Trump reverses federal grants freeze. Fresno area schools to receive partial funds
The Trump Administration walked back its decision to freeze $6.2 billion in federal K-12 funding and will restore a portion of the money ahead of the new school year.
A senior official confirmed to POLITICO that about $1.3 billion in funds would be restored on Monday. It’s unclear when, and if, the remaining grant funding will be restored.
“Funds will be released to the states,” the official said. “Guardrails have been put in place to ensure these funds are not used in violation of Executive Orders.”
This development followed 10 Republican lawmakers’ critique of the freeze, according to the Associated Press.
“Long before Republican Senators weighed in, 149 House Democrats, plus a separate effort led by California Democrats, called on the (U.S. Dept. of Education) to restore this funding. Because kids come first. Always!” Rep. Jim Costa, D-California, wrote on social media.
In a press release on Thursday, Costa highlighted that the sudden freeze would cost California $811 million in education funding. Fresno Unified, California’s third-largest school district, stood to lose $7.1 million.
The funds were set to be distributed on July 1, though they were delayed with less that 24 hours’ notice. Costa said this unexpected freeze put after-school programs, teacher training, mental health services, and similar initiatives in jeopardy.
Clovis Unified expected to lose $2.2 million in expected grant funding.