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Officials hear impacts of federal funding freeze

The Trump administration’s freezing and cutting of federal funds is having devastating impacts across the country.

“Never before have I called for mass activism, but this is the moment.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joined Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski and others to hear directly from those impacted by the funding freeze.

“Farming, as all of you know, is a way of life.”  He says, “It’s a way of life that’s under attack right now.  People will go out of business.”

Budzinski, a member of the House Ag Committee, says she’s hearing from all types of farmers.

“I meet very regularly with my commodities groups.”  She says, “They are very concerned because they are taking advantage of these conservation dollars.”

Traci Barkley, director of Sola Gratia Farm that hosted the event, says their story is similar to farms across the nation.

“Right now, we have $90,000 in 2025 that’s on the chopping block.”  She says, “Much of that’s already spent.  We don’t know if will be reimbursed.  We have $600,000 in pending grants for ‘25 through ‘27. I’m not sure if we’ll see that at all.”

The officials encourage impacted farmers to share their stories, especially with federal lawmakers.

All appeared at a Congressional roundtable Tuesday in Urbana, Illinois.