The money will be in the form of grants for non-profits, and to alleviate food insecurity.
Frederick, Md (KM) In a 6-1 vote on Tuesday, the Frederick County Council agreed to appropriate $.2.5 million to assist those in the community who are still being impacted by the federal government shutdown which ended last week.
Even though it’s over, county officials say people are still hurting, especially those who lost their jobs, were laid off, or were without paychecks for more than a month, and had to rely on food banks for help.
Chief Financial Officer Dan Lewis said $1.5 million of the appropriation will be used to provide HEART grants to non-profits organizations. HEART stands for Helping Empower Area Resources Together. “This initiative continues our commitment to mitigate the impacts of the longest federal shutdown in US History on our non-profit partners,:” he said. “HEART is designed to stabilize and strengthen essential services, particularly those who experienced financial hardship due to the shutdown.”
Non-profits can apply for HEART grants of up to $50,000. “So the grant will be open to 501C3 non-profit organizations with a physical presence in Frederick County and serving a majority of Frederick County residents. And they have to have a demonstrated impact due to the federal government shutdown,:” Lewis says.
The remaining $1 million will go to food banks and other food support organizations. “The program is a direct response to the increased food insecurity caused by recent federal actions, including the delays in the SNAP benefits program and federal layoffs,” says John Peterson, the County’s Chief Administrative Officer. “This initiative reflects our administration’s commitment to addressing hunger and food access by partnering with the Community Foundation of Frederick County to distribute food to eligible organizations.”
Councilman Mason Carter cast the lone “no: vote against appropriating these funds. While acknowledging it to be a worthy cause, Cater said the county could be facing an impact from the state’s financial problems. :”I’m so uncertain about the budget that’s coming down from our state with the deficit that we’re in that I wouldn’t be surprised if yet again, we’ll be on the hook for more funds that are historically funded by the state,” he said.
Council Vice President Kavonte Duckett voted in favor of the appropriation. “Many in our community were facing challenges before the government shutdown that were very real and transparent, and this event has done nothing but heighten that urgency and make the need ever more present,” he said.
Noting that people are still hurting, Councilman Jerry Donald voted for the appropriation. “It bothers me that it takes so long for us to begin the process to the end of the process,” he said. “The next government shutdown is probably going to be the end of January unless the government gets its act together–don’t everybody hold their breath at once. So the timing may be perfect.”
The continuing resolution passed by Congress to reopen the federal government expires in late January.
By Kevin McManus