Latest news with #AmericanRescueAct
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Biden's race-based loan program hurt white farmers, whistleblower says
(NewsNation) — While President Donald Trump has spoken out against most of the Biden administration's policies, he's been particularly enraged by what he sees as Biden's endorsement of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in all aspects of government. However, Trump didn't even know the Biden administration had managed to implement DEI policies involving American farmers. It has remained a secret until now. NewsNation exclusively spoke with a whistleblower from the United States Department of Agriculture about loan forgiveness policies under the Biden administration. The whistleblower discussed the passage of the American Rescue Act and how Section 1005 of that act provided loan relief specifically for socially disadvantaged farmers. Analyst: iPhone exports from China to US drop 75% The section provided race-based loan forgiveness, granted only to those who qualified as socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. Buried in the American Plan Rescue Act passed by a Democratic majority in Congress, the United States secretary of agriculture shall 'provide payment in an amount up to 120 percent of the outstanding indebtedness of each socially disadvantaged farmer.' The 'socially disadvantaged farmer' was defined by the act as American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian, Black, African American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino in order to qualify for their loan to be paid off, plus 20% to cover taxes. When word got out that the American Rescue Plan Act was paying off the loans of only a specific class of minority farmers, white farmers from all over the country sued in federal court, alleging that the American Rescue Plan Act was race-based and violated the equal protection clause under the Constitution. James Dunlap owns a small family farm in Baker City, Oregon. He works two other jobs to keep his farm afloat, but he did not qualify for loan forgiveness because he's white. James Dunlap told NewsNation that he found out about the new loan forgiveness policy from a friend. Trump admin orders halt to student visa interviews 'As far as I understand, not at all. It wasn't about hardship. It wasn't about financial situations. It was about that box you checked under ethnicity line under your application,' he said. If a borrower checked the 'non-white' box, they received loan forgiveness. It didn't matter if they actually needed assistance in making their loan payments. Dunlap, along with other white farmers, successfully sued the Biden administration in federal court with the assistance of their attorney, Glenn Roper, from the Pacific Legal Foundation. The federal court judge found the loan forgiveness program for socially disadvantaged farmers was 'an actual constitutional harm that cannot be undone.' He added that the fact James and other white farmers 'will suffer the harm of being excluded from eligibility for that debt relief program solely on the basis of race … is irreparable.' But despite the federal judge's ruling, the Biden administration wasn't ready to give up on providing loan forgiveness for socially disadvantaged farmers. Trump plans to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley They pushed for passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provided $3.1 billion for distressed direct and guaranteed loan borrowers (all farmers) who were over 60 days delinquent on qualified loans as of September 30, 2022. It was intended to provide financial assistance to all distressed borrowers as of January 2023, but as NewsNation discovered, not all farmers were actually informed about the provision. NewsNation obtained a copy of an email that was sent out on January 10, 2023, 'to share information about new payments and/or loan modifications that may assist you.' But the USDA whistleblower told NewsNation that not everyone received this letter. It was only sent out to minority farmers — those who qualified as socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers under the definition set forth in the American Rescue Plan Act, which was subsequently deemed unconstitutional and repealed by Congress. The letter was addressed to borrowers and clearly stated the reason for their notification: 'You are receiving this letter because you were previously informed of your potential eligibility as a Farm Loan Programs borrower for a payment under Section 1005 of the American Rescue Plan Act.' Tommy Tuberville running for governor of Alabama The letter went on to inform these socially disadvantaged farmers that, although the American Rescue Plan Act no longer grants the USDA statutory authority to fund payments to them, a new payment and loan modification program is available under the IRA. The whistleblower told NewsNation none of the white farmers he works with received this email. He also noted that USDA workers were even instructed to tell that specific group of socially disadvantaged farmers to stop paying their loans because they would be forgiven. 'It's not right,' the whistleblower told NewsNation. 'It was discriminatory. Unethical. And the people who pushed it are still in charge of the agency … (those) at the national office. Trump hasn't gotten rid of them.' The USDA spokesperson provided NewsNation with the following statement: 'Over the last four years, the Biden administration left USDA in complete disarray and dysfunction and that's why farmers were being left behind. The entire farm economy has been hurt by Biden's inaction. It is absurd that while the Biden Administration was driving up inflation, American taxpayers were forced to fund billions in woke DEI initiatives. No one should be shocked that Biden weaponized bipartisan farm programs to discriminate and provide taxpayer dollars to one group based on race and not on merit. On day one, Secretary Rollins issued a memorandum to rescind all DEI programs. Instead, USDA is reprioritizing unity, equality, meritocracy, and color-blind policies. Secretary Rollins directed USDA to review Inflation Reduction Act funding to ensure that it honors the sacred obligation to American taxpayers—and to ensure that programs are focused on supporting farmers and ranchers, not DEI programs or far-left climate programs. As part of returning the department to normal business operations, Secretary Rollins has ended the four-year-long COVID-19 pause on debt collections. This includes terminating the 'Distressed Borrowers' program and servicing those loans. Unlike the Biden Administration, under Trump, USDA does not discriminate and single out individual farmers based on race, sex, or political orientation. Secretary Rollins is working to reorient the department to be more effective at serving the American people and put farmers first. Fortunately, President Trump is taking strong action to support farmers by quickly rolling out programs like the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program that provides $10 Billion in direct assistance to producers. All farmers are encouraged to apply.' USDA spokesperson Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
14-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
'Mistrust' abounds between Raleigh and nightlife venues, per new report
Significant tensions exist between the city of Raleigh and downtown bar and nightlife venue owners, according to a new report presented to the city council Tuesday. Why it matters: Raleigh — one of the nation's fastest-growing cities — is exploding. It's been named one of the best places to live on the East Coast, driven in part by the region's affordability, booming tech industry and proximity to top-tier universities. All that growth has forced the city's leaders to reckon with inevitable growing pains, and they're seeking ways to revive downtown's Fayetteville Street, improve the Glenwood South district's accessibility and keep both areas safe. Driving the news: There's a deep level of "mistrust" between venues and the city, according to a report from the Responsible Hospitality Institute. Business owners don't feel heard, the report said, and the city's enforcement of COVID restrictions "set the tone for that mistrust," Whitney Schoenfeld, of the city's office of events, said Tuesday. "Regularly changing policy direction at City Council" has also contributed to that mistrust, according to the report. Among the biggest points of contention at the moment: the city's noise ordinance, which was repeatedly mentioned in the 48-page report and during the organization's presentation Tuesday. How it works: The city commissioned the Responsible Hospitality Institute report, using $100,000 of American Rescue Act funding, according to Indy Week. The organization spent some six months conducting on-site visits, listening sessions, interviews, a women's focus group and other meetings. The good news: "There's a tremendous amount of strength in Raleigh's social economy," Responsible Hospitality Institute senior consultant Jocelyn Kane told city council, pointing to the city's events and festivals, public art, and "Sip and Stroll" initiative. "We do this a lot in other places, and this is one of the most fun places we've been." Yes, but: Between January and September last year, the city saw 158 noise complaints, 12 civil violations and 18 criminal citations, per the News & Observer. Despite the city's recent revision of its noise ordinance after a two-year community engagement process, "its effectiveness is now in question," the report said, as the penalties "are insufficient to deter repeat offenses." The report recommends that the city again revise its noise ordinance, restart its community engagement process and hire a mediator to "help facilitate productive engagement between the City and business community, between which lies a chasm of mistrust." The city could also create a map of noise complaints. What they're saying:"I felt just a tangible sense of relief listening to this conversation, because I've struggled so much just in my four months," Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell said of the noise ordinance recommendations, per ABC11. "I just don't understand. I see no path in the current system."
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A new park, homeowner loans and other takeaways from Tosa's 'State of the City' address
Wauwatosa residents, business owners, developers, and nonprofit leaders filled Hart Park's Muellner Building on the evening of April 23 to hear the mayor and city staff deliver the first "State of the City" address. Under the historic building's newly revealed "barrel" wooden ceiling, leaders shared the latest on a new park, homeowner loans, city funding challenges and public health initiatives. Here are four takeaways from the evening. Wauwatosa's Public Works Department has had no shortage of projects over the last few years. The department completed the Muellner Building's renovation, oversees street construction, and has added solar paneling to many more city buildings, Public Works Director Dave Simpson told attendees. But perhaps the most anticipated project nearing completion is a new $4 million city park, the first ever on the city's west side. Firefly Grove Park, at North 116th Street and West Gilbert Avenue, will open Wednesday, May 28. It will include walking trails, a sledding hill, a playground, a pavilion and a sculpture garden. It'll also be the home to a giant troll by recycling artist Thomas Dambo, Wauwatosa Tourism Specialist Beth Gleesing told the audience. More information is coming soon on how volunteers can get involved in the building process, she said. A bike pump track, estimated to be completed in July, is another highly-anticipated amenity at the park. A pump track is a looped circuit path, often made out of asphalt or dirt, for cyclists, people on scooters and skateboarders to enjoy. The park was paid for without taxpayer dollars and completely through grants, including American Rescue Act funds. Mark Hammond, Wauwatosa's development director, talked about two city programs that provide financial incentives for eligible homeowners looking to improve their properties. The Housing Rehabilitation Program offers zero-interest loans for low- to moderate-income residents looking to improve things like accessibility, plumbing, electrical or windows in their home. Wauwatosa residents can contact 414-479-8933 or email HomeRepair@ to get in touch with a rehabilitation specialist. Another program offers a limited number of forgivable loans for homeowners who want to build Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs. These are additional living spaces that act like a backyard apartment. ADUs can generate rental income for homeowners and add to the city's housing stock without drastically changing the look of a neighborhood, Hammond told the crowd. The loans are offered on a first come first served basis. For details on design requirements, residents should submit the ADU interest form online or contact the Wauwatosa's Planning Division at 414-479-3522 to setup a consultation. Hammond also described how the city is trying to strike a balance between developing needed affordable housing, investing in business corridors and building in a land-locked community. The city's plans at Mayfair Mall to bring new apartments and replace the former Boston store with Scheels Sporting Goods is an example of adding "density where it makes sense," he said. About 43% of adults over the age of 65 report feeling lonely, according to Wauwatosa Health Department Officer and Director Laura Stephens. That's why the department has focused many mental health efforts on social connection, particularly with an intergenerational approach. Tosa Tech Time is a Wauwatosa Health Department program that empowers young people to help seniors learn to use their cell phones and other technology. Through regular meetings, the program has helped seniors connect glucose monitors to their phone, log into their online medical accounts and message or call friends and family, Stephens said. Other health department programs focus on harm reduction, short-term rental checks, sexual health education, and reviews of reports of animal issues in the community. More information can be found online at the health department website. Additionally, a trained police officer and behavioral health clinician are now responding to crisis calls Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. When available, the Wauwatosa Crisis Assessment Response Team is dispatched by contacting 911 or the Wauwatosa non-emergency line at 414-471-8430 and asking for the CART responders. In closing, Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride said that Wauwatosa is strong, but like other cities, it's had to tighten the belt on spending in recent budgets in the face of levy limits and low amounts of state aid that come through shared revenue. Roughly 2% of Wauwatosa's total revenue comes from state shared revenue, according to McBride. That leaves communities limited in ways to generate revenue, relying heavily on net-new construction, which can only go so far in municipalities like Wauwatosa which has little undeveloped land. Wauwatosa hasn't had to cut city services or staff yet like Brookfield may have to do after a taxpayer referendum failed, McBride said. But "the threat and possibility are always with us" as the city approaches a fiscal cliff, he told the crowd. McBride called on attendees at the State of the City address to reach out to their legislators in Madison to revise how the state structures municipal finances. "This is not a partisan issue," he said. McBride ended the evening asking residents to consider running for local office. The spring 2026 election on Tuesday, April 6 will include Wauwatosa aldermanic seats and a race for Wauwatosa municipal judge. Contact the reporter at bfogarty@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here are 4 takeaways from Wauwatosa's 'State of the City' address
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
AG Torrez joins lawsuit over federal education funds
New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez on April 11, 2025 announced the state had joined another lawsuit against the Trump administration, this time over the U.S. Department of Education's revocation of funds. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez on Friday announced the state has joined a coalition of 15 other AGs, along with Pennsylvania Gov. Democrat Josh Shapiro in a lawsuit over a recent U.S. Department of Education cancellation of funds for three programs funded through the American Rescue Act to help vulnerable school children recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: the Homeless Children and Youth; Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund; and Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools programs. 'Cutting critical funding that students and schools are counting on is unacceptable and reckless,' Torrez said in a statement. 'These cuts will have a detrimental effect on our children, stunting their ability to learn in the classroom by rendering schools unable to provide essential resources like food, classroom supplies, special education for teachers and more.' The lawsuit notes that the U.S. Department of Education in late 2023 and early 2024, 'long after the federal government had declared that the COVID-19 pandemic was over,' had given the plaintiff states extensions to use the money they had been awarded to combat the pandemic's impact on vulnerable student populations. On March 28, 'with no advance notice or warning,' U.S Education Secretary Linda McMahon rescinded that extension, effective the end of the day. 'ED's drastic and abrupt change in position triggered chaos for state education departments…and local school districts,' the complaint says. 'If the rescission action is not vacated and the approved extensions are not reinstated, key programs and services that address ongoing and emerging education needs of Plaintiffs' students and local school districts to combat the long term effects of the pandemic will have to be dissolved or disbanded.' The suit asks for the court to find that the federal education department's rescission of funds violates the American Rescue Act, and to restate the original extension date of March 28, 2026. New Mexico, as of the date the federal education department cancelled the extension of the funds, still had about $778,000 unliquidated funds of the $6.4 million it received under HYC; $12.3 million of the $979.7 million it received under ESSER; and approximately $4.79 million of the $17.4 million it received under EANS.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Allegheny County lab to help efficiently address public health threats
A brand new Allegheny County Public Health laboratory was unveiled on Monday. The $30 million state-of-the-art facility promises faster and more accurate testing for all public health concerns. Allegheny County officials and public health leaders cut the ribbon on a 40 thousand square foot public health laboratory that aims to detect, prevent and better respond to public health threats. 'This facility will play a critical role in identifying outbreaks, tracking emerging health threats and ensuring that timely, data driven decisions are made to protect the residents,' said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. The need for an upgraded and expanded facility became apparent during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. 'Our team had to move closet space and do everything to make do with whatever they could to get the smallest space in the lab to be able to do COVID testing,' said Kim Joyce, with the Allegheny County Health Department. Federal funding from the American Rescue Act helped pay for the multimillion-dollar lab, along with county funds. 'This new lab, it is a prime example of how we can best use federal funding, strategically to improve our counties health infrastructure,' said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. 'We will be able to very quickly and very nimbly be able to readjust our work flows to be able to provide testing for that particular infectious disease, environmental threat or any other public health threat,' said Dr. Iulia Vann, the director of the Allegheny County Health Department. The lab, located in Warrendale, was strategically placed to be easily accessible by highway and numerous counties. It's one of three in the state. 'Not only will [it] save lives, but it will reduce costs for other clinics, and it will make Allegheny County a regional hub for public health excellence,' Innamorato said. There will be a transitional period as the old labs close. The goal is to have everything operating from the Warrendale location by the end of June. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
