Pritzker Demands Answers After Feds Delay $1.88 Billion in Promised Funds to Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is calling out the federal government for holding back $1.88 billion in funds that were already approved by Congress and signed into law.
The Backstory
On January 27, the White House Office of Management and Budget issued a directive pausing all federal financial disbursements. The next day, Pritzker’s office began receiving reports of system outages and lockouts that prevented grantees from accessing funding. Attempts to get answers from federal officials were reportedly ignored, Pritzker said.
By the Numbers
The following is a breakdown of the impacted funding:
- $692 million: Federal funds already obligated but not yet received by nine Illinois agencies, boards, and commissions.
- $1.19 billion: Federal funds anticipated or awarded but not yet obligated, leading to a pause in programs across 10 state agencies.
- $1.88 billion: Total amount of impacted federal funds affecting 14 state agencies, including the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois State Board of Education.
What We Don’t Know
The federal government has not clarified why the funds remain frozen despite court rulings against the pause. It is also unclear when or if the funds will be fully restored.
What’s Next
Pritzker is demanding a response from the federal government by March 4. His letter outlines key questions, including:
- Why didn’t federal funding resume after the rescission of the OMB memorandum?
- What steps are being taken to ensure compliance with court orders regarding the disbursement of funds?
- What legal basis remains for withholding funds after two judges issued temporary restraining orders?
- How is the government identifying and assisting grant recipients negatively affected by the delay?
Conclusion
Pritzker’s letter concludes, "If the Trump Administration is unable to follow the law and uphold their end of the deal, the people of our state deserve to know."
FAQs
Q: Why is Pritzker demanding answers from the federal government?
A: Pritzker is demanding answers because the federal government is holding back $1.88 billion in funds that were already approved by Congress and signed into law.
Q: What is the impact of the funding delay on Illinois?
A: The delay is causing uncertainty and harm to state agencies, small businesses, nonprofits, and everyday Illinoisans, leading to pauses in operations, cancellations of projects, and layoffs.
Q: What is Pritzker’s goal with his letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget?
A: Pritzker’s goal is to get the federal government to uphold its financial commitments to Illinois and to provide clarity on the status of the delayed funds.
