The hottest Federal Funding Substack posts right now

Many public media outlets have significant assets and funds, but their layoffs are reported with a focus on funding cuts rather than their financial health. This raises questions about transparency.
Legacy media often fails to report on the financial strengths of public broadcasting entities, choosing instead to echo their dramatic claims of hardship. This lack of scrutiny can mislead the public.
Despite cuts in federal funding, some public media organizations still have large reserves of money. Addressing their finances more openly could help build trust and understanding with their audience.

The country needs a transit “moonshot” — a big, sustained federal push to build far more high-quality transit in the places with the most ridership potential.
That effort should prioritize modern technologies and design choices like automation, electrification, grade separation, and through-running so transit is fast, frequent, and competitive with driving.
Practical priorities include building the top high-ridership grade-separated subway lines, transforming busy commuter rails into electrified regional metros with through-running, and fully grade-separating and automating top light-rail corridors.

Citizen journalism plus public access to government spending data can quickly expose and mobilize action against fraud in childcare funding.
Mixed federal-state block grants and co-mingled funding make oversight difficult and create opportunities for fraudulent daycare operations to siphon public dollars.
Stronger real-time transparency, better reporting tools, and tighter payment rules (like attendance-based payments and voucher-centered approaches) are needed to prevent and root out waste, fraud, and abuse.

The author is looking to talk with public school teachers about recent changes announced by Donald Trump regarding the Department of Education. They want to hear teachers' opinions on these ideas.
They are inviting teachers and professors from federally funded schools to share their insights privately. This conversation aims to gather real experiences and thoughts about the education system.
The author promises to keep the discussions brief and offers an email for teachers to reach out. It’s a chance for educators to contribute their voices on important educational issues.

Lawmakers are moving to close loopholes for special government employees and curb potential self-dealing.
The proposed bill would bar many SGEs and their companies from getting more than $1 million a year from the federal agencies where they work.
It would also create a searchable database to track SGEs because there’s currently no centralized disclosure system.

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The NIH has changed its funding policy, now limiting indirect costs to 15%, which could hurt research universities.
States heavily reliant on federal grants, especially Republican states, might face large funding losses due to these new caps.
Federal workers emphasize their significant roles in society, sharing personal stories that highlight their contributions to public safety and welfare.

The Department of Education mainly collects statistics and provides funding, but it does not create school curriculums. It helps disadvantaged schools and oversees student loans.
Many conservatives want to eliminate the Department of Education because they believe it promotes ideologies they oppose, especially around race and gender. This push is also linked to a broader movement against perceived government control over education.
Education is seen as critical for democracy, meaning an educated public can better understand and evaluate government policies. Historical figures like Thomas Jefferson emphasized the importance of educating the masses to safeguard freedom.

Reading transportation bills can be tricky because they are full of legal jargon. Most of the text isn't that important, so focus on the key sections that really change policies.
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) play a crucial role in transportation planning. They help ensure local needs are considered when deciding how to spend federal money.
Transportation laws evolve over time, reflecting changes in society and policies. It's important to stay updated on these changes to understand how they affect public transportation and infrastructure.

Transportation funding needs reform to better align incentives and support sustainable practices. We need a plan that addresses both building and reducing infrastructure to help fight climate change.
People can influence how transportation policy is shaped by organizing and voicing their concerns. Understanding the legislative process is key to making meaningful changes.
Important deadlines are coming up, which will affect transportation funding. If Congress doesn't act by September 30, 2026, they may just pass temporary measures instead of long-term solutions.