FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2020
CONTACT
Shiloh Perry
(512) 478-8753
shilohp@county.org
President Trump pledges support for county government
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump praised the role of county officials as the first line of defense at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference on Tuesday and pledged the administration's continued support of local government.
Trump was the keynote speaker at the conference’s closing general session at the Washington Hilton.
"I want you to know that my administration will always be your friend and partner and ally and resource as you work to deliver an amazing future for your counties, for your communities and for the country itself," Trump said.
Trump addressed more than 1,200 county officials from across the nation, including Texas. He focused much of the 49-minute speech on counties' role in health care, ensuring that officials at all levels of government were working to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
"As we speak, my administration is working very closely with state and local leaders to contain the coronavirus," Trump said. "We've already met with state, county and health officials in 30 states and conducted regular meetings with governors to coordinate our response."
Trump also outlined plans for improved health care infrastructure at the county level.
"County health officials play a frontline role in battling public health threats, and we are working with Congress very closely … to pass supplemental legislation that ensures state and county health departments get everything they need," he said.
Trump touted the administration's partnership with local government officials to combat the nationwide opioid addiction. As a result, communities saw in some cases significant reduction in reported cases of addiction, he said.
"We've worked closely with local officials. We’ve taken bold action to curb the opioid epidemic, which is a big problem no matter where you come from," Trump said. "And for the first time in 31 years, we actually went down. Some communities are down 17, 18 and 19%."
Trump emphasized his commitment to preserving county government's voice at the federal level to ensure local government continues to get the support it needs.
"As long as I am president, the federal government is on your side 100%,” Trump said. "You will always have a very important seat at the table, and you will always find an open door at the White House."
Members of the Texas Association of Counties attended the address.
"It was an honor to have the opportunity to listen to President Trump address the NACo Legislative Conference," said Renee Couch, Comal County treasurer and TAC Board president. "It is encouraging to know and learn how the administration supports county government. Backing from the national level will help alleviate challenges Texas counties face to better serve our constituents."
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The Texas Association of Counties was established in 1969 to provide services to Texas counties and to promote the value of county government statewide. TAC is the representative voice for all 254 Texas counties and county officials. Through TAC, counties communicate the county perspective to state officials and the citizens of Texas.
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