LANSING, Mich., April 2, 2025 — State Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker) met with local officials, county officials and community members earlier this week to voice concerns about recent actions taken by the federal government.
“Every day brings news of program reorganization and funding cuts imposed by President Trump,” Glanville said. “While the policy comes from Washington, we’re taking direct hits here in West Michigan. Not only is future funding in jeopardy, but just this week, between food pantries and schools, we’ve lost $45 million across the state of Michigan. Feeding America West Michigan and Grandville Public Schools are among those who’ve lost tens of thousands in federal contracts and reimbursement grants.”
Most recently, Grandville Public Schools had nearly $25,000 in pre-approved funding for infrastructure upgrades revoked by the federal government, and Feeding America West Michigan saw $1.1 million worth of food deliveries canceled.
“These programs are not luxuries — they are lifelines,” said Emily Armstrong, director of communications at the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. “Without them, thousands of older adults would lose the support they need to remain safe and independent, such as meals, transportation and in-home care. These services not only enhance the quality of life for seniors but also provide significant benefits to families, caregivers and the broader community.”
“The Trump Administration and Elon Musk continue to irresponsibly cut services and staffing, throwing everyday folks under the bus in order to give the wealthiest in this country more tax breaks they don’t need,” said state Rep. Stephen Wooden (D-Grand Rapids). “Meanwhile, people in West Michigan are paying the price, wondering if their kid’s school will have the funding to stay open, if they’ll have long term access to health care and even if their local food bank will be able to help them. These actions are abhorrent and go against everything we stand for as a country. It’s essential that people continue to make their voices heard and let the federal government know that we will not stand for this.”
“In Kent County, nearly 65 million dollars and 350 individuals are at stake when we talk about slash-and-burn cutting of federal funds,” said Kris Pachla, Kent County commissioner. “These funds cover quiet but impactful services that many residents interact with, including infectious disease tracking and testing, prenatal care for high-risk mothers, lead hazard identification and remediation, and low-income weatherization and utility assistance. A loss of federal funding threatens these vital services. It would shift the cost burden to those in our community or raise local taxes to make up for lost federal investments. These services are all of our tax dollars working back in our community, and their loss threatens the dignity, safety and opportunity that every Kent County resident deserves.”
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