North Carolina Democratic leaders held an event at the state capital on the dangers and consequences of President Donald Trump’s recent federal funding freeze. U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (D- Wake) was joined by Attorney General Jeff Jackson and other democrats to protest an executive order by President Donald Trump that halted federal agencies from disbursing federal funds. The freeze would result in North Carolina losing billions of dollars in funding for disaster relief, public schools, and state agencies. Though the order was temporarily blocked by a federal judge, Ross explained that it has left state and federal officials confused on how to proceed. She remains hopeful that it will not be allowed to pass but expressed the importance of understanding what is at risk.
Ross said she has spoken with staff at North Carolina State University who expect their departments would have to begin layoffs if the federal funding freeze goes into effect. This could also be the fate of teachers in the state. Chris Heagarty, the chairman of the Wake County Public Schools System, said that, due to the amount of funding schools get from the federal government, it’s possible that some teachers may have to be laid off if that funding stops. Heagarty goes on to say that services like free lunch, mental health counseling, and specialty programs for students with autism, are all at risk with the funding freeze.
Outside of education, the freeze also affects the tens of thousands of police officers and firefighters in our state as federal grants help firehouses and police stations stay equipped with life-saving and essential equipment. Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined North Carolina in the lawsuit that brought the funding freeze to a temporary halt. He argues that, as President, Trump does not hold the power to control federal funding. The former congressman argues that power belongs to Congress according to the Constitution. “Here’s the bottom line,” Jackson said. “No one is more powerful than the Constitution, and when our government violates the Constitution, we will take them to court.”
Trump has called the freeze necessary to lower the amount of federal funding and has said he aims to target areas like climate change, diversity and other topics unfavorable to conservatives. Tim Moore (R- Cleveland) called these policy areas “woke and wasteful” while defending Trump’s executive orders. “President Trump’s leadership is focused on ensuring resources are prioritized for the Americans who need them most, and not for the previous administration’s woke and wasteful policies that diverted funds away from their intended purpose.”
While rallying at the capital, Ross urged the crowd to not give up. “We cannot give in. We will not let this administration threaten our community, our state, and the millions of people who rely on the federal government to do its job.”
