Federal funding

Dear editor:

I find it curious that our Governor continues to lambaste the federal government and all its moneys expended, when Arkansas relies heavily upon federal funds (namely, our various tax moneys) to support so many services to citizens.

Among many services, federal funding supports:

1. Food assistance programs (SNAP)

2. Housing programs (HUD )

3. Health insurance (ACA, Medicare, Medicaid and COBRA )

4. Social Security

5. Help with utility bills for families

6. State social agencies

How many Arkansans are truly aware of how much our state relies on the federal government for aid in everyday activities? Are they aware of the passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law under President Biden’s leadership that has announced $5 billion in aid for 268 different projects? That $3.3 billion of the total is now rebuilding roads, bridges, ports, airports and public transit, $1.2 billion is already adding broadband Internet for colleges and universities and rural areas, and $207 million of that total will be spent for clean, potable water — a necessity for life?

We should be grateful that enough Republicans in Congress were willing to forget the criticisms of the ultraright and work for the betterment of all states. If they can do that with the immigration issue, there might be some improvement there. Constitutionally, that is an issue Congress is supposed to deal with. No President can solve it alone regardless of worthless inflammatory rhetoric. It’s past time that Congressional members should be meeting with more smiles and fewer sarcastic comments. What happened to agreeing to disagree with civility?

John W. “Doc” Crawford Arkadelphia