Legalectric

Trump’s disdain, disregard, every imaginable dis, is embodied in the federal funding freeze, funding cuts, closing of crucial agencies, gutting the federal workforce, and we’re all going to be paying for it. The impacts are already severe, and from there, it only gets worse.

In last weekend’s bEagle:

Federal funding cuts hurt our community

Since word of the Trump administration federal funding freeze was released, I’ve been trying to nail down the impacts to Goodhue County, Red Wing, Red Wing School District and even our library.

It’s not easy. The state now has a website showing funding at risk and funding cuts: mn.gov/mmb/budget/federal-investments/data-and-reporting/ showing “Temporary Disruptions” and “Permanent Cancellations.” What’s missing is an explanation that the “power of the purse” is with Congress, and that it’s unconstitutional for the executive branch to interfere with Congressionally appropriated funds.

The impact? Withholding funding pulls the rug out from under local governments.

The state’s page lists infrastructure projects at risk by county. Look for yourself, Goodhue County projects total $56,967,740. mn.gov/mmb/budget/federal-investments/data-and-reporting/programs-projects.jsp

At the last City Council meeting, we heard of a $1.9 million grant for bulkhead rehab, but that’s federal funding at risk, as is $641,543 for “airport operations and capital projects.” Red Wing “local road/bridge projects” total $4,439,275. How to make up for this $4,439,275 investment? How many jobs are lost? Do we foot the bill, or will the projects disappear?

Our elected officials swore on oath to support the Constitution of the United States, the constitution of this state, and to discharge faithfully the duties of their office to the best of their judgment and ability. Some, however, did vote for Trump. There’s an inherent conflict when this administration’s actions are gutting our economy and damaging our local governments through unconstitutional acts. To elected officials, what does your oath of office require? Particularly those who voted for Trump, what are you doing to restore federal funding for our community? Show your work.

Carol A. Overland

Red Wing