Hannah Halbert, Executive Director of Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent federal funding freeze and its potential impact on Ohio's economy and vulnerable populations.
Raised in rural Kentucky, Halbert's upbringing was shaped by her family's experiences in the coal industry. Her journey was supported by federally funded social programs and high labor standards, which she has since used to fuel her commitment to advocating for equitable policies. With Policy Matters Ohio, a non-profit research institute, Halbert advocates for state policy to reflect the needs of working families.
Halbert highlighted the significant role federal funds play in Ohio's budget, comprising over one-third of the state's general revenue. She emphasized the potential economic impact that could occur if these funds were withheld, affecting essential services like child care, kinship care and unemployment insurance. Halbert's research revealed the funding freeze could disrupt not only public programs but also affect the employment status of countless Ohioans who rely on these services.
Uncertainty surrounding the federal funding freeze has left many organizations and state agencies searching for answers, Halbert said. She called for greater leadership and clarity from Ohio's lawmakers, urging them to stand up for the state's residents. She stressed the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of federal spending and local economies and advocating for policies that protect and support vulnerable communities.
Listen to the show above for more from Halbert on the potential impact of a federal funding freeze on Ohio communities.