Congresswoman Gwen Moore Slams Trump Administration Effort to Hurt Families, Target Blue States

The Trump administration announced an indiscriminate and harmful freeze on over $12 billion in critical child care funding in all states and another $8 billion in Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF program), the Child Care and Development Fund, and Social Services Block grant funding for California, Illinois, New York, Minnesota and Colorado, without any evidence justifying such an extraordinary action. The five states use the now-frozen funding to serve more than 2.5 million children, families, and seniors, providing services ranging from childcare and cash assistance to adult protective services and foster care. In response, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

“The Trump administration is weaponizing unverified fraud allegations to hurt low-income families in so-called ‘blue’ states. These programs help vulnerable families, including Trump supporters, access childcare, educational support, and job training, in addition to affording basic living expenses. Without them, eligible families will struggle to access services and supports, causing uncertainty and leaving them in limbo. Childcare is an important employment enabler but quality, affordable care is often hard to find, especially for lower income families.

It’s clear that this Administration only uses allegations of fraud as a political tool. And once again, these political games show the Administration’s blatant disregard for Congress’s power of the purse.

This is not about fraud. And it is certainly not about acting in the best interest of the families who will be hurt by this arbitrary action. Unfortunately, it is those individuals and families who are already struggling the most with high energy, food, and grocery costs and who are most vulnerable to a sluggish labor market that will suffer because of this action. I expect legal challenges in the future, and I hope they stop these cruel, ill-advised efforts.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.