In a major milestone for special districts and the communities they serve, the United States Congress is considering passage of the Special District Grant Accessibility Act (SDGAA).
SDGAA embodies the National Special District Coalition’s (NSDC’s) longstanding legislative objective of codifying in federal law a first-ever, formal definition of “special district.” In addition to establishing such a definition, the SDGAA would direct federal agencies to recognize special districts as local governments for the purpose of ensuring that districts are eligible to receive appropriate forms of federal assistance, including funding and resources through key grant programs.
CSDA is a founding member of NSDC, which is the nationally recognized voice for all special districts in Washington D.C. NSDC developed the SDGAA through an extensive, stakeholder process and has worked since its inception to grow awareness and understanding of special districts and the essential services and infrastructure they provide to millions of Americans.
The House bill, H.R. 7525, which is sponsored by Representative Pat Fallon (R-TX) and Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) with co-sponsorship by 14 Representatives from both sides of the aisle of the California Congressional Delegation, cleared the House of Representatives on an overwhelming 352-27 vote and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee 10-1. The Senate companion bill, S. 4673, is sponsored by Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).
CALL TO ACTION
CSDA is calling all special districts and organizations that partner and collaborate with special districts to join over 230 California special districts and hundreds more nationally to join our coalition efforts.
- Click the orange button at the top-right of this page to authorize CSDA and NSDC to include your organization in support of SDGAA on our Coalition Letters and other communications going forward
The Latest
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) approved the Special District Grant Accessibility Act (SDGAA) Wednesday, July 31 on a 10-1 vote. Senator Laphonza Bulter of California, who sits as a member of HSGAC, was among those voting “aye”.
Having already passed off the House floor, the strong support for the SDGAA in HSGAC well positions the legislation heading into Congress’ summer recess. Our collective goal will be to secure SDGAA floor time this fall.
Those in support of SDGAA should continue to raise the importance of the measure with your U.S. Senators, respectfully requesting their cosponsorship and favorable consideration when the bill comes up later this year.
View the July 31, 2024 Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee action on H.R. 7525
View the May 6, 2024 House Floor action on H.R. 7525
View the March 7, 2024 House Oversight and Accountability Committee action on H.R. 7525