Attorney General Josh Stein | Official website
Attorney General Josh Stein | Official website
Attorney General Jeff Jackson has initiated legal action to challenge a federal freeze on grants and funding. Jackson, alongside 22 other attorneys general, is seeking an immediate temporary restraining order from the federal court to halt the freeze.
Jackson expressed concern over the potential impact of the freeze: “This sudden freeze in federal funding is so sweeping that it could cause widespread and immediate harm across our state – delaying disaster recovery in our western counties, undercutting law enforcement, and affecting children and veterans. It violates constitutional power over federal spending, and I’m taking legal action to stop it.”
The announcement of the freeze was made unexpectedly without prior notice or a specified end date. This has led to confusion among various federal agencies, which have begun suspending access to funds unevenly. The uncertainty extends to government agencies and organizations throughout North Carolina regarding their service capabilities in the coming weeks.
Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina last September, causing approximately $60 billion in damage. Congress later approved $29 billion for disaster recovery efforts in affected states. The current freeze threatens to delay these funds, hindering recovery initiatives crucial for rebuilding homes, businesses, roads, and bridges in western North Carolina.
The freeze also poses challenges for state and local law enforcement by potentially cutting off essential federal funding. This could affect evidence testing at the State Crime Lab and pause victim assistance programs funded through acts like the Violence Against Women Act.
Moreover, significant uncertainty looms over funding for numerous jobs and services within North Carolina. These include healthcare, veterans' programs, food assistance such as school meals, tribal aid, military support services, as well as defense research.
The coalition of attorneys general argues that this action violates both constitutional provisions and the Administrative Procedure Act by disregarding established laws governing each fund source and ignoring potential adverse effects.
Joining Attorney General Jackson are attorneys general from New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan Minnesota Nevada New Mexico Oregon Vermont Washington Wisconsin District Columbia
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