Trump program cuts are coming to Lake County – Wendy Meister will act now!

Lake County’s government must act as a strong, protective shield for its community, anticipating federal policy shifts and deploying local resources and initiatives to preserve and improve the educational, medical, and economic foundations upon which its residents depend. We must also protect ALL our neighbors so that no one lives in fear.

—Wendy Meister for Lake County Board

WENDY MEISTER is a proven leader who believes Lake County’s Board can minimize the damage of Trump’s program cuts by being PROACTIVE and WORKING SMARTER. 

Federal programs do not exist in isolation. Each one has tentacles that reach into our community through multiple funding streams.  We need to prepare for changes in federal funding for our local programs and develop Lake County resources and programs to protect the essential educational, medical, and economic foundations of our community. Trump and his billionaire advisors have dismantled most of the government’s support systems. Lake County government is the firewall and final safety net for our residents’ needs.

Medical Coverage

The loss of Medicaid coverage extends far beyond an individual losing benefits. Medicaid reimbursements flow directly to providers—clinics, hospitals, and physicians—who rely on that funding to stay afloat. Condell Medical Center, the only Level I Trauma Center in Lake County, will be hit hard by these cuts.

When patients cannot pay their bills, the costs do not disappear. Instead, they are absorbed by nonprofit hospitals, local governments, and other public programs, shifting the financial burden onto the broader community. Failing to plan for these cascading effects will leave Lake County government reacting to crises rather than managing them.

Food Security

The loss of food security programs extends far beyond a child losing lunch. Food pantries and farmers who participate in nutrition security programs are losing funding that helps keep them afloat. Hungry children are a tragedy that affects the entire educational system. Classrooms are affected by one hungry child who can’t focus. 

Teachers are pulled away from teaching, have to dip into their own pockets, and the entire educational system suffers as they focus on starving children. Lake County must work proactively and smarter, so schools won’t have to choose between feeding children, fairly compensating teachers, and raising property taxes.