Wisconsin Gov. Evers warns of ‘disastrous consequences’ on federal aid freeze
Wisconsin is receiving $28.2-billion in federal assistance within the current two-year budget, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau; roughly 61 percent of that goes to the Department of Health Services.
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Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers urged the Trump administration Tuesday, January 28, 2025 to delay implementing a sweeping pause on federal aid, warning of potential “disastrous consequences” for state residents.
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In a letter to President Trump, the Democratic governor requested “immediate guidance, information, and clarification” about the effects of the funding freeze, which takes effect January 28, 2025 at 5 p.m. (eastern).
“With very few details and specifics available, virtually no time for ample review and consideration, and no direct communication to date, states are left to plan for the worst,” Evers wrote.
The governor emphasized the need for more time to conduct a “thorough and thoughtful review and feedback from all those who may be directly impacted.”
The federal aid suspension comes after a memo from Matthew Vaeth, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, directed that all spending must align with Trump’s executive orders on transgender rights, environmental justice and diversity initiatives.
Evers said Wisconsin residents and millions of Americans are “rightfully alarmed and concerned by this unprecedented decision are left scrambling.”
Wisconsin is receiving $28.2-billion in federal assistance within the current two-year budget, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Roughly 61 percent of that goes to the Department of Health Services, of which a majority is spent on Medicaid programs. The federal assistance represents roughly 28.3 percent of the overall state budget.
The pause affects trillions of dollars in federal funding, including grants already awarded but not spent, potentially impacting health care research, education programs and other initiatives.
