Soto Calls on DeSantis to Release CARES Act Funding for Osceola, Florida Counties

KISSIMMEE, FL - Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) led Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis requesting he immediately release the remaining CARES Act federal dollars in the Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to all Florida counties, cities and towns. The letter comes after Osceola County reported it is waiting on $50 million in CRF. The State of Florida is currently holding millions in CARES Act funds which should be transferred to Osceola and other counties and cities with under 500,000 residents.

“The CRF is a vital lifeline for maintaining uninterrupted operation of local government and services and purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),” wrote the Members. “The CARES Act money needs to be spent by December 31, 2020, and cities and counties are in desperate need of these resources now. We urge you to immediately release the remaining Coronavirus Relief Funds to all Florida counties, cities, towns.”

Under the CARES Act, 13 of Florida’s jurisdictions have been able to apply directly to the U.S. Department of Treasury for CRF funds. The vast majority of Florida’s 67 counties, cities, towns are relying on the State of Florida to immediately release CRF funding.

The letter was signed by Reps. Stephanie Murphy, Al Lawson, Val Demings, Alcee Hastings, Lois Frankel, Donna Shalala, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Kathy Castor, Theodore E. Deutch, Frederica S. Wilson and Debbie Wasserman Schultz. 

The letter can be read here. 

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