New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the U.S. Department of Education has released nearly $7 billion in education funding that had previously been withheld. The funds were frozen by the Trump administration on June 30, impacting six congressionally authorized programs and affecting schools across the country.
Attorney General James, along with 22 other attorneys general and the governors of Pennsylvania and Kentucky, filed a lawsuit earlier this month challenging the federal government’s decision to halt the funding. Following this legal action, New York State Education Department (NYSED) received confirmation that all previously frozen grant funding would be awarded and released.
“This is a huge win for our schools, our students, and the rule of law,” said Attorney General James. “When the administration abruptly froze billions in education funding, they jeopardized afterschool childcare programs, teacher support services, and vital classroom resources just weeks before the new school year. Earlier this month, we took swift legal action, and today we are celebrating the results. I will always stand up to protect our students and New York State.”
NYSED Commissioner Betty A. Rosa expressed appreciation for the reinstatement of funds: “We are grateful that the federal government has fulfilled its commitment to the students of New York state by reinstating the grant funds that were previously withheld. These vital resources will empower both schools and districts to provide critical supports and services to their students, educators, and school communities. We thank the Attorney General and our congressional delegation for their collaboration in advocating for the restoration of this funding. The State Education Department and Board of Regents remain committed to working with all levels of government to ensure every student receives the high-quality education they deserve.”
The freeze affected more than $463 million in federal funds for New York alone—representing 13 percent of its total K-12 education budget—and left many summer programs without resources while threatening services planned for fall.
The lawsuit argued that freezing these funds violated several federal laws as well as constitutional provisions related to appropriations procedures.
With today’s release from ED confirming full restoration of all six impacted program grants, critical educational initiatives can resume ahead of the upcoming school year. Allocations include over $125 million for teacher training, $107 million for school safety improvements, $102 million for after-school programming essential to working families’ childcare needs, $52 million for adult education and workforce development efforts, and $10 million supporting immigrant students.
English language learners—particularly in New York City where nearly half of public school students speak a language other than English at home—will regain access to literacy instruction. The restored funding also means thousands can return to summer learning programs that had been canceled due to budget constraints; at least 67 full-time jobs at NYSED will be preserved.
