(The Center Square) – Gov. Josh Shapiro joined the chorus of states filing suits against the Trump administration for the federal funding freeze that has halted billions in contracts with the commonwealth.
The governor’s office says that as of Feb. 12, the state is unable to access $1.2 billion in congressionally appropriated funding with another $900 million pending “undefined review from federal agencies.”
The funding freeze was issued Jan. 27. Since that time, there have been several court orders issued against the president’s directive, with many arguing that it’s unconstitutional for the executive branch to override Congress’s role in federal appropriations. Despite those court orders, the funds remain inaccessible.
“The federal government has entered into a contract with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, promising to provide billions of dollars in Congressionally-approved funding that we have committed to serious needs – like protecting public health, cutting energy costs, providing safe, clean drinking water, and creating jobs in rural communities,” said Shapiro.
The lawsuit is among dozens that have been filed by states within the first two months of the new administration, but for Shapiro – who has a tough political needle to thread with strong support for the president in the state – it was a measure of last resort.
He says his team has been working with federal agencies and the state’s congressional delegation to try to resolve the issue outside the courts to no avail. He noted that even if other states win lawsuits, without Pennsylvania’s involvement, the state could still be vulnerable to the freeze.
In announcing the lawsuit, Shapiro said his administration was left “with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect the interests of the commonwealth and its residents.”
For legislators faced with thousands of frantic constituents whose only recourse against federal action is to call their representatives, the filing is a welcome move. Across the country, many people have reported being unable to reach their congressional representatives due to the high volume of calls.
“My offices have been inundated with calls from constituents who are concerned, confused, and scared that the programs that keep their heat on and their homes livable will be taken away at a moment’s notice,” said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Pittsburgh.
The Center Square reached out to House Republican leadership for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Projects immediately impacted by the freeze are wide-ranging. Shapiro cited funds for abandoned mine land which are currently allocated to recover 24,000 acres of land across the state. The money would also go toward plugging orphan wells and building and maintaining 16 water treatment plants to deal with toxic runoff. Along with the sinkholes they create, the mines are a major source of danger and disease, especially for rural Pennsylvanians.
With inflation and the cost of vital goods and services increasing to new highs, the impact of the freeze on people’s wallets is top of mind for many. Shapiro noted that some of the funding is intended to help 28,000 households lower utility bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Plan.
“Right now, Pennsylvania can’t access billions of dollars for home repairs, clean water, public health, and rural jobs,” said Senate Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia. “The current federal disregard for our constitution and the people we serve cannot continue.”