to the editor: I never thought I'd agree with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), but the threat of the White House Office of Management and Budget's federal grant proposal is all too real, especially for seniors like me (“Trump administration proposal would virtually end scientific merit in grant funding, critics say,” July 10).
For starters, it puts at risk research that could lead to advances in treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer. This under an administration that has already cut funding and support for scientists, and some of the most experienced have even turned their backs on the United States. An example of this is that of Nobel Prize winner Omar Yaghi, himself over 60 years old, who leaving UC Berkeley for China.
This dangerous proposal could also harm especially critical programs for seniors and other vulnerable communities by threatening disaster relief, Medi-Cal and Cal-Fresh funding, housing and community development block grants, and even Los Angeles Metro transit support.
I ask everyone I know to urge their elected officials to oppose this measure. Congress can disapprove the rule according to the Congressional Review Act or attach final amendments to budget laws that block implementation of the rule. State and local officials can sign letters in opposition. I tell my colleagues and friends to do it for ourselves, for our children and for our grandchildren.
Ken Kobayashi, Rancho Santa Fe
This writer is a member of Third Act SoCal, a nonprofit organization of Americans 60 and older focused on preserving the climate and democracy.
