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Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

Has Wisconsin invested the most pandemic aid money of any state in economic development?


yes

Wisconsin is the U.S. state that has invested the most federal pandemic aid money in economic development and business assistance. As of August 2022, the state invested 56% of its funds (totaling over $1 billion) in economic development and 32% in grants to businesses, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Guam, a U.S. territory that also received pandemic aid, directed an even higher proportion to its economy: 57% in economic development and 52% in business assistance.

The federal government created the Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan to aid states' COVID-19 recovery. States have until 2024 to decide how they will use the funds, with the program allowing them a high degree of discretion. Other spending categories include infrastructure, health, welfare, education, public safety and the environment.

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