challenges as ARPA funds expire. Some projects, like a greenway expansion at Whitfield Park, were redirected to other uses due to delays, sparking community concerns about broken promises and transparency.
- They’re Uninsured After Obamacare Became Too Costly. And They’re Far From Alone.
Ross and Rebecca Tobiassen canceled their Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage after premiums increased from $130 to $550 monthly. The couple, who own a small auto shop, cited rising costs and inadequate coverage for work-related injuries. ACA enrollment is declining as enhanced tax credits expired in 2025, with North Carolina experiencing a 22% drop in individual sign-ups.
- California guaranteed income advocacy group recommends permanent policy funded by 'dedicated local taxes'
A California-based advocacy group, Economic Security California, aims to establish a permanent guaranteed income program funded by dedicated local taxes. The group, part of the national Economic Security Project, has supported over 100 U.S. pilot programs and emphasizes transitioning from temporary initiatives to sustainable policies. Examples include LA County’s publicly funded program and Cook County’s use of local budget funds after federal aid expired.
- Mayors across US vying to keep ‘no strings attached’ cash programs afloat as American Rescue Plan Act funding dries up
Over 100 US cities have launched no-strings-attached cash pilot programs since 2018, with many relying on American Rescue Plan Act funding. As federal funding from the relief program begins to run out, mayors are working to sustain these cash assistance initiatives. The programs face challenges as cities seek alternative funding sources to continue the pilots.