WA agencies figuring out next steps amid Trump federal funding freeze

All federal grants and federal loan disbursements have been paused by the Trump administration, leaving state agencies like Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction figuring out their next steps.

President Trump on Tuesday paused federal funds, leaving agencies and nonprofits reliant on that funding in a panic.

But just minutes before that funding freeze was slated to begin, a U.S. District Judge in Washington, D.C. blocked the order.

What is the federal funding freeze?

What we know:

The Trump administration promised the funding freeze will not stop federal assistance to individuals, such as through Social Security, Medicare, food stamps and student loans.

However, U.S. Senators reported that Medicaid portals were "down in all 50 states."

Washington State sues the Trump administration over funding freeze

In the midst of the funding freeze confusion, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown announced a multi-state lawsuit against the Trump administration over its "illegal freeze of all federal financial assistance, which directly threatens the health and safety of Washingtonians reliant on a variety of federally funded programs by withholding billions in funds from the state."

The AGO warns this funding freeze "could impact childcare and special education grants, highway planning and construction dollars, energy cost assistance rebates, substance abuse treatment, and nursing care for veterans, among other programs."

"The White House justifies this damaging move with culture war alarmism, but in reality they’re robbing governments and service providers of funds that keep people safe and serve urgent needs in all of our communities," Attorney General Nick Brown said. "People’s jobs are at stake. Services for veterans are at risk. Health care and education would be taken from children. Programs that support crime victims could vanish. These examples are the tip of the iceberg."

The response from local leaders

What they're saying:

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction weighed in on the funding freeze, releasing the following statement:

"Late last night, the Trump Administration announced that all federal agencies are to ‘temporarily pause all activities related to obligations or disbursement of all federal financial assistance’ beginning at 5 pm Eastern Time today. The directive is already facing legal challenges. The announcement contains limited specifics, and we are working quickly to get as much information as possible. The U.S. Department of Education has shared with our federal association that the ‘pause’ will not impact Title I, IDEA, or other formula grants; however, the Department has not yet officially sent this guidance to states. There are no reserves within the Legislature or within OSPI to cover any gaps in federal funds."

The Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP also sounded the alarm bells over losing funding for Head Start, which helps families with early childhood development before preschool. It is also available to migrant and seasonal worker families and Indigenous families.

Executive director Joel Ryan wrote:

"Late last night Head Start programs were informed that the Trump Administration would be "pausing" funding. This led to complete chaos as several Head Start programs prepared to close their doors on Wednesday and worried about making payroll. I was furious, and our members left bewildered.

After a significant outcry from Head Start providers and champions on the Hill like Senator Murray, OMB (Office of Management and Budget) issued a "clarification" that Head Start would not be included. But even after that clarification the payment portal remained down for several hours making federal funding inaccessible. It just opened now. President Trump’s half day shutdown of Head Start was irresponsible, illegal, and created unnecessary chaos.

We also continue to be concerned about other grant programs that impact young children like the childcare food program which Head Start programs rely upon to serve healthy meals and snacks to low income children."

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson weighed in on the funding freeze, as well.

"Presidents have significant powers and elections have consequences. However, President Trump’s refusal or inability to advance his priorities in a lawful and constitutional manner is creating needless and cruel chaos," wrote Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson. "We’re confident that the courts will, once again, determine that he is exceeding his authority."

U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene released the following statement:

 "President Trump is trying to create a one-man government shutdown by illegally halting taxpayer dollars that support American families in order to advance his far-right agenda. He is intentionally sowing fear and confusion in our communities at a time when people need this support more than ever to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. The impact of this freeze will hurt communities and raise prices on families regardless of who they supported last November.

"Congress authorized these resources with support from Democrats and Republicans, and no president can blatantly ignore the law in this way. President Trump must immediately follow Congress’ instructions and unfreeze these funds."

The president’s directive leaves many questions unanswered. The consequences of his action could include cutting off funds for:

  • SBA loans available to Washington small businesses and families harmed by the November 2024 storms.
  • Ongoing bridge, road, public transit, and other infrastructure programs.
  • The federal contribution to Apple Health, Washington’s Medicaid program.
  • Programs that combat the fentanyl crisis and substance use disorder.
  • Grants that pay for teachers, police, and firefighters.
  • Research programs at Washington’s educational institutions."

What we don't know:

The federal judge's blocking of the funding freeze will pause it from going into effect until Monday, and it is uncertain what the next steps will be.

Local agencies say they are still working to get clarification about what federal funding they are losing, and what their next move is.

The Source: Information comes from OSPI, the Governor's Office, and the office of Rep. Suzan DelBene, with previous coverage from FOX 13 Seattle, FOX LiveNOW, and the Associated Press.

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