Hi everyone,
We’re sure you all are watching the Trump administration’s latest authoritarian power-grab: temporarily ordering a freeze on federal grants and loan programs. This is part of the larger far-right strategy of pushing the poor and working class, especially QTBIPOC, deeper into crisis while enriching the wealthiest few.
At PWN, we’re committed to analyzing any new announcements and policies that will likely impact people living with HIV, and bringing that analysis to you. We refuse to contribute to the chaos and anxiety of this moment. Instead, we will share accurate information, timelines, and resources as we see them.
The #HIVResists Monthly Policy Update for January, which will be released soon, has more information about the onslaught of Executive Orders and policies that endanger our lives and livelihoods.
In the meantime, here are some things we do and do not know about the freeze on federal funds:
WHAT: The Trump administration announced a freeze on federal government grants & loan programs.
WHO THIS IMPACTS: It’s not entirely clear yet. We know some of the programs that will be impacted. The freeze could affect billions of dollars in grants to state and local governments and nonprofit organizations, including education and health care programs, medication and housing assistance, disaster relief, and a host of other programs. The administration has also named some of the programs that won’t be impacted, for example, Social Security, Medicare, and “assistance provided directly to individuals.” It is not immediately clear what “assistance provided directly to individuals” means, but Medicaid and SNAP will reportedly continue without pause. That said, some of the supposedly excluded programs, such as Medicaid, have reported system interruptions. We cannot rely on the Trump administration’s word.
WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN: The suspension was slated to go into effect today, January 28, at 5 p.m. EST. A federal judge temporarily blocked part of the suspension, protecting “open awards” – a.k.a funds that were already slated to be disbursed – until at least February 3. We do not know how long the pause will last or the full impact of the order. Folks are trying to figure it out now and as we learn more, we will share it.
WHAT’S NEXT: The order is being challenged and, once again, a federal judge has already temporarily blocked part of it. Senate Democrats and a coalition of states have vowed to fight the White House on this. We will continue to push every lawmaker in the U.S. to swiftly demand an end to this dangerous, illegal action.
As expected, this administration continues to recklessly move policies that threaten our health, rights, well being, and existence. They have been escalating violence against poor and working class folks, immigrants, trans and gender diverse people, LGBTQI + folks, Black, Indigenous and other communities of color – all communities most impacted by HIV. We also know that this administration thrives on chaos, panic, and cruelty. These are tactics to exhaust us. It’s harder to fight together when we are frightened and tirelessly competing for scraps.
The news is scary. While we might not have all the answers, we have each other. You are not alone. PWN as a family, network, and political home is going to fight harmful policies alongside you every step of the way. The state was never going to save us; we will save us.
Resources:
Here is the memo and here is the list of agencies and programs being audited in case you want to read it yourself
Check out the messaging guidance in the Freedom over Fascism Toolkit.
PBS news, Trump orders temporary funding freeze that could affect trillions of dollars
Politico, Trump administration targets thousands of programs in funding freeze
Politico, Democrats declare ‘constitutional crisis’ on funding freeze
NYTimes, States Will Sue to Block Trump’s Freeze on Federal Grants
NYTimes, Medicaid System That Provides Funding to States Stops Working, Officials Say
CNN, Judge temporarily blocks part of Trump administration’s plans to freeze federal aid
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