March 12, 2021
Big Boost for Maryland Counties
In a major victory for America's counties, the State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds legislation, part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), was signed into law by President Biden on March 11. The bill includes $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county in America. Details on distributions and restrictions will emerge over time, and NACo has all your essential resources – as you replenish funding for services already delivered, and plan for the months ahead as we vaccinate our residents and restore our affected communities.
SPOTLIGHT ON LEADERSHIP

Along any journey, we’ll make mistakes. We’ll make improper decisions and have illogical actions. It’s been said that these missteps in our past — our past actions — cannot be erased. That’s true and simply means that the consequences of your actions never leave you. They’re part of your path, journey and story. Past actions, however, aren’t there to haunt us, taunt us or keep us from achieving our goals, dreams, aspirations and visions of future states — although they may seem to do so from time to time. It’s best to keep in mind that our past actions have occurred; therefore, they’re in the past — not the present and not the future.
Conduit Street Podcast Corner:

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the governor's decision to reopen Maryland, the significance of the looming "crossover" deadline, and what the State and local governments can expect from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.

Counties In Action
Mayor Scott congratulates newest Baltimore Police Recruit Class
St. Mary's announces opening of new vax clinic
Harford Parks & Rec encourage fun and learning through favorite critter videos
Corporate Partner Corner

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, a Gold MACo Corporate Partner, will donate up to $1.7 million to regional community organizations on the frontlines of vaccination efforts
CareFirst has announced it is expanding the impact of its “Better Together” COVID-19 vaccination adoption campaign through a new pledge targeted to all its employees and contingent workers. The effort seeks to protect the public’s health by inspiring employees to get vaccinated against the coronavirus when eligible. CareFirst also invited local and regional organizations to join in the initiative by pledging to do the same with their employees. CareFirst will donate $100 for every CareFirst employee and contingent worker pledge and $1,000 for each organization pledge. Donations are expected to reach as much as $1.7 million and will be shared among several regional community organizations contributing to historic efforts to achieve target vaccination rates necessary to end the devastating impacts of this pandemic. Read more.

In its 79th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.4 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2015, CareFirst contributed more than $40 million to more than 300 community programs designed to increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit their website or follow them on Twitter @CareFirst

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