FEMA urged not to change COVID-19 reimbursable expenses

The National Governors Association and other organizations representing cities and states yesterday expressed concern that the Federal Emergency Management Agency may eliminate personal protective equipment and disinfectants as eligible reimbursable expenses under public assistance for COVID-19, citing recent communications from the agency.

“We also understand that FEMA may seek to tie eligibility to an arbitrary distinction between ‘response’ and ‘reopening,’” the organizations said in a letter to the agency. “This proposed change to PPE coverage continues a troubling pattern of shifting costs and responsibilities onto states and localities when they can least afford it. … We call on FEMA to keep its current guidance on emergency protective measures, and encourage the Administration to provide clear guidance on eligibility of funding streams from across the federal government.”