James vs. Trump: Battle Over $134M in Education Funds

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, leading a coalition of 15 other attorneys general and the Governor of Pennsylvania, to restore states’ access to critical Department of Education programs. The lawsuit targets the arbitrary termination of hundreds of millions in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

“The Trump administration’s latest attack on our schools will hurt our most vulnerable students and make it harder for them to thrive,” AG James stated, noting the loss of $134 million in New York alone. These funds were meant to support low-income and unhoused students and provide services addressing the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ARPA had allocated grants to Homeless Children and Youth (HCY), Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER), and Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools (EANS) programs. These funds were crucial for school repairs, library books, playground equipment, tutoring services, and support for unhoused youth.

Attorney General James argues that the Education Department’s termination of these funds violates the Administrative Procedure Act, as it reversed a prior decision without explanation or contrary to Congress’ intent. The coalition claims this abrupt move creates a significant budget gap, threatening essential public services, teacher pay, and quality education for K-12 students.

The lawsuit aims to restore access to critical funding for schools and students across the country, ensuring that vital resources are available to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts.