PROPOSAL FOR FUNDS FOR SMALLER COMMUNITIES. The $2 trillion Phase 3 coronavirus relief bill known as the CARES Act, passed nearly two weeks ago, provides direct community stabilization funds only to cities and counties with populations of 500,000 or more.

U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster on Tuesday joined with more than 70 other House members in support of new legislation that would provide an additional $250 billion to be distributed to localities with populations below that 500,000 population cutoff point.

The Coronavirus Community Relief Act was introduced and cosponsored by Kuster, along with fellow Democratic U.S. Reps. Joe Neguse of Colorado, Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, Andy Levin of Michigan and Tom Malinowski of New Jersey.

Kuster joined other lawmakers in calling for direct funding for smaller communities in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting communities of all sizes in New Hampshire and across the country,” she said. “This legislation is the result of concerns I have heard from municipalities and county administrators from across New Hampshire who are working diligently to protect their communities without any guarantee that they will be reimbursed.

“We must ensure that small localities have the resources and services necessary to meet the challenges presented by this public health and economic crisis.”