MADISON- Today, State Representatives Christian Phelps (D- Eau Claire) and Angelina Cruz (D- Racine), and State Senator Chris Larson (D- Milwaukee) introduced the Frozen Federal Funds Emergency Act. The bill requires the Wisconsin state legislature to convene a special session if the President freezes congressionally approved Federal funds to Wisconsin to protect Wisconsin communities, businesses, and essential programs.
In response, Rep. Hysell (D- Sun Prairie) released the following statement regarding the bill:
“President Trump and his allies have taken unconstitutional actions to cut vital services to Wisconsin businesses and families. Assembly Democrats are fighting back and I’m proud to join them today in this effort by sponsoring the Frozen Federal Funds Emergency Act.
“The harm caused by Trump’s chaotic, unlawful cuts and freezes have put Wisconsin nonprofits, businesses, and farmers in a bind. First, grants to programs like Head Start were frozen. Next, Medicaid was put on the chopping block by Congressional Republicans. This is incredibly concerning because in my Assembly District, a third of children receive their healthcare through Medicaid.
“Each year, Wisconsin sends the federal government about 69 billion dollars in taxes under the premise that we will get at least some of that money back. It is just plain wrong that the Trump Administration is withholding our money to finance tax cuts for billionaires.
“While we wish we weren’t in this position at all, we recognize that the time for action is now. Although Assembly Republicans so far have ignored the havoc created by Trump’s unconstitutional freezes, Assembly Democrats today are demonstrating that they are committed to representing the economic interests of the 99% over the interests of the billionaire class.”
