Over 20 states are legally challenging the Trump administration’s use of certain federal provisions to end funding for a range of projects at the state level, and Kansas is on the list.
Governor Laura Kelly’s office says this involves “unprecedented and unlawful attempts” to illegally end grant funding to combat violent crime, protect water safety, conduct medical and scientific research, protect public health, help offset food insecurity and educate students. Kelly’s office says this involves the use of one provision to end federal funds if programs “no longer effectuate agency priorities” as part of work done earlier this year by the Department of Government Efficiency.
The lawsuit involves 25 states and is filed against the Office of Management and Budget as well as numerous federal agencies, including but not limited to the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Homeland Security, Interior, Justice, Labor and State, as well as FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency. It seeks to hold the agencies to their past decisions on grants, even if priorities changed after grants were awarded. If that does not happen, the lawsuit wants to vacate the Trump administration’s decision.
