UPDATE: As of 1/29/25 the administration has rescinded the M-25-13 memo.   We are still leaving this information up, and hope you will continue to inform your Federal representatives about the importance of keeping funding available for our services.  

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Dear Families and Partners,

We are reaching out to share some recent developments that could potentially impact the resources and services families across Idaho rely on.

Last night, the Office of Management and Budget issued memo M-25-13, “Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs.” This guidance freezes federal grants and loans effective today, January 28, 2025, at 2 PM PT/5 PM ET. You can read the memo here:

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25506191-omb-memo-1-27/

Idaho Parents Unlimited’s primary funding programs are listed as frozen programs.

At this time, we are taking steps to seek clarity and to prepare:

• We are working with our Federal Project Officers to better understand how this may impact our funding and operations.
• We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as we learn more.
• We are contacting legislators to raise awareness about the potential implications of this directive and its impact on families and communities.

What You Can Do:

If you feel inclined, you can contact Idaho’s Federal Congressmen to share how Idaho Parents Unlimited has supported your family or community and why these programs are essential. You can find your lawmakers’ contact information here below along with a template for families/partners to use should you choose to compose a letter or email.

For now, we encourage everyone to remain calm and continue as usual. We are committed to keeping you informed as we navigate this uncertainty together.

Thank you for your partnership, resilience, and dedication to supporting Idaho’s families who are raising children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please feel free to reach out. 

Warm regards,

Idaho Parents Unlimited Staff and Board

 

 

Example letter:

Dear

I am writing as a parent to express my concern about the recent federal directive to pause funding for critical programs, including Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers and Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2Fs). In Idaho, these programs are managed by Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL), an organization that has been a lifeline for families like mine.

[Insert your personal story here. For example: Share how IPUL has supported your family—whether it was through helping you understand your child’s rights under IDEA, assisting with the IEP process, connecting you to healthcare resources, or providing training and guidance. Explain how this support has impacted your child’s education, healthcare, or overall well-being.]

Idaho Parents Unlimited provides these essential services to families across our state at no cost, thanks to federal grant programs. Without this funding, families—particularly those in rural and underserved areas—would lose access to the resources, training, and advocacy that make a significant difference in their lives.

Organizations like IPUL are critical to ensuring children with disabilities and special healthcare needs receive the education and care they deserve. By empowering parents, IPUL helps families navigate complex systems and access the services their children need to thrive.

I urge you to advocate for the swift restoration of grant funding to PTI Centers and F2Fs. Idaho families depend on these programs, and their loss would leave many of us struggling to meet our children’s needs. Please ensure that organizations like IPUL can continue supporting families like mine.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your commitment to the well-being of Idaho’s children and families.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Email/Phone Number]

Contact information for Idaho’s Federal Congressmen:

Senator Mike Crapo (R)
239 Dirksen Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6142
Fax: (202) 228-1375
www.crapo.senate.gov
https://www.crapo.senate.gov/contact/email-me
Find Idaho office information HERE:
https://www.crapo.senate.gov/contact/office-locations

Senator James Risch (R)
483 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington DC, 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2752
www.risch.senate.gov
https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email
Find Idaho office information HERE:
https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/myoffices

Representative Mike Simpson (R)
2084 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5531
Fax: (202) 225-8216
https://simpson.house.gov/
https://simpson.house.gov/contact/
Find Idaho office information HERE:
https://simpson.house.gov/district/map.htm

Representative Russ Fulcher (R)
1520 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6611
https://fulcher.house.gov/
https://fulcher.house.gov/email-me
Find Idaho office information HERE:
https://fulcher.house.gov/offices