​On April 14, NRECA sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen urging the agency to issue guidance that in no way limits or restricts the ability of states and localities to use stimulus funds from The American Rescue Plan (both $10 billion for Capital Projects & $350 Billion for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds) to address their unique needs in regards to broadband infrastructure.  Restrictive guidance from the Department is contrary to the statutory language and would hamper the ability of state and local policymakers—who are much more knowledgeable about the level of broadband service available within their jurisdictions—to address unique local barriers to broadband deployment. Any restriction, no matter how well-intended, has the potential to create winners and losers and is likely to result in rural communities being further left behind in the digital economy.​