American Rescue Plan Act

Margee Green advocated for state grants through the Louisiana Food Policy Council to help local farmers scale up after federal funding programs were cut. Lawmakers eventually appropriated $3 million for direct farm purchasing, but the state later reduced this allocation by two-thirds, diverting funds away from the council.

Alderman Matt O’Shea criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson for placing a sign promoting a Chicago sidewalk project in suburban Evergreen Park. The sign, part of Johnson’s 'Build Better Together' initiative, was erected on Western Avenue near the Beverly-Evergreen Park border. The project, funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act money, is being completed by the Chicago Department of Transportation.

Obamacare enrollment declined in 49 states following the expiration of federal subsidies, with New Mexico being the sole exception after using state funds to replace the aid. The Trump administration attributed part of the decline to fraudulent enrollments, while KFF linked it to the loss of pandemic-era subsidies.

Obamacare enrollment declined in 49 states due to expired federal subsidies, with New Mexico being the only exception where state funds replaced the aid. The Trump administration attributed past enrollment growth to fraud, while KFF linked the recent drop to subsidy expiration.

Obamacare enrollment declined in 49 states following the expiration of federal subsidies, with New Mexico being the only state to fully replace the aid using state funds. The Trump administration attributed prior enrollment growth to fraudulent activity, while KFF linked the decline to subsidy expiration.

Obamacare enrollment declined in 49 states due to expired federal subsidies, with New Mexico being the only exception where enrollment increased after using state funds to replace subsidies. The Trump administration attributed past enrollment growth to fraud, while KFF linked the recent drop to subsidy expiration.

Pro-immigration groups and legal aid providers in Chicago are urging Mayor Brandon Johnson to maintain city funding for the Legal Protection Fund, which provides free legal services to immigrants. The fund, which has spent $4.48 million of its $4.5 million allocation as of March 31, faces potential funding gaps after pandemic-era American Rescue Plan Act funds expire in 2026. The mayor’s 2027 budget includes at least $3 million for the fund, according to a spokesperson.

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, 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 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.

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.

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.

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.