Federal funding in blue states is in danger
Trump has threatened to suspend federal funding from blue states beginning Feb. 1st. Now they've ordered all federal agencies except for the Department of Veterans to provide details on their federal funds allocations. Here is an update from this CBSnews article (click to read full details):
The reports being sought must contain details about all federal funding to states and localities, universities, and nonprofit organizations operating within those states.
The government is seeking federal spending data from a list of states including:
ā all led by Democrats.
CBS News could not immediately determine why the federal spending data is being sought.Ā
The Trump administration has been trying to cut off federal funding to a variety of states and localities, resulting in dozens of lawsuits by states and nonprofits that have had their funding revoked.Ā
The funds at issue are appropriated by Congress.
The deadline for agencies to send the data is Jan. 28."
If you live in a blue state:
You may be affected by the reduction or withdrawal of federal funding if:
You rely on federally-funded programs to get basic needs & funds (certain pantries, Medicaid, SNAP, PA, WIC, SSI, etc.)
You live in federally-funded places, such as Section 8, residential services, supported housing, or hospitals.
You're a student using federal aid, attending a state-run university, or public school.
You work at a federally-funded institution, like a hospital, post-office, or school.
You are a patient at a federally-funded institution.
I can't say how this will affect anyone in particular - but if they DO suspend federal funding to blue states, the MOST vulnerable people will be anyone who depends DIRECTLY on federal funding to meet their basic needs. This means people from categories 1 and 2, and unfortunately includes yours truly on both. Please look up whether institutions relevant to you receive federal funding. It's not always obvious with grants and all.
This does not automatically mean we're all going to end up in the worst case scenario. If those goes through, it's unfortunate that some of us will. We don't know how long it'll last. We don't know how much funding will be given back. But what we do know is that IF this is allowed to happen for long enough, the most vulnerable of us will be on the streets or worse.
PLEASE, if you are not reliant on these programs, reach out to your neighbors. Get involved with your local mutual aid groups. Go to the rundown apartment complexes in your town and help them in any way you can. Be friendly. Be kind. Be clear about what's going on, but also give people hope.
You can save their life. You can feed them so they don't starve. You can be their friend so they're not alone. You can give them a reason to keep going. Hell, if you can help anyone laid off find a job, do it. Please. We need people to fight for us.