Senator Schenck says federal funding freezes are harming Michigan families and services

Senator Schenck delivered an extended floor statement on Feb. 25, 2025, criticizing recent federal actions that he said have halted billions in federal grants and loans and are disrupting services and jobs across Michigan.

"Colleagues, we've all heard from our constituents, regardless of how they voted in the last election, about the weight of uncertainty and hardship they are feeling," Schenck said on the Senate floor. He listed examples he said were affected by the funding freezes: Medicaid recipients, university researchers, domestic violence shelters, Head Start programs and others.

Schenck said nearly 2,200,000 Michiganders rely on Medicaid and argued that losing Medicaid funding would not only reduce health coverage but also affect people who work in medical facilities. He told colleagues that organizations and universities were "scrambling" after what he called a sudden stoppage of funds and that some employers have revoked job offers. He described the actions as "illegal" and said court orders had been required to protect programs in some cases.

The senator called on colleagues to respond, saying, "Colleagues, we can't let this continue," and urged action to bring "accountability, transparency, and relief to our community." His remarks were delivered during the statements portion of the Senate session and did not include a motion or formal legislative action recorded in the transcript.

Schenck's comments reflected partisan critique of federal actions and urged the Senate to pursue measures to protect state residents and programs affected by federal funding changes.