New York Attorney General Letitia James secured a court order compelling the Trump administration to reinstate access to over $1 billion in critical Department of Education (ED) funds for states, crucial for students and teachers amidst the COVID-19 recovery.
The AG led a coalition against the Trump administration’s unilateral move to end grants from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), affecting New York’s $134 million loss. The court order, issued by Judge Edgardo Ramos, mandates immediate access to these funds during ongoing litigation.
‘The illegal decision to cut off essential education funding put vulnerable students at risk,’ James stated. ‘This victory secures the resources needed for our students and teachers to succeed.’
The ARPA-funded programs included Homeless Children and Youth (HCY), Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER), and Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools (EANS). These provided vital support like school repairs, library books, and wheelchair-accessible buses.
Attorney General James and the coalition argued that ED’s arbitrary termination created a budget gap, threatening education services. Judge Ramos granted an injunction blocking ED from enforcing the March 28 letter by Education Secretary Linda McMahon.
The lawsuit includes AGs of Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and the District of Columbia, along with Pennsylvania’s Governor.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: NY AG
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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