We often do not feel the impact locally of decisions made in Washington D.C. But now, with the current administration, we are seeing exactly that being played out. Many are concerned for their Benefits - Medicare, SNAP, Social Security, VA Services and Medicaid. These benefits and services are being threatened with the proposed budget coming up for discussion in the House of Representatives and Senate. Hopefully, reason and sensibility will dominate discussions and these programs will not be slashed as is being threatened by people who have NO CLUE how American families are struggling and how they rely on these programs for their survival.

But there is a more immediate issue that is already having an impact on the Village of Walden and other localities that depend upon Federal Grant programs. This was illustrated in the Walden Community Council’s Meet the Candidate interviews on Facebook. Becky Pearson, one of the candidates for Mayor, made note of the longstanding need for water and sewer infrastructure updates but that the Federal Grant that had already been approved was frozen by Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

It is unknown if the grant will be “unfrozen” and what, if any, Federal Grants will be offered in the future by this administration. If nothing materializes, our taxes will have to be raised.

So, while federal taxes will be cut to benefit mainly the billionaires and corporations of this country, benefits and services will be cut for everyone else.