After freezing funds for nearly the entire month of July, the Trump administration is releasing billions of dollars in grants for schools across the country.
The U.S. Department of Education was due to release about $6 billion in funds for five federal programs on July 1, but decided not to do so, saying the previously approved grants were being reviewed to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent in accordance with President Donald Trump’s priorities.
That left Arizona without access to about $118 million for things like before- and after-school programs and resources for English language learners.
The release of funds follows several lawsuits and calls from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle asking the administration to send the money to states like Arizona, where kids are heading back to school.
U.S. Reps. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) and Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, and Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego of Arizona were among those demanding the funding.
In a statement, Gallego said: “I’m glad the Trump administration backed down and unfroze the Congressionally-appropriated grants it was withholding from Arizona schools, but that money should never have been frozen in the first place. The funding freeze forced schools to delay hiring and scramble to adjust just weeks before the school year starts. It created chaos for educators and uncertainty for families. I’m glad it’s over and proud to have fought to make it happen."
Earlier this week, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne had promised to make up for some of the funding, which was earmarked for school resource officers. After the funds were released, Horne said:
“When the pause occurred, a lot of people panicked thinking the money would go away entirely. I said at the time that this was merely a pause for review and that is exactly what happened. The Arizona Department of Education staff will work very hard to disburse these funds as soon as possible.”
