AG Hunter Urges Congress to Pass CARES Act Extension

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter has sent a letter to congressional leadership, urging members to extend the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economy (CARES) Act funding until the end of 2021.

The current deadline for officials to spend the money is Dec. 30. Any money not spent will go back to the federal government.

Attorney General Hunter said extending the deadline will ensure the funds are allocated properly.

“The remaining CARES Act money will go a long way to helping Oklahomans in need,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Spending this money is a complicated legal process. These funds will inevitably be subject to an audit and money spent incorrectly will have to be paid back. That is why it is imperative for officials to take their time and carefully decide where it goes. Extending the deadline is the responsible thing for Congress to do in order for officials to spend it correctly. That is why my attorneys general colleagues and I are encouraging members of Congress to work together and pass legislation to extend the deadline for the funds to be spent.”

The letter, signed by a coalition of 49 attorneys general, says after the money was received it took time to set up allocation methods and the pandemic will continue to challenge communities well beyond Dec. 30, a deadline that now seems unreasonable.

“The CARES Act is a program that is delivering critical resources to local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and families,” the letter continues. “We collectively thank you for your leadership on this issue and hope that you will carefully consider our request to extend the deadline for eligible expenses through 2021.”

There are currently several extension measures in both congressional chambers to extend the deadline.

Read the letter, here: https://bit.ly/3mH7aZ3.