What Does the COVID-19 Stimulus Bill Mean for Tech?

Source: Gov Tech Published:  MARCH 26, 2020

Lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are poised to pass historic legislation to help nurse the country through the economic woes related to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are the technology implications.

Late Wednesday night, the Senate approved the $2.2 trillion stimulus package titled Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides $150 billion to states and local government to respond to the pandemic and economic crisis caused by COVID-19. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote on Friday.

The $150 billion in aid to states and localities in the Coronavirus Relief Fund is mostly allocated by population with a guarantee that each state receives at least $1.25 billion. Additionally, there is $3 billion reserved for U.S. territories and the District of Columbia and $8 billion set aside for tribal governments.

The $2 trillion federal stimulus bill also includes $340 billion (in addition to the $150 billion) in emergency supplemental funding of which more than 80 percent ($274 billion) will go directly to states and localities, according to the Senate Appropriations Committee. An analysis of the various funding streams has identified various technology-related opportunities including $400 million in elections security. Here is a breakdown of some of the key funding streams that are either directly related to technology or may incorporate technology as an allowable expense:

Read more here.