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Senate adopts $340 billion budget blueprint for Trump's agenda after marathon vote; MI keeps EV charging plans on track despite federal cuts; Shore power bill would improve WA air quality, cut emissions; Report: Methane mitigation industry grows in LA, nationwide.

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Trump wants to eliminate local governance in Washington, D.C., election denier Kash Patel is confirmed as FBI director, and federal cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program hurt ailing first responders.

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The Taos County Sheriff says he won't conduct raids or round ups of immigrants, New Hampshire worries a dearth of charging stations will force tourists driving EVs to pick another vacation destination, and Southern states improve education with workarounds.

WIC benefits in Ohio unaffected, but federal spending review sparks concern

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Thursday, January 30, 2025   

The White House has rescinded a directive that froze federal grants and loans after a federal judge ruled it unlawful. While the freeze was lifted, a review aimed at eliminating spending on so-called "woke" ideologies will proceed. Advocates in Ohio say the confusion underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring accessible federal assistance, including the WIC program.

Brittany Boulton, vice president with Groundwork Ohio, shared her concerns.

"Our WIC system is one of the only in the country that is still all in person. Families have to go in person in order to enroll, to load benefits and get health assessments. We have tons of families that at eligible that are not participating because it's such a barrier," she explained.

Although the funding freeze was short-lived, it caused disruptions to various agencies and state programs and comes as Ohio recently passed House Bill 7, which aims to modernize WIC by moving much of the enrollment process online.

Despite the rollback of the funding freeze, the White House maintains that its broader executive orders on federal spending remain in effect. Meanwhile, lawmakers who opposed the freeze say public pressure played a key role in its reversal. Senate Democrats -- including Patty Murray, D-Wash. -- emphasized the power of collective action at a news conference Wednesday.

"When the American people speak out with one voice, when regular people stand up, it makes a difference," Murray contended.

Ohio remains focused on making WIC more accessible, but the funding review could complicate things for organizations reliant on federal support -- including those providing housing assistance, school meal programs and Medicaid services.

Reporting by Ohio News Connection in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.


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