STATEMENT: Freezing Billions in Federal K-12 Dollars Causes Immediate Harm to Students

Washington, D.C. - This week, the Trump administration froze nearly $7 billion in federal education funding that had been allocated by Congress to support after-school programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, teacher training, and more. The freeze came just a day before the funding was scheduled to be released to states.

In response, Jared C. Bass, senior vice president of the Education department at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:

Instead of supporting public education, the Trump administration is investing in private schools through its "One Big Beautiful Bill" and revoking billions of dollars meant to fund vital public school programs that were approved by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump earlier this year.

Districts across the country are already gearing up for the new school year, with some schools scheduled to open as early as August 1. With less than a month to spare, this sudden funding uncertainty means schools could be forced to lay off teachers and even eliminate entire programs to make ends meet-meaning fewer supports and services available to help students learn in safe and high-quality schools. This funding fiasco is not helping our children or the American education system succeed; instead, it leaves the more than 80 percent of students attending public schools across the country with less.

For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Mishka Espey at [email protected].