Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed yet another lawsuit against President Trump, this time challenging the administration’s decision to withhold billions of dollars in education funding for after-school care, summer programs and more.
Some of the withheld money funds after-school and summer programming at Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA or public schools, attended by 1.4 million children and teenagers nationwide.
Congress set aside money for the programs to provide academic support, enrichment and child care to mostly low-income families. But Trump’s administration recently froze the funding, saying it wants to ensure programs align with the Republican president’s priorities.
Of the $6 billion dollars in frozen federal funds, Arizona is due about $118 million. Some Arizona schools start the new year as early as Wednesday.
“It is unlawful for President Trump to hold up this education funding and to wreak absolute havoc on our schools and on our students and families,” Mayes told reporters Monday.
Led by California, the lawsuit brought by more than 20 states alleges withholding the money violates the Constitution and several federal laws. Many low-income families will lose access to after-school programs if the money isn’t released soon, according to the suit. In states like Arizona, school restarts in late July and early August.
The Department of Education did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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