Jocelyn Benson Statement on Donald Trump Pausing Federal Dollars for Thousands of Working of Michiganders

In response to Donald Trump’s complete disregard for working Michiganders who rely on federal funding for healthcare, housing, food, and more, Jocelyn Benson released the following statement: 

“President Trump’s sweeping, nonsensical decision to pause critical federal funding will have real, damaging effects to Michiganders – including many of the very citizens who voted for him just a few months ago believing he would make their lives easier. Instead, his unilateral move is setting off a wave of chaos and confusion for communities who look to leaders to make their lives easier, not harder. As a mom, and a state leader, I will work with our Senators and Congressional leaders to stand up to anyone in federal government who puts the wellbeing, safety, and health of our residents at risk. And that’s exactly what Trump’s decision today will do.”

Here’s what’s at stake for Michigan under Donald Trump: 

• There are nearly 28K  kids in Michigan who rely on Head Start. That’s thousands of parents who will have to stay home without childcare.  
• There are more than 2.6 million people in Michigan who rely on Medicaid to get the healthcare they need. They could instead have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for regular doctor’s appointments. 

The 140,000 seniors across Michigan who rely on Meals on Wheels for nutritious meals could go hungry.