The Waukesha County government has provided an update on the federal funding pause. The update is intended to provide answers for concerned citizens who many be confused over the local impacts of recent executive orders. In a post on the official ‘Waukesha County Government’ Facebook page, officials addressed the issue:
“Waukesha County uses federal funds on a variety of different programs that serve thousands of people, from Meals on Wheels to road construction and public health services. We do not expect county services to be impacted during the two-week evaluation period outlined in the Executive Order. We are working with county, state leaders and elected officials to determine how this pause in federal funding will impact our long-term funding, and the community we serve.”
However, the post further explained that despite uncertainties about long-term federal funding, “We recognize the need for the federal government to ensure federal funds are being administered properly”.
Waukesha County released this statement in order to address concerns over a President Donald Trump’s recent implementation of a temporary federal funding freeze. On Monday, January 27, an email was sent from the White House’s Office of Management and Budget stating that “Federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance”.
The freeze was put into effect by President Trump so that his new administration would have time to decide whether or not funding was being properly administered and utilized. The White House’s email did clarify that Medicare and Social Security payments would not be affected by the freeze. Additionally, the White House made it clear in a follow-up statement that there would not be a pause for any program that provides direct benefits to the American people. This would include programs such as SNAP and student loans assistance. However, many grants and loans would have their funding paused while being investigated by the new administration.
Waukesha County concluded their Facebook post with a commitment to keeping locals informed about any and all changes. They requested that citizens be patient while the County awaits additional information to be provided to them.
President Trump’s federal funding freeze comes among a slew of other fiscal policy changes to the federal government. On Tuesday, January 28, another email was sent that offered to pay off federal workers through the end of September 2025 if they chose to resign their position. The White House believes that somewhere between 5-10% of workers may accept the resignation offer. The buyout offer is open to all federally funded jobs except for military, postal, and national security workers.
