Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger expressed grave concerns Tuesday over a sudden federal directive to temporarily halt the obligation and disbursement of all federal financial assistance, warning the decision could have devastating consequences for local programs and services.
The directive, issued in a memorandum late Monday by the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), took effect Tuesday at 5 p.m. and applies to all federal agencies. While the scope of the pause remains unclear, Metzger emphasized the potential ripple effects on essential services across the county.
“This federal decision could have very serious consequences for our communities and do real harm,” Metzger said in a statement. “Ulster County administers about $60 million in federally funded projects, programs, and services — everything from emergency preparedness and public safety to housing, child welfare, programs for seniors, public health, public transit, and infrastructure. The memorandum gives no consideration to the impact of this freeze on real people.”
Metzger expressed gratitude to New York Attorney General Letitia James and other state officials preparing legal action to challenge the federal government on constitutional grounds.
Ulster County, like much of New York, is heavily reliant on federal funding. A November 2023 report by County Comptroller March Gallagher highlighted the extensive use of federal dollars in the region. In 2023 alone, the county expended nearly $51 million in federal funds, with the largest allocations supporting health and human services, pandemic recovery under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and transportation.
Federal assistance extends well beyond county-administered programs. Ulster County residents received $46.6 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in 2023 — nearly double the amount from 2018. Additionally, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provided over $8.6 million to residents for heating costs, and Social Security programs funneled nearly $1 billion into the local economy last year.
The federal memorandum follows reports of the Trump administration’s intent to reduce spending through sweeping changes to federal programs. The pause has already sparked confusion among agencies nationwide, with few details on its duration or whether exceptions will be made for essential services.
Ulster County residents and officials now face uncertainty as they await further guidance. Metzger vowed to work closely with state and federal officials to assess the immediate impacts and advocate for the county’s needs.