Federal grant freeze leaves farmers in limbo
A federal grant freeze ordered by President Trump has left Maryland farmer Mike Protas and others across the country uncertain about their future funding.
A federal grant freeze ordered by President Trump has left Maryland farmer Mike Protas and others across the country uncertain about their future funding.
A federal grant freeze ordered by President Trump has left Maryland farmer Mike Protas and others across the country uncertain about their future funding.
A federal grant freeze ordered by President Donald Trump has left Maryland farmer Mike Protas and others across the country uncertain about their future funding.
바카라 게임 웹사이트All the things that go into farming make it very challenging. The one variable on my bingo card that I did not have would be not being compensated for a contract that I have with the federal government,바카라 게임 웹사이트 said Michael Protas, owner of One Acre Farm in western Maryland.
Protas has owned and operated One Acre Farm for 15 years. Last year, he paid $100,000 for solar panels, expecting a federal grant to cover half through the Rural Energy for America Program. While the panels were installed in December, the check still hasn't been cut.
Trump ordered a freeze on nearly all federal funding on day one of his administration. Federal judges have said departments can disburse the funds, but many departments have not resumed, including several USDA grants.
바카라 게임 웹사이트Having USDA delayed with a lot of uncertainty about whether or not it will actually come through is adding to that economic pressure in the countryside,바카라 게임 웹사이트 said Rob Larew of the National Farmers Union while testifying before the Senate Agriculture Committee.
In a statement Thursday, the White House said, 바카라 게임 웹사이트President Trump is ensuring that taxpayer-funded programs align with the national interests of the United States, including protecting America's farmers,바카라 게임 웹사이트 adding that the president will cut programs that do not align with his agenda.
The Agriculture Department said its newly confirmed secretary, Brooke Rollins, will now decide which funds should be approved.
바카라 게임 웹사이트Why does the grant need to be approved? It was approved last year. That's why the grant existed. So that makes no sense,바카라 게임 웹사이트 Protas said.
Protas says now he and many other farmers may hesitate to apply for future funding.
바카라 게임 웹사이트Because, like all grants, you always have to pay upfront. So now I'm stuck holding the bag,바카라 게임 웹사이트 Protas said.
REAP has provided nearly $2.5 billion to rural farmers across the country, just like Protas.