Trump-caused freeze to federal funding causes fear and impacts Michigan families and workers
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 31, 2025 — This week, Head Start for Kent County (HS4KC) — which provides early childhood education, health services, and parent engagement activities to low-income children and families — has endured the aftermath of the federal freeze. The not-for-profit organization could not access federal funds earlier this week and continues to face challenges even after receiving access. HS4KC requested a draw down for its funds as normal, but they remain pending — causing major confusion and potential payroll and operational issues. The organization will be forced to make difficult decisions that affect operations without financial assurance. This is a major concern that impacts everything from processing vendor payments to payroll and could eventually create a situation where they have to suspend services, if those investments aren’t issued on time. The website to request funds continues to provide a “pending” statement.
“The impact of Trump’s Federal freeze has hit home here in Kent County and beyond in Michigan. It is just incredibly unfortunate and unacceptable that this valuable organization — and the families and kids who rely on it — is experiencing such anxiety and confusion,” said state Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker). “I’m sure the Kent County Head Start and West Michigan families and workers aren’t the only ones affected — all across America, organizations are waiting to see if they will be able to keep their doors open or be forced to stop serving the people. These organizations provide invaluable services — without their hardworking staff and their doors being open, families and children will suffer. In collaboration with MaDonna Princer, the executive director of Head Start for Kent County, I am not just gathering information, but I am also working to advocate for and solve this problem. I assure the residents of Kent County and all Michiganders that in my role as state representative, I will do everything in my power to stand up for you and stand against the chaos that Republicans are causing. This cannot continue.”
The GOP debacle has caused uncertainty for a valuable resource that provides growth and development opportunities to around 1,200 kids in Kent County. Their hard-working families in the Kent County Community would be impacted if their Head Start had to suspend operations. Additionally, around 400 employees would be affected.
“This week has been challenging, to say the least. I have dedicated the past 25 years to Head Start and all the work we do in Kent County. The children and families we have the privilege to serve are the reason my colleagues and I at Head Start are so dedicated. The confusion and chaos this week caused by the Trump Administration’s Executive Order to freeze federal funds is absolutely unprecedented — I can’t remember a more concerning time in my career. What is the most concerning is the negative effects it has and can continue to have on the families who rely on us. Plus, let’s think about how much it threatens the livelihood of the people who show up everyday at our organization to provide comprehensive services to our community’s children and families, ”said MaDonna Princer, Head Start for Kent County executive director. “What organizations across the state and country need is stability and reassurance. I thank state Rep. Glanville and so many others for making this a priority.”
If you are feeling the effects from the federal freeze and need assistance, please contact state Rep. Carol Glanville’s office at (517) 373-0476 or caglanville@house.mi.gov.