Democratic States Sue Trump Administration Over Frozen Funds for Low-Income Families
Attorneys general from Colorado, California, Minnesota, Illinois, and New York have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing funds meant for public benefit programs. The move, which was announced earlier this week, withholds over $10 billion in social safety net funding from the five states. The funds were designated for programs aimed at assisting low-income families, particularly those with children.
Colorado is set to lose more than $300 million in frozen funds that were allocated for child care, social services, and support for low-income families. Governor Jared Polis’s spokesperson, Shelby Wieman, expressed concern over the government’s decision to target vulnerable families and children in this manner.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, leading the lawsuit, argues that the administration’s action is an overreach of power, as the funds were already approved by Congress. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeks to compel the administration to release the frozen funds.
According to James, the administration’s freeze on funds is causing hardship to the most vulnerable members of society and is part of a pattern of chaos and retribution.
Read more: Trump administration freezes Colorado funding for child care, families in ‘deep poverty’
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) informed the states that the freeze applies to the Child Care and Development Fund, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and the Social Services Block Grant. HHS officials have yet to comment on the lawsuit.
In response to allegations of fraud, HHS requested extensive data from the states, including personal information of program participants. California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed concern over the government’s demands for sensitive data within a short timeframe.
California bore the brunt of the frozen funds, with approximately half of the $10 billion allocated for its programs. The administration’s focus on child care subsidies intensified following allegations of fraud in Minneapolis day care centers, predominantly operated by members of the Somali community.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz defended his state’s actions in response to the allegations and emphasized efforts to prevent future fraud. The lawsuit filed by the Democratic states aims to challenge the administration’s unilateral decision to withhold approved funds.
Stay informed with the latest Colorado Politics news by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, The Spot.
