Tammy Baldwin pushes back on GOP criticism of funds for group that helps at-risk youth

WASHINGTON – Republicans are criticizing Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin for directing federal money to a Dane County nonprofit that helps at-risk youths, claiming the funding could go toward a program for gay and transgender children that doesn't require parental consent.

But the $400,000 Baldwin earmarked for Briarpatch Youth Services would be used for nothing of the sort, Baldwin's office told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Rather, the money tucked into the $1.2 trillion spending bill Congress is set to act on Friday can only be used for mental health services and counseling for kids experiencing homelessness, her office said, not the program for LGBTQ children.

Republicans on Thursday zeroed in on Baldwin's earmark to the youth services group, pointing specifically to the organization's Teens Like Us Program, which counsels LGBTQ children and offers "gender affirming clothing."

One right-wing X account posted a tweet with nearly 1 million views about Baldwin's request, mentioning the clothing and noting the program allows youths to join without the permission of a parent or guardian. The Republican Party of Wisconsin put out a statement saying Baldwin "chose Woke over Wisconsin parents."

The funds, however, were specifically marked "to support therapeutic and clinical counseling for youth who are experiencing homelessness," according to the request posted to Baldwin's website last year. A spokesperson for Baldwin on Thursday noted the request came through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration and would be prohibited from being used for the activities described in the Teens Like Us Program.

Briarpatch Youth Services would be able to use the funds for its efforts to address children experiencing homelessness, which includes a new counseling program and the hiring of a licensed clinical social worker, Baldwin's office said.

Still, Republicans seized on the request from Baldwin, who is running for reelection this year in a race that will help determine which party controls the Senate next year.

Advancing American Freedom, a group started by former Vice President Mike Pence, tweeted that the government "should NOT be subsidizing trans clothing for MINORS!" And Wisconsin Republicans accused Baldwin of "bankrolling extreme special interest groups than defending the rights of mothers and fathers."

Baldwin, however, maintained the funding is to aid homeless youths.

“Senator Baldwin is proud to deliver resources for Wisconsin to help kids experiencing homelessness get the care they need and land on their feet," Baldwin spokesman Eli Rosen said in a statement.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Baldwin rebuffs criticism of funds for group focused on at-risk youth