Lack of Accountability Exists in Allocation of Pandemic Aid, Despite Billions Spent
Nearly 1 in 4 cities and counties in the United States have reported no expenditures from the pandemic relief funds they received, according to data released by the U.S. Treasury Department. Local and federal officials argue that the data is misleading as it does not account for preliminary planning and differing interpretations of reporting requirements. The American Rescue Plan, which provided $350 billion of aid to communities, requires governments to obligate the money for projects by the end of 2023 and spend it by the close of 2026. Critics have questioned the necessity of the spending, particularly as many states have rebounded quickly from the initial tax plunge during the pandemic.
