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Follow the money: how $1 billion in federal bonuses built an incentive to separate families

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Since 1997, the federal government has paid states over $1 billion in adoption incentives, encouraging adoptions instead of family reunification. While foster care numbers declined, adoption assistance payments surged by nearly 43% in recent years, highlighting a troubling financial structure favoring permanent separations over reunifications.

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Constitutional Law / Domestic Policy / Domestic Policy / Explainers / Government / Government / Government Power / Immigration / Judicial / Law & Courts / Law Enforcement / Lawfare & Intelligence / Laws / Maryland / Maryland Watch / Money & Incentives

Legal Risk Explainer: Federal Preemption and Funding Exposure in Local ICE Restrictions

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Local governments, like Montgomery County, face legal risks when restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, particularly regarding federal preemption and funding exposure. While they can non-cooperate, crossing into obstruction invites lawsuits and potential funding cuts. This situation underscores a national trend, affecting local jurisdictions’ autonomy and creating varied immigration enforcement across the country.

Legal Risk Explainer: Federal Preemption and Funding Exposure in Local ICE Restrictions Read More
Child Custody / Child Protective Services / Child Support / Child Trafficking / Child Welfare / Constitutional Rights / Court Corruption / Due Process Denied / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Family Values / Foster Care / Government / Government Corruption / Legal Reform / Parental Rights / Policy / Politics / The Corruption Series

The Hidden Market in Broken Homes: How Family Courts Became a Profit Center

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article by Michael Phillips argues that family courts and child welfare systems have evolved into profit-driven industries, prioritizing revenue over family stability. Federal laws like Title IV-D and Title IV-E incentivize conflict and child removal, creating a cycle of dependency and trauma for families. Reform is essential to shift these damaging incentives.

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Accountability / Budget / Budget / California / Democrats / democrats / Federal / Federal Funding / Fiscal Spending / Fiscal Spending / Government / Illinois / Illinois / Maryland / New York / Politics

The Hidden Pipeline: How Federal Dollars Flow to Illegal Immigrants Through States and Nonprofits

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Despite federal laws designed to restrict illegal immigrants from receiving benefits, loopholes allow billions in taxpayer dollars to flow indirectly to them through various programs like Emergency Medicaid, public health initiatives, and education funding. States often rely on federal reimbursements to sustain these services, perpetuating the issue and burdening taxpayers.

The Hidden Pipeline: How Federal Dollars Flow to Illegal Immigrants Through States and Nonprofits Read More
Board of Education / Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Education / Education Reform / Federal Funding / Government / Parental Rights / parental rights / Student Safety / Virginia / Virginia Watch

Fairfax County’s War on Girls’ Privacy: When “Gender Inclusion” Becomes Harassment

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A 14-year-old girl at West Springfield High School in Fairfax County walked into her gym locker room expecting privacy—and instead found a male student standing inside, watching girls change. When she reported it, a teacher told her nothing could be done under school policy. This alarming incident, now the subject of a federal civil rights complaint, highlights how Fairfax County Public Schools’ gender identity rules are eroding Title IX protections and putting girls’ safety and privacy at risk.

Fairfax County’s War on Girls’ Privacy: When “Gender Inclusion” Becomes Harassment Read More
Accountability / Adr / Alternative Dispute Resolution / Child Custody / Child Support / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Father's Rights / Federal / Federal Funding / Government / Legal History / Locked Out of Justice / Money and Finance / Politics / Rights and Freedoms

Hijacked Justice: How Federal Funding Turned Family Court into a Profit Machine

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The family court system has undergone a deliberate transformation over decades, driven by federal funding that incentivizes revenue generation from private disputes. Laws like Title IV-D and PRWORA have turned courts into profit-driven entities, prioritizing efficiency over justice and resulting in systemic bias against noncustodial parents, primarily fathers.

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Education

Federal Cuts Are a Wake-Up Call for Maryland’s Education Priorities

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Maryland faces a crucial challenge with potential cuts to federal education funding, prompting a reevaluation of its reliance on these dollars. Instead of seeking more federal assistance, the state should enhance its local educator pipeline through reforms. Empowering local institutions and innovative practices will foster a more resilient education system.

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Baltimore County / Economy / Government Waste / Transportation

Maryland’s Bridge to Nowhere? Why the Key Bridge Rebuild May Be a Test of Wes Moore’s Competence—Not Just Concrete

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In March 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, revealing serious deficiencies in Maryland’s infrastructure management. Now, with federal funding, Maryland proposes a new bridge, but concerns about oversight and past mismanagement loom large. Governor Wes Moore faces immense pressure to prevent delays and cost overruns while restoring public trust.

Maryland’s Bridge to Nowhere? Why the Key Bridge Rebuild May Be a Test of Wes Moore’s Competence—Not Just Concrete Read More
Baltimore City / Business Growth / Economy / Technology

Why Baltimore Tech Hub Missed Out on Federal Funding—And What It Says About Our Priorities

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Baltimore’s failure to secure federal funding in the Tech Hubs program reveals deep issues in prioritization and systems. Despite a strong proposal focused on healthcare innovation, political alignment affected outcomes. With the Trump administration’s overhaul, Baltimore has a chance to realign its goals and enhance future applications for federal grants.

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Economy / Fiscal Spending / Money and Finance / Policy

Maryland Faces Potential Loss of Billions in Federal Funding Following ‘Sanctuary Jurisdiction’ Designation

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Trump administration has classified Maryland as a “sanctuary jurisdiction,” risking billions in federal funding due to noncompliance with immigration laws. Maryland officials, including Governor Wes Moore, strongly oppose this designation, emphasizing public safety and partnership with federal authorities. Legal challenges are anticipated, highlighting ongoing disputes over immigration policies.

Maryland Faces Potential Loss of Billions in Federal Funding Following ‘Sanctuary Jurisdiction’ Designation Read More