New York Attorney General Letitia James marked a major victory on August 1 as the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced the release of nearly $7 billion in education funding that had been unlawfully frozen by the Trump administration.
The funding, crucial for students, families, and schools nationwide, had been halted abruptly just weeks before the new school year. The reversal follows a lawsuit filed in July by Attorney General James alongside 22 other attorneys general and the governors of Pennsylvania and Kentucky, challenging the department’s decision.
“This is a huge win for our schools, our students, and the rule of law,” said 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. 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.”
New York State Education Department (NYSED) Commissioner Betty A. Rosa expressed gratitude for the restored funding, emphasizing its critical role in supporting schools and districts.
“We thank the Attorney General and our congressional delegation for their collaboration in advocating for the restoration of this funding,” Rosa said. “These vital resources will empower schools and districts to provide critical support and services to their students, educators, and school communities.”
The frozen funds supported six congressionally authorized programs, covering education for English learners and immigrant children, classroom technology, afterschool enrichment, adult education, mental health services, and workforce development. In New York alone, over $463 million was frozen, representing 13 percent of the state’s total K-12 education funding, affecting more than 730 school districts.
The lawsuit argued the freeze violated several federal laws and constitutional provisions. Following legal pressure, the ED sent grant award notices confirming the release of all previously withheld funds.
James highlighted key allocations: over $125 million for teacher training and development, $107 million to enhance school safety and classroom environments, and $102 million to support afterschool and summer programs relied on by working families.
She added that English language learners, especially in New York City where nearly half of public school students speak a language other than English at home, will regain access to essential literacy and language instruction.
Additionally, the funds restore $52 million for adult education and workforce programs and $10 million for immigrant student support.
“The release of this federal education funding means critical programs can now resume just in time for the upcoming school year,” James said. “Thousands of students will now be able to return to summer learning programs that had been canceled, and at least 67 full-time jobs at NYSED will be preserved.”
