budget cuts

The federal administration has targeted environmental agencies and protection programs in its efforts to reshape the government. The Environmental Protection Agency has seen layoffs and firings and budget cuts. Now, there is a government shutdown creating more issues. WEMU's David Fair discussed immediate and longer-term impacts with Greg Dick, the Director of the Cooperative Institute of Great Lakes Research in Ann Arbor.

The number of older people facing food scarcity is increasing in Washtenaw County. The Board of Commissioners is trying to help ease the burden through the Senior Millage. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Eastern Michigan University is taking a stand for first-generation students as future federal funding from the Department of Education to support them remains uncertain. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

In the wake of recent actions by the Trump Administration, Washtenaw County Commissioners tonight will vote to allocate funds from the Older Persons’ Millage for local food programs. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The threat of a pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is days away. Washtenaw County is teaming up with local food bank Food Gatherers to keep people from going hungry. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels is facing rising demand in the face of federal funding cuts that are now targeting SNAP benefits. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Eastern Michigan University students are expected to experience higher levels of food insecurity after SNAP benefits are put on hold beginning November 1. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Michigan is suspending food assistance payments starting in November. This after the U.S. Department of Agriculture directed Michigan’s health department to withhold payments and benefits due to the federal government shutdown. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talked to associate professor of nutritional sciences at U-M School of Public Health, Kate Bauer about how the fallout will reverberate far beyond a spike in food insecurity for families.

Early this morning, the Michigan Legislature approved a roughly $80 billion budget for the fiscal year. State Senator Jeff Irwin is chair of the Appropriations Committee for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The Ann Arbor Democrat joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak to provide a snapshot of the environmental implications of the budget.

Efforts to combat income inequity and social justice have to have a strong foundational place from which to work. Literacy is right at the top of the list. Washtenaw Literacy is under new leadership, and it comes at a time when non-profits are struggling to find the financial support to maximize community impact. WEMU's David Fair talked with the new executive director, David Martineau, about the impact of the organization and where it goes from here.