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Federal Grants Freeze Exposes Disproportionate Impact on Red States, Showing Trump’s Willingness to Sacrifice His Own Supporters

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Experts say the freeze will likely hit red states the hardest, as they are more dependent on federal funding. “Higher-income states produce the majority of the tax dollars that go into the federal government’s pocket,” Kathy Fallon, a human services practice area director at Public Consulting Group.

Published

4 months ago

January 28, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

The White House’s decision to pause federal grants and loans has sent shockwaves across Washington, D.C., and beyond, exposing vulnerabilities in Republican-leaning states that heavily depend on federal funding. In a memo issued Monday, acting Office of Management and Budget director Matthew J. Vaeth instructed federal agencies to halt all activities related to federal financial assistance, leaving questions about the legality and long-term impact of the directive. Federal funding plays a significant role in Washington, D.C., where $6.3 billion was allocated in fiscal year 2021 to support Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), public schools, and infrastructure. These funds accounted for 32.2% of the district’s revenue. The freeze now threatens programs critical to D.C. residents, especially the city’s most vulnerable populations.

However, the impact of this freeze could hit Republican states hardest. According to data from MoneyGeek, seven of the 10 states most dependent on federal funding are Republican-leaning, with these states receiving an average of $1.24 for every dollar contributed. In contrast, Democratic-leaning blue states received $1.14 per dollar paid in federal taxes. New Mexico, a state that leans blue, saw the highest return on federal spending at $3.42 per dollar contributed, while Delaware, another blue state, had the lowest return at $0.46. Despite these outliers, higher-income, blue states generally contribute more to federal coffers than they receive, due to higher tax revenues and lower reliance on federal assistance.

Experts say the freeze will likely hit red states the hardest, as they are more dependent on federal funding. “Higher-income states produce the majority of the tax dollars that go into the federal government’s pocket,” Kathy Fallon, a human services practice area director at Public Consulting Group, told MoneyGeek in October. “Because of the higher income, states and their residents need less support and use fewer federal dollars.” Tax code changes in recent years have further increased the financial burden on wealthier blue states. “Before, people who paid large state income taxes would deduct those from their federal tax payments,” Fallon explained. “Now, state tax deductions are capped. Ironically, it means the wealthier states’ populations are paying even more.”

This dynamic should raise eyebrows and help showcase the irony of the Trump administration’s actions, as many of the most federally dependent states supported him and are likely to feel the sting of these new policies. While 31 states contributed more to the federal government than they received in 2024, 52% of these states were Republican-leaning, revealing a shift from previous years. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) sharply criticized the order, saying, “Congress approved these investments, and they are not optional; they are the law. Donald Trump must direct his administration to reverse course immediately and ensure that taxpayer money goes where it’s needed.”

Experts warn that the legal authority for this freeze is tenuous. While the president can temporarily defer spending, significant pauses require formal notification to Congress and detailed justification. G. William Hoagland of the Bipartisan Policy Center expressed concerns about the broader implications. “This could be an effort to avoid implementing the law of the land as it relates to the budget process,” Hoagland said. “And the impact could be enormous.”

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Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

Published

14 hours ago

May 30, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

Published

2 days ago

May 29, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

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WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2025

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists: