A coalition of organizations representing state and local governments is urging Congress to provide $300 million in Fiscal Year 2027 funding for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), warning that continued federal investment is critical as cyber threats grow more sophisticated.
In a June 23 letter to Senate appropriators, six major government associations—including the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), National League of Cities, National Conference of State Legislatures, National Association of Counties, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the International City/County Management Association—called for one year of funding at a level consistent with the program’s average annual funding since its creation in 2021.
The groups described the SLCGP as a vital tool for improving cybersecurity preparedness across state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. According to the letter, grant funding has helped governments implement capabilities such as multifactor authentication, endpoint detection and response, identity and access management, cyber incident response planning, statewide risk assessments, cybersecurity training, and shared security services.
The program was established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and is designed largely to address cybersecurity gaps at the local level. States receiving funds are required to direct 80% of grant dollars toward local governments, helping smaller and rural communities strengthen defenses against cyber threats.
The associations noted that the $300 million request aligns with bipartisan legislation introduced by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) that would reauthorize the program at the same funding level. A separate House measure would extend funding through 2033.
In their letter, the groups said SLCGP investments have improved coordination between state and local governments while helping protect critical services, including emergency communications, public health systems, elections, transportation, and education. They also argued that sustained federal support remains essential as governments continue to face threats from nation-state actors, ransomware groups, and other cybercriminals.
The organizations are also calling for a long-term reauthorization of the grant program, saying predictable funding is necessary for states and localities to develop multi-year cybersecurity strategies and make lasting investments in personnel, technology, and shared services.
The funding request comes as state officials from Florida, New York, and Tennessee recently testified before Congress in support of reauthorizing the program, citing its role in strengthening cyber resilience while state and local governments shoulder an increasing share of cybersecurity responsibilities.
