PATERSON, N.J. – This weekend, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) toured St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation, a Passaic County staple that provides food for roughly 600 families, before convening a roundtable discussion with multiple organizations and non-profits from across the state that are directly being impacted by the massive federal cuts put forward by the Trump Administration. 
 
“Hearing the real fear from community leaders illustrates just how devastating the impact of Trump and Elon Musk’s actions will be,” said Senator Andy Kim. “My colleagues need to understand what I heard in Paterson this weekend: people will be without food, shelter, and other services because this Administration is prioritizing the well-off and well-connected over people in New Jersey. I’m not going to stand by and let Trump gut help to our communities; we need to stand up and make sure the people who need help most aren’t left behind.” 

Senator Kim was joined by representatives from groups across New Jersey ranging from local food pantries and disability organizations to head start programs and housing groups. During the roundtable, they discussed the impact that any temporary or permanent loss of funding would have on their programs and residents, particularly when it came to affordability, accessibility, and putting food on tables for families across the state. In addition, these representatives confirmed that thousands of New Jersey workers would lose their jobs, and programs that New Jersey has relied on for decades would end. While hearing these concerns, Senator Kim reaffirmed his commitment to stand up and fight for the thousands of families that this would impact, while ensuring the concerns and residents of New Jersey would continue to be heard. 

“While the average American does not realize the importance of this system, [federal funding] is the linchpin that helps feed, educate, provide housing and healthcare for millions of Americans, every day,” said Peter Rosario, CEO of La Casa de Don Pedro. “One of the hallmarks that distinguishes our nation from the rest of the world is an independent, secular, and non-governmental social sector. There are numerous checks and balances including ongoing monitoring and audits, which already exist to ensure we are good stewards of federal funds. Unfortunately, the ongoing confusion is an unwelcome distraction from keeping families safe, our children educated, and neighbors fed.” 

“With 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men at risk of experiencing domestic violence, the need for services like ours of providing shelter, legal advocacy, and crisis intervention is evident,” said Isela Arras, Executive Director of Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County. “A funding freeze would make it impossible to maintain our presence in the community and continue offering support to the families who rely on us. Consistent and reliable funding is necessary to ensure we can continue to serve Warren County.” 

Senator Kim is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and the Special Committee on Aging. Learn more about Senator Kim’s service on behalf of New Jersey and find information on how to stay up to date with his office here.  

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