PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) The Government Accounting Office released a report on the federal American Rescue Plan Act, the federal program to help states cope with the financial stresses caused by the Covid epidemic. Only 53% of the $350 billion allocated to the states had been spent as of September 30, 2023.
Eight states have spent 75% of their allocation of the federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act. Those states were: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Washington.
Eight states have spent less than 25% of their federal allocation. Those states are Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and South Dakota.
Opponents say that when sales tax repeal advocates are looking at state funds and surpluses, one time monies – like those in the American Rescue Plan Act – should not be counted on to make up any shortfall caused by a sales tax repeal on food.