The LuLac Edition #5, 315, May 3rd 2025

 

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CUTS $1 BILLION IN SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS, CITING CONFLICT OF PRIORITIES

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS MOVING TO CANCEL $1 BILLION IN SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS, SAYING THE AWARD REFLECT THE PRIORITIES OF THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION

The Trump administration is moving to cancel $1 billion in school mental health grants, saying they reflect the priorities of the previous administration.

Grant recipients were notified Tuesday that the funding will not be continued after this year. A gun violence bill signed by Democratic President Joe Biden in 2022 sent $1 billion to the grant programs to help schools hire more psychologists, counselors and other mental health workers.

A new notice said an Education Department review of the programs found they violated the purpose of civil rights law, conflicted with the department’s policy of prioritizing merit and fairness, and amounted to an inappropriate use of federal money.

The cuts were made public in a social media post from conservative strategist Christopher Rufo, who claimed the money was used to advance “left-wing racialism and discrimination.” He posted excerpts from several grant documents setting goals to hire certain numbers of nonwhite counselors or pursue other diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

“No more slush fund for activists under the guise of mental health,” Rufo wrote.

The Education Department confirmed the cuts. In an update to members of Congress that was obtained by The Associated Press, department officials said the Republican administration will find other ways to support mental health.

 

MAGA

NEWS

 

A MEETING TO OPPOSE THE LUZERNE COUNTY ICE OFFICE PLANNED.

A public meeting has been announced for May 3 at 1:00 PM at Betty Mascelli Park in Forty Fort to discuss Luzerne County's plan to lease office space for a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office. The meeting will cover details of the project, including the proposed $300,000 in county-funded renovations.

The Luzerne County Board has already unanimously approved contracts for the renovation work:

•           General construction was awarded to Bognet Inc. of Hazle Township, the lowest bidder, at $160,417.

•           Electrical construction went to Larry McCullion & Son Electrical Construction Services of Summit Hill, the sole bidder, at $154,610.

Of note: Bognet Inc. was owned by the father of Jim Bognet, the twice-unsuccessful MAGA candidate who ran against Rep. Matt Cartwright in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District.

More info on the Bognet connection here: https://dccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/220522-Jim-Bognet-PA-08-Research-Book-ONLINE-FINAL.pdf

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⚖️ JAMIE WALSH’S FRIVOLOUS LAWSUIT: TAXPAYER-FUNDED POLITICAL STUNT?

State Rep. Jamie Walsh (117th District) just had his lawsuit tossed out of federal court. Walsh tried to sue Luzerne County over alleged election process delays in 2024, despite running unopposed and winning. Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it can’t be refiled, and hinted that sanctions may be in order. Once more the MAGA party of Luzerne County (formerly known as Republicans) is being held accountable for wasting the time and taxpayers money with foolish and unfounded lawsuits., Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo is asking for Jamie Walsh to reimburse the county $104,000 after a court dismissed a suit the snowflake cry baby legislator filed.

Judge Brann warned against allowing politicians with no injury to weaponize the courts for political gain—calling it a threat to the electoral system. Walsh blamed a "write-in campaign" and slammed the courts in response. The frivolous lawsuit cost the Luzerne County over $104,000 and County Manager Romilda Crocamo rightly asked Walsh to pay it back.

 

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🚨 GOP CIVIL WAR CONTINUES: LUZERNE COUNTY CHAIR GENE ZIEMBA RESIGNS

The turmoil inside the Luzerne County GOP leadership shows no signs of slowing down. County Chair Gene Ziemba has resigned amid deepening divisions between rival factions. While Ziemba cited "health issues" as the reason, many insiders believe there’s more to the story. It’s worth noting that outgoing County Manager Randy Robertson used the same excuse right before County Council was poised to blame him for the 2022 election paper shortage.

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📽 NEPA REPUBLICAN WEEK IN REVIEW: CHAOS, CONFUSION, AND MAGA MAYHEM

If you missed the latest NEPA Republican Week in Review video, it’s a must-watch for anyone curious about the dysfunction plaguing local Trump-aligned factions. The episode shines a spotlight on Luzerne County Councilwoman Lee Ann McDermott, who was illegally removed as Vice Chair of the County GOP by none other than Gene Ziemba himself. Her crime? Attending an Ultra-MAGA event hosted by Frank Scavo and TJ Fitzgerald.

But here’s the kicker: GOP bylaws require a committee vote to remove leadership—something that never happened. So, McDermott holds onto her position… for now.

 

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🤦‍♂️ MAGA MISFIRE: PROTESTING… THEMSELVES?

In a head-scratching moment of political theater, both the NEPA Republicans and Luzerne County GOP promoted protests against a Wilkes-Barre press conference held by Action Together, which was urging Rob Bresnahan to uphold his promise of voting against cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.

But here’s the irony: All three groups actually agree on saving Medicare and Medicaid. It’s yet another example of the MAGA movement’s disconnection from facts and their own policy positions.

From illegal removals to protest confusion and failed lawsuits, it’s been another week of dysfunction in Luzerne’s MAGA camp. As the infighting grows louder, one thing is clear: the hits just keep coming.