We're joining together tomorrow for a National Day of Action to urge Congress to take action against a proposal from the White House that would overhaul federal grantmaking.
The proposal would allow an administration to determine federal grants based on partisan ideology, rather than merit, community needs, and congressional intent.
While Congress enacted legislation to temporarily delay it through December 11th, a permanent block is needed.
The proposal would give unprecedented power to an administration to withhold, suspend, or terminate grants without notice and without cause, or to change terms and conditions mid-performance. Grantees would face unpredictable financial and legal risks if they accept a federal grant, and many would be unable to serve as grantees. The proposal also targets federal grants that address racial, social, and economic disparities and facilitate equal opportunity for underserved communities.
Federal grants are essential to the infrastructure that supports over 5 million adult and child survivors annually, nationwide.
They promote public safety and provide victims and survivors with access to safety, security, and justice. These funds support Maryland’s rape crisis centers in providing counseling, legal services, housing, and case management to survivors of sexual violence.
These services are critical to survivors in crisis, and this proposal puts them at risk.
It sets a dangerous precedent, where a future administration - regardless of party - could exclude grantees based on their political point of view. Federal grantmaking should be nonpartisan and based on merit, community needs, and congressional intent - not partisan politics.
Join us in the National Day of Action on November 10th to tell Maryland leaders to take action against proposed grantmaking changes & protect our communities!
Sample phone script:
Hi, I am [name] and I am calling from [organization] located in [city, state]. I am calling to ask [Senator/Representative’s name] to take action to stop a sweeping proposal from the White House that would overhaul federal grantmaking.
The proposal would allow an administration to determine federal grants based on partisan ideology, rather than merit, community needs, and congressional intent. The proposal would give unprecedented power to an administration to withhold, suspend, or terminate grants without notice and without cause, or to change terms and conditions mid-performance. Grantees would face unpredictable financial and legal risks if they accept a federal grant, and many would be unable to serve as grantees. The proposal also targets federal grants that address racial, social, and economic disparities and facilitate equal opportunity for underserved communities.
Ultimately, the proposal will harm the people in Maryland by jeopardizing their access to crime victim services, housing, community development, health, education, food, shelter, disaster recovery, and more. I ask [Senator/Representative’s name] to take action now to stop this harmful proposal.
Contact Your Maryland Senators
Contact Your Representatives in the U.S. House
