The threat of losing federal funding hangs like the Sword of Damocles over local and state governments around the country.
In its most recent “County Connections,” a periodic newsletter Cook County issues to explain its activities and priorities, several county department heads reported on the effects of possible funding cuts.
It was written by Highway Engineer Robert Kimmel-Hass, with contributions from SWCD District Manager Ilena Hansel, PHHS Director Alison McIntyre, Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers, and MIS Director/ Interim Administrator Rowan Watkins.
Several areas of local government rely on grant funding to serve taxpayers.
The increasing importance of grant funding for public services reflects changes in government finance, societal needs, and the role of non-governmental organizations.
Governments at all levels (federal, state, and local) always face budget limitations. Grant funding allows for essential programs and projects that might otherwise be unaffordable.
Infrastructure projects like roads and bridges are expensive, and local governments may not have the revenue to complete them. Grants provide a means to complete projects that would otherwise be impossible.
The piece in County Connections begins, “With all the recent news regarding federal funding freezes and cuts, we thought this would be a good opportunity to let our community know what all this means for Cook County.”
It goes on to say the freezes and cuts rumored to be coming “will and are impacting Cook County.”
The Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) receives 75% of its budget from grants. Ms. Hansel reports that no funding has been frozen, and no notice of funding denial has been issued. The SWCD has historically received $200,000 to $500,000 of federal funds per year. However, it is aware of potential cuts that will reduce its capacity to provide services to the community.
Kimmel-Hass writes, “Our roads and bridges rely on state and federal funding for construction.” He reports on three funding opportunities that are now paused: the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), National Scenic Byway Program (NSBP), and Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT). Totaling $4 million, these funds, “would go towards resurfacing the end of the Gunflint Trail.” Without these funds, the Gunflint project will be put on hold.
County Connections reports that In 2023, over half of all PHHS revenue, $2.2 million came from State and Federal sources. Proposed federal cuts to Medicaid will affect children, persons with disabilities, seniors, and other residents that Medicaid serves.
Twenty percent of Cook County residents are enrolled in a Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare plan, according to PHHS.
All government services are or will be affected. A grant of $37,850 already awarded to the county Firewise program by the DNR is on hold as funding is of federal origin.
