Arizona AG Kris Mayes Challenges Federal Funding Freeze
In a significant move, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, along with 22 other Democratic state attorneys general, is contesting a federal funding halt initiated by the Trump administration. The directive has sparked widespread concern due to its potential impact on numerous vital programs.
A memo from the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget, as reported by NPR, mandates a temporary suspension of federal grants, loans, and financial aid. This pause, effective from 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, aims to review whether these programs align with the administration’s priorities (source).
The lack of clarity about which programs are affected has led to confusion. Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs voiced concerns on social media, stating, “We are still evaluating the full impacts of this reckless action, but one thing is clear: this is creating chaos for Veterans, law enforcement, domestic violence shelters and the children of working families.”
AG Mayes highlighted that the freeze jeopardizes essential services such as combating drug trafficking and supporting low-income families with food and childcare assistance. “This is literally how we fund police officers and sheriffs and efforts to bring down the Mexican drug cartels with this money,” Mayes said. “This is how we do it, and Donald Trump just cut that. It’s nonsense. It’s nonsensical. He claims to want to go after the Mexican drug cartels, but then he defunds the police in Arizona.”
Critics argue the measure is unlawful, as the funding was previously approved by Congress. Mayes contends it violates federal laws on expenditure rollbacks and the constitutional separation of powers.
The Trump administration defends the suspension as a temporary measure to ensure program alignment with its priorities. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that essential benefits like social security and Medicare would not be affected.
Despite these assurances, Mayes noted disruptions in accessing federal funds, particularly by Arizona’s Department of Economic Security and other state agencies. A temporary injunction issued by a federal judge in Washington D.C. blocked the funding freeze following legal challenges (source).
Republican state Superintendent Tom Horne reassured that Title I grants, special education funding, and other formula grants remain unaffected. However, he directed his department to secure necessary funds during the federal pause. “Like all state education agencies throughout the country, we are expecting further details from the federal government on the implications of this pause so we can respond accordingly,” Horne said.
Arizona’s Department of Public Safety and other agencies stand to receive substantial federal support, vital for various public services. Democratic U.S. Senator Mark Kelly expressed concerns over potential disruptions, emphasizing their impact on law enforcement, meal programs for seniors and children, disaster response projects, and housing and healthcare assistance.
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