Statement on Funding Freeze's Impact on Rural Families and Communities

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Chris Gibbs, Ohio farmer and Board President of Rural Voices USA, the nationwide network of farmers and rural community leaders, released the following statement on the Trump Administration's actions on federal funding and the impact on rural communities. 

“The Trump administration’s “ready-fire-aim” announcement to pause federal grant funding sent shock waves through rural America and caused significant disruption as everyone from farmers, to meals-on-wheels, to rural health care systems scrambled to unpack what this would mean for them and their neighbors. 

"This action had real consequences in the lives of American families. 

"Farms, small businesses, and families nationwide rely on these grants to sustain jobs, invest in innovation, and drive local economies. From supporting essential infrastructure projects like roads and bridges to funding rural health care systems and broadband expansion, federal grants are a lifeline for many rural communities." 

"The Administration’s confusing pause, followed by a contradictory statement that the pause didn’t really apply to all programs was amateurish at best. The American people and rural families deserve better. We are pleased that a federal judge has blocked this pause. We are hopeful that Congress will exercise its oversight responsibilities and are hopeful that the court-ordered stay will give the new Administration time to reconsider this ill-conceived plan." 

Rural Voices USA is a 501 (c)4 non-profit bipartisan organization dedicated to ensuring the voices and views of rural Americans are heard in the policy debates impacting their lives. For more information visit https://www.ruralvoices.us/

Contact: Info@ruralvoices.us