Democracy Dies in Darkness
Economic Policy

States race to craft their own economic relief plans, frustrated with federal inaction

The new flurry of efforts may offer residents limited help, prompting governors in Colorado and other states to renew their calls for Congress to act

By
December 2, 2020 at 7:00 a.m. EST
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) has labored alongside the state’s lawmakers on a slew of bills that could authorize more than $300 million in local stimulus support before the end of the year. (David Zalubowski/AP)

Governors and state lawmakers across the country are racing to authorize millions of dollars in new coronavirus stimulus aid, aiming to plug gaping holes in their local economies before the end of the year.

The burst of activity has intensified in recent weeks after months of false starts in Washington, where congressional lawmakers repeatedly have failed to deliver additional support for a growing number of Americans who are still out of work, struggling to pay their bills or facing severe financial straits.