Education Department to Release Billions in Withheld Grant Money
Introduction to the Funding Freeze
The Trump administration is releasing billions of dollars in grants to schools for adult literacy, English language instruction, and other programs, the Education Department said Friday. President Donald Trump’s administration had withheld $6 billion in funding on July 1 as part of a review to ensure spending aligned with the White House’s priorities.
Challenges to the Funding Freeze
The funding freeze had been challenged by several lawsuits as educators, Congress members from both parties, and others called for the administration to release money schools rely on for a wide range of programs. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker had recently joined 16 governors in demanding the Education Secretary release the money.
Governors’ Demand for Funding Release
“The U.S. Department of Education’s failure to distribute these funds is unacceptable. It disrupts school operations, undermines student services, and violates the Department’s obligation to administer funding in a timely and responsible manner,” governors wrote in a new letter.
Release of Funds for After-School and Summer Programming
Last week, the department said it would release $1.3 billion of the money for after-school and summer programming. Without the money, school districts and nonprofits such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club of America had said they would have to close or scale back educational offerings this fall.
Bipartisan Support for the Release of Funds
The release of that money came days after 10 Republican senators sent a letter imploring the administration to allow frozen education money to be sent to states. U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., was among the Congress members calling for the release of the grants. She said it is important to protect the programs.
Importance of the Programs
“The programs are ones that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support like after-school and summer programs that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for school-aged children, which also enables their parents to work and contribute to local economies, and programs to support adult learners working to gain employment skills, earn workforce certifications, or transition into postsecondary education,” she said.
Next Steps in the Release of Funds
The Education Department said Friday the Office of Management and Budget had completed its review of the programs and will begin sending the money to states next week.
Conclusion
The release of the withheld grant money is a significant step forward for schools and programs that rely on this funding. The Education Department’s decision to release the funds will help to support a wide range of educational programs and services, including adult literacy, English language instruction, after-school and summer programming, and more.
FAQs
What is the total amount of grant money being released?
The Trump administration is releasing billions of dollars in grants to schools, with $6 billion in funding having been withheld on July 1.
Why was the grant money withheld?
The grant money was withheld as part of a review to ensure spending aligned with the White House’s priorities.
What programs will the released funds support?
The released funds will support a wide range of programs, including adult literacy, English language instruction, after-school and summer programming, and programs to support adult learners.
When will the funds be sent to states?
The Education Department said the Office of Management and Budget had completed its review of the programs and will begin sending the money to states next week.
