The Trump Administration's Department of Government Efficiency is causing a great deal of confusion with reports of cuts being ordered for contracts and programs, some of which have been reversed or stalled in court.
Kentuckians are feeling the impact of some of these cuts and changes. Jason Bailey is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Council on Economic Policy.
In an interview with Eastern Standard, Bailey said cuts to FEMA and hazard mitigation will hit Kentucky hard.
“It's been hit hard by tornadoes, floods, and strong storms in recent years. We've obviously relied significantly on FEMA dollars and other federal resources to address those effects after the fact, but also we need a lot more on the front end to make us more resilient.”
Bailey said cuts at the U.S. Department of Education are being felt in Kentucky. The Office of Civil Rights helps investigate cases of kids with disabilities.
“Right now there are 116 open cases in Kentucky. Parents are bringing complaints, but the office that covers Kentucky has been closed. Nearly half of the employees of that Civil Rights office have been laid off.”
Bailey said that is just one of the education cuts. There have also been cuts to the Office of Federal Student Aid, which helps Kentuckians handle complaints about student loans and ensures that the rules are followed.
He said cuts to Americorps and libraries will be significant to education in Kentucky.
