Mercer Times

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside attorneys general from 22 other states, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to challenge a new policy that withholds federal funding essential for state programs. The policy, issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), puts a halt on most federal assistance to states, impacting services such as healthcare, childcare, public schools, disaster relief, and more.

Attorney General Platkin emphasized the urgency of the situation: "This may be a game to President Trump and his Administration, but to New Jersey and states across the country, last night’s actions are causing serious, immediate harm." He added that they would continue to fight in federal court until the order is rescinded.

Governor Phil Murphy criticized the directive for freezing grant funding nationwide. "This funding is crucial to the health, safety, and well-being of millions of Americans," he said. Murphy supports Attorney General Platkin's legal action aimed at safeguarding residents from disrupted services.

The OMB's policy was announced late on January 27 and affects funding beginning at 5:00 pm on January 28. The attorneys general argue that this policy has already created chaos for Americans reliant on federally funded state programs like community health centers and addiction treatment services.

They further contend that withholding funds endangers public safety by depriving law enforcement of resources needed for initiatives against hate crimes and violence against women. Disaster relief efforts in states like California and North Carolina could also be severely affected.

While attempts have been made by the Trump administration to clarify the policy's scope, reports indicate frozen funds jeopardizing Medicaid services and support for students with disabilities. The lawsuit claims that OMB’s policy violates constitutional principles by overriding laws governing federal spending without proper authority.

The coalition includes attorneys general from New York, California, Illinois, Rhode Island, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont Washington Wisconsin District Columbia who collectively represent their jurisdictions in this legal challenge.