From The Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has asked the public to submit ideas and suggestions on how the state’s portion of the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund should be spent.
The CARES Act was signed on March 17, 2020. The program established the Coronavirus Relief Fund and allotted $150 billion to be distributed to the states, of which roughly $1.8 billion has been allotted to Alabama.
“As your Governor, input from the people of Alabama is something I truly value; in fact, my Administration and I take your thoughts and views into consideration each and every day,” Ivey said in a statement. “To this end, let me encourage you to complete the following form and submit your ideas and suggestions on how Alabama’s portion of the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund monies should be spent. Don’t forget there are strict guidelines in place that govern the way all these federal dollars can be used.”
With these funds comes strict limitations on how each state can lawfully spend the money.
The CARES Act requires that the payments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund only be used to cover expenses that:
- are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19);
- were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of March 27, 2020 (the date of enactment of the CARES Act) for the State or government; and
- were incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020 and ends on December 30, 2020.
In addition to federal guidelines, Alabama ACT 2020-199 (SB161) requires the state to only spend federal Coronavirus Relief Fund monies in one of the following categories:
- Reimburse state agencies for expenditures directly related to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Reimburse local governments for expenditures directly related to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Support the delivery of healthcare and related services to citizens of the Alabama related to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Support citizens, businesses, and non-profits and faith-based organizations of the state directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
- Reimbursement of equipment and infrastructure necessary for remote work and public access to the functions of state government directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, including the Legislature.
- Expenditures related to technology and infrastructure related to remote instruction and learning.
- Reimbursement of costs necessary to address the coronavirus pandemic by the Department of Corrections.
- Reimbursement of costs necessary to ensure access to the courts during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Reimburse the State General Fund for supplemental appropriations to the Alabama Department of Public Health.
- For any lawful purpose as provided by the United States Congress, the United States Treasury Department, or any other federal entity of competent jurisdiction.