29-01-2025
Columbus leaders troubled by federal funding threats
Columbus officials and organizations face uncertainty about the potential impacts of President Trump's attempted funding freeze that was halted by a judge.
Why it matters: The directive could freeze or eliminate funding to many Central Ohio nonprofits and government programs.
Catch up quick: Trump's memo seeks to pause federal grant, loan and financial assistance programs, particularly those that involve "DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal."
It's created confusion across the country. A federal judge temporarily blocked the order with an administrative stay that expires next Monday.
Threat level: Hannah Halbert, executive director of progressive think tank Policy Matters Ohio, tells Axios the memo is a "debacle" that threatens programs that fund opioid recovery, unemployment and cancer patient support.
"The only thing certain about this memo is that it is causing a tremendous amount of uncertainty and panic."
Case in point: The nonprofit LifeCare Alliance runs Columbus' Meals-on-Wheels program. Its president and CEO, Charles Gehrig, tells us the organization was happy to hear the White House's clarification that Meals-on-Wheels won't be targeted.
However, he's still worried about funding for other LifeCare Alliance programs that support older adults and those with AIDS.
But, he emphasized: "Don't worry, your meal is coming tomorrow."
Behind the scenes: City Attorney Zach Klein's office is meeting to discuss next steps and begin identifying what may be at risk, per city spokesperson Melanie Crabill.
The city will flag any federal grant awards that could be affected, particularly those related to green and DEI initiatives.
What they're saying: Mayor Andrew Ginther, in his capacity as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, released a statement saying "America's mayors are deeply concerned" about the "sweeping freeze."
Other Democrats are similarly uncertain.
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus) called the move "thoughtless" and a "deliberate attack on our nation's democracy" in a statement Tuesday.
What we're watching: A spokesperson for Klein tells Axios that "all options, including litigation, remain on the table as we navigate the impacts of this executive action."
