February 4, 2025 •
It Is Time to Step Up

On January 20, 2025, the 47th President of the United States was sworn into office…And, there has not been a quiet day since. I am not taking this political at all. You can agree or not agree. Regardless of your […]
On January 20, 2025, the 47th President of the United States was sworn into office…And, there has not been a quiet day since.
I am not taking this political at all. You can agree or not agree. Regardless of your side, it is time to step up and make sure you have facts before spouting opinions.
On my personal Facebook page, I usually write, “My page, my opinion.” I have my beliefs and have no problem conveying them to my community. If anyone does not agree they can certainly have their own post.
But, people, there are changes being made and, just this week, it seemed to affect many people. On Wednesday, I received emails from the Greater Akron Chamber and the Akron Urban League concerned about the federal grants they both might not receive.
It will involve all of us opening our pocketbooks to help organizations we support just a little more. More than ever, public universities will ask for your support to help provide scholarships to students if work-study programs are cut. If the order includes the Older Americans Act, it “would halt service to millions of vulnerable seniors who have no other means of purchasing or preparing meals,” Meals on Wheels said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch. “The lack of clarity is creating chaos for Meals on Wheels providers not knowing whether they should be serving meals today.”
It is a lot to comprehend, but we can get through this, as we always do. I can do without ordering more clothes, which would make my husband incredibly happy, if it helped to make contributions to nonprofit organizations in need of assistance.
Let us step up and help our brothers and sisters where needed. This is our way of showing the country we can get through all the changes being made not only on a federal level but also in all our states.
Thank you.
Elizabeth Z. Bartz
@elizabethbartz
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.