New Haven, CT [January 28, 2025] – In an unprecedented and sweeping move, the Trump administration has issued an executive order requiring federal agencies to temporarily pause the disbursement of all federal financial assistance programs, including grants and loans.
Citing the alleged misuse of federal resources on “Marxist equity, transgenderism, and Green New Deal social engineering policies,” the administration has directed agencies to review programs for alignment with its priorities. This decision jeopardizes funding streams critical to health care, housing support, child care, nutrition assistance, education, and countless other programs that millions of Americans rely on daily, leaving states and communities uncertain about the future of vital services.
In response to this development, Emily Byrne, Executive Director of Connecticut Voices for Children has issued the following statement:
“This executive order is not just reckless—it’s harmful and already creating unnecessary chaos and hardship for families and communities across the country and our state.
“The decision raises serious legal and ethical questions about the federal government’s ability to suspend funding that millions of Americans rely on for their well-being and we’re deeply worried this is a pre-emptive move to divert funds toward tax cuts for billionaires and the uber-wealthy.
“While we hope the Trump administration will reconsider, and our legislative allies will push back against this reckless and legally questionable decision, Connecticut is being directly impacted and our state must act swiftly to shield vital programs from its ripple effects.
“Health care, housing, child care, education—these are not areas where we can afford to see disruption.
“Fortunately, Connecticut is in the best position it can possibly be in to respond to this crisis—but it does require decisive action.
“With our full budget reserve fund and a significant budget surplus, we have the resources to protect our residents from deep cuts and CT Voices has already developed a comprehensive blueprint for making responsible adjustments to the fiscal controls so our state can access the funds it needs to fill in additional gaps as well as make appropriate expansions to the policies and programs we know eradicate poverty and advance family economic security.
“At a minimum, we should begin utilizing our rainy day fund. If this isn’t the kind of storm it was built for, then what is?
“Diversity and equity aren’t just principles—they are essential to building a fair and thriving society. Connecticut already faces some of the widest income and wealth gaps in the nation, a direct result of an economy that fails to work for everyone. This executive order risks deepening those disparities, putting already vulnerable communities even further behind.
“We must stand firm in our commitment to equity and inclusion, especially now, when these values are under direct threat.
“We urge state leaders to take immediate action to prevent this order from upending the lives and livelihoods of hardworking families in Connecticut.”