The fourth school year impacted by the pandemic is more than halfway complete, and school district leaders across the country are working hard to invest remaining ESSER dollars strategically to support learning recovery. With the ESSER spending window closing soon, however, many leaders are spending funds to meet the deadline, rather than continuing to deliberately invest in the evidence-based practices that students need most and that promote long-term sustainability. Fortunately, state legislatures and state education agencies have the power to provide districts and schools with the resources and time they need to ensure students fully recover from pandemic-related disruption. By providing targeted guidance and enacting statutory and regulatory changes, states can--and should--empower districts with more flexible, strategic spending. This brief report looks at the following questions: (1) Why Do Districts Need More Support?; and (2) What Can States Do to Support Districts--Now and Beyond ESSER?