Montgomery County Council members introduced a bill Tuesday morning to allocate $7.75 million to offset effects of the federal shutdown and cuts in federal funding.
The package includes $3.5 million for food assistance, $2.25 million to nonprofit organizations who are dealing with increased needs, $1 million for short-term housing support, $500,000 for the MoCo Pride Center, and $500,000 for business development and expansion.
A hearing and vote on the new funding are scheduled for Nov. 18 at 1 p.m.
Several councilmembers volunteered at food distribution centers this past weekend and remarked that people who normally volunteer are now on the receiving end.
And some of those federal workers are accepting the food and then signing up to help others, noted Councilmember Laurie Anne-Sayles.
If approved, the money will come from the county’s undesignated reserves in its general fund.
The money will help, but “we know there is more to do,” said Council President Kate Stewart.
“This package isn’t just about money. It’s a message that Montgomery County government is going to respond decisively to meet the moment,” declared Councilmember Andrew Friedson during Tuesday’s Council session.
“This is going to be a lifeline to organizations that definitely need it,” he said.
“Our nonprofit organizations have been working overtime,” said Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe, adding, “They work tirelessly. This resolution shows we will never take you for granted.”
Sayles said she plans to request an amendment to the $7.5 million bill to add an additional $2 million. Most of that funding would go to the county’s Office of Food Systems Resilience. The rest would be allocated to CASA and Identity.
