Madison – A bill sponsored by Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D-Green Bay) would require the Legislature to act in the event of a Presidential Executive Order that freezes federal funding for critical local services. Under the bill, such an Executive Order would trigger an Extraordinary Session of the Legislature to determine how to use the state’s “rainy day fund” to temporarily fill the gaps left by a federal funding freeze.
“The Trump Executive Order and the memo from his administration that illegally froze federal funds caused unnecessary chaos, confusion and concern. From AmeriCorps to local hospitals, organizations and services have been impacted here in Green Bay. Sadly during the last crisis numerous child care centers had to shut down until their funding was restored. This bill is meant to provide some stability and peace of mind for Wisconsin communities,” Rivera-Wagner said.
A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) prohibiting the Trump administration from enforcing the illegal and destructive federal freeze in early February. However, the administration continues to block hundreds of millions of dollars in Congressionally-approved federal funding, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants that are essential for state emergency management efforts.
“It is important that government serve to improve people’s lives, not disrupt it. Child care, K-12 and higher education, the National Weather Service, these are just some of the programs and services – and jobs – that Green Bay and Wisconsin families rely on every day and that are at risk under the Trump administration. This bill will at least provide a bit of a safety net for our communities next time Trump and Elon Musk attack our much-needed jobs and services,” said Rivera-Wagner.
The bill is currently being circulated for co-sponsors.
