Gov. Tony Evers has called on the Trump administration to pause the federal spending freeze officials rolled out earlier this week that could affect many throughout Wisconsin.

Starting Tuesday, White House officials said they’re pausing federal assistance, grants and loans as the administration reviews a wide swath of government spending. The spending freeze is raising concerns in many corners as it’s unclear on how long the pause will go on and under what criteria the spending will be evaluated.

Evers sent Trump a letter on Tuesday asking for more time and more information about what programs in the state would be impacted by the freeze.

“The Trump Administration will begin indefinitely withholding federal tax dollars from Wisconsin that were already approved by the U.S. Congress, leaving billions sitting in Washington, D.C. that help kids, families, and businesses in Wisconsin and across America every day,” Evers wrote. “With very few details and specifics available, virtually no time for ample review and consideration, and no direct communication to date, states are left to plan for the worst, and Wisconsinites and millions of Americans who are rightfully alarmed and concerned by this unprecedented decision are left scrambling.”

The governor asked federal officials to rethink their plans

“I am asking the Trump Administration to immediately reconsider actions aimed at unilaterally forcing all federal agencies to stop nearly all federal assistance and grant and loan funding that support kids, families, and communities in Wisconsin and across our country,” the governor wrote.

NEW: I am asking the Trump Administration to immediately reconsider actions aimed at unilaterally forcing all federal agencies to stop nearly all federal assistance and grant and loan funding that support kids, families, and communities in Wisconsin and across our country. https://t.co/6Mstl6E8oz pic.twitter.com/ybpwFh6uKQ
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) January 28, 2025

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the state government receives $28 billion in federal assistance. About 61% of the funds is allocated to the state Department of Health Services and the majority is used on Medicaid programs. The other funds are used to support services for low-income families and programs for the Universities of Wisconsin system, the state Department of Transportation and public schools.

According to the Associated Press, administration officials said the freeze was needed in order to make sure all spending aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive orders. Officials said that federal assistance given to individuals will not be affected, including Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, student loans and scholarships.

The White House memo announcing the freeze provides no indication as to when the federal government will resume payments of the already approved funds, but suggests the suspension might continue for weeks, at a minimum.

Stay tuned to Civic Media for continuing coverage.

Editor’s note: Melissa Kaye contributed to this report.

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