Lawrence organizations keeping close watch as feds rescind memo freezing funds amid legal challenges

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Post updated at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29:

Lawrence-area service providers can breathe a sigh of relief regarding their federal funding — at least sort of, and for the moment.

The Trump administration is attempting to freeze numerous federal funds while officials determine whether funding complies with the president’s executive orders meant to snuff out transgender rights, environmental justice, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and more.

It has been unclear exactly which programs would be affected, throwing service organizations across the country into chaos following a Monday evening memo that instructed federal agencies to pause disbursement of funds. A federal judge blocked the freeze until Monday, Feb. 3, and other legal challenges have arisen.

A new memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget on Wednesday rescinded the Monday memo.

Douglas County-based organizations on Tuesday were scrambling to understand the potential impact to their funding. Although Wednesday had not yet brought much more clarity, leaders of organizations reiterated their commitment to keep serving the community.

Kim Culliss, executive director of Lawrence Meals on Wheels, said she wanted to assure everyone that the organization has been serving the community for 55 years, “and we have always done so without turning anyone that qualifies away due to their inability to pay for services.”

“We will continue to serve our Lawrence neighbors in need!” she said via email. “The Lawrence community has always supported our efforts and we will be looking for additional funding sources to mitigate any potential cuts to Federal funding in the future.”

Shannon Oury, CEO of the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority, said that “it is a dynamic situation and that we will monitor it and respond accordingly.”

“We believe that rental assistance will not be impacted, however we have not received that information from the Department of Housing and Urban Development,” she said. “The Federal Accounting System that recipients use to draw down funds was unavailable yesterday but is operational today.”

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health administers programs with a total budget of about $1.07 million in federal funds for fiscal year 2025. That includes about $577,000 for WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, which provides assistance to families with infants and very young children.

Jonathan Smith, executive director of LDCPH, said there have been no changes to the health department’s operations, before or after the memo was rescinded.

“We are actively monitoring guidance from both state and federal authorities, and we are fully prepared to adapt as needed to ensure the continued delivery of essential public health services that support the health and well-being of our community,” Smith said. “As always, we will keep the public informed of any updates.”

Patrick Schmitz, CEO of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, had said Tuesday that the center was awaiting further federal guidance.

“We are pleased, and honestly relieved, the order was rescinded and remain committed to responding to the needs of our community and providing comprehensive and compassionate care and treatment for the people we serve,” he said Wednesday afternoon.

The Associated Press has paywall-free, ongoing coverage of the national scene at apnews.com.

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Mackenzie Clark (she/her), reporter/founder of The Lawrence Times, can be reached at mclark@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.

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