Connecticut Leaders Challenge Trump’s Federal Cuts Threatening Thousands

 

Reaction in Connecticut and across the country was instant when the White House ordered an immediate halt to federal grant programs, endangering thousands in an act of open class warfare.

“People’s lives and their livelihoods are at stake,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. “The Constitution makes it clear: The power of the purse resides with the Appropriations Committee.” She caled the vicious move “nothing less than highway robbery,” and “President Trumpt's theft of taxpayer dollars.”

Connecticut is one of 21 states filing a lawsuit to end the theft. Attorney General William Tong called the act an “arbitrary and capricious order” violating the separation of powers.

Connecticut for All, a large labor-community-faith coalition of many organizations that provide basic services said, “Despite being temporarily blocked by a D.C. federal judge, this decision risks disrupting essential programs that support our local governments, educational institutions, and community services, which rely heavily on federal funding to meet the needs of our communities.”

At stake are Women, Infants and Children (WIC); Title IX; special education funds; Head Start, home energy rebates; housing for the elderly and disabled; most programs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; veteran programs; the Crime Victims Fund; community health centers; substance abuse prevention and more.

“Over 30,000 members of SEIU 1199NE are ready to stand up against this threat, as we have done throughout our history,” said Rob Baril, President of SEIU 1199, “ This latest threat from the administration endangers funding for hospitals, nursing homes, state agencies, and community programs across Connecticut. It is a direct attack on some of our most vulnerable.”

“These programs provide a lifeline to families struggling to make ends meet, ensuring they have the support needed to put food on the table and keep their families stable,” said Karime Pimentel, Naugatuck Valley Project, “Removing these resources only deepens poverty, exacerbates inequality, and places unnecessary strain on local communities and services. At a time when many are still recovering from economic hardships, these cuts are not only heartless—they are short-sighted and harmful to the very fabric of our society." 

“Title I funds are crucially important to sustain the impactful work that takes place in our schools throughout the state of CT,” said Leslie Blatteau, President, New Haven Federation of Teachers Local 933, and AFT-CT Divisional Vice President for PreK12, “If these funds are frozen, our students’ academic, social, and emotional wellbeing will be at risk. As we continue to prioritize our students’ needs, we know we need more staff and more opportunities, not threats of layoffs and shuttered programs as a result of President Trump’s overreach.” 

“The housing market as we know it depends on federal housing subsidies,” said Hannah Srajer, President, Connecticut Tenants Union, “Sudden removal of federal funding to critical housing programs–including homelessness services, rental assistance, public housing, legal aid, and more–will force millions more tenants into eviction and homelessness, leaving huge portions of the working class even more vulnerable to predation, deprivation, and, frankly, death. Tenants must prepare for the worst by organizing ourselves into unions resilient enough to combat the anti-tenant, anti-poor, anti-working class agenda of this administration.” 

“Federal funding is critical to the future of our early education and climate change mitigation. Our Care4Kids and Headstart program provide vital education opportunities that give children a strong foundation for success while ensuring parents can participate in the workforce,” said Travis Woodward, President of CSEA SEIU Local 2001 representing childcare workers, public school employees and state employees, “Work across our state agencies also rely on these federal grants, including at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Agricultural Station. Without federal grants, Connecticut risks the well-being of our children and the safety of our communities and well being of our beautiful state”

“These programs provide a lifeline to families struggling to make ends meet, ensuring they have the support needed to put food on the table and keep their families stable,” said Karime Pimentel, Naugatuck Valley Project, “Removing these resources only deepens poverty, exacerbates inequality, and places unnecessary strain on local communities and services. At a time when many are still recovering from economic hardships, these cuts are not only heartless—they are short-sighted and harmful to the very fabric of our society."

“Cutting funding for school lunch programs would be a direct attack on the health and well-being of our children,” explained Isabel Rivera, Fight for HPS community coalition, “These programs ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to nutritious meals that are essential for learning and growth. For many in our schools this is the only meal they will have. The impact of these cuts will be felt long after the school bell rings, as they set back efforts to build a healthier, more equitable future for all."