Correction and update on federal funding freeze

By Ben Stein
Policy Matters Ohio

• CORRECTION: Policy Matters Ohio's Jan. 28 statement headlined “Federal freeze could disrupt Ohio budget process, jeopardize critical programs” incorrectly stated the share of Ohio’s Department of Children and Youth’s budget that comes from the federal government. The nearly $3 billion in federal funding makes up 64% of DCY’s budget.

• UPDATE: Since Policy Matters Ohio's initial statement, the administration rescinded the memo that ordered the funding freeze, but continued to assert on social media that the President's initial executive orders on federal funding, which directed agencies to review spending against a vaguely defined and arbitrary applied ideology test “remain in full force.” Court actions may prevent or slow the impact. Policy Matters Ohio’s Executive Director Hannah Halbert has issued the following statement:

“This rollout is a debacle for the administration. The initial memo was so broad in scope and unclear in direction it potentially swept in programs ranging from opioid recovery, unemployment compensation, and supports for cancer patients and survivors. 

“The administration offered no guidance to states that rely on threatened funding, and to my knowledge Ohio’s leaders have yet to demand clarity and assurance that critical funding won’t be withheld. They should do so immediately. Thankfully, a federal court judge has blocked the freeze until a full court decision can be rendered in February. 

“The administration’s attempt to overturn the will of Congress via memo created unnecessary chaos and fear for thousands of Ohioans. It is very likely that the administration will seek other avenues for disrupting programs that don’t pass their litmus tests. 

“Even though the memo has been rescinded, the message it sent was clear: The administration will use the threat of funding freezes and cuts to chill dissent and opposition — be that from states, nonprofits, or people.

“Ohioans support many of the programs and policies this administration would defund and dismantle. Regardless of party, Ohioans want programs that reduce maternal and infant death, that support reproductive freedom, and that increase economic mobility. Many programs that benefit everyday Ohioans could be caught up in the administration’s sweeping actions. Vague, contradictory, unaccountable directives to build target lists is no way to govern in our democracy.”