New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin has joined a coalition of 24 states in suing the Trump Administration over its decision to freeze billions of dollars in federal education funding, including $158 million earmarked for New Jersey.
The lawsuit, filed today, alleges that the U.S. Department of Education’s abrupt funding freeze violates multiple federal laws and the U.S. Constitution. The affected funds have traditionally supported a range of longstanding educational programs, including afterschool care, summer learning, teacher training, and services for English learners and students with special needs.
The State of New Jersey received over $46 million under Title II-Part A in fiscal year 2024, money which is used by many Yeshivos for professional development and other crucial services.
“Freezing billions of dollars in critical education funding just ahead of the start of the school year isn’t just wrong and reckless. It is also flagrantly illegal,” said Attorney General Platkin said in a statement.
The coalition argues that the freeze violates the Antideficiency Act, the Impoundment Control Act, and the separation of powers doctrine, as well as the Administrative Procedures Act and statutes governing education funding. They are seeking immediate injunctive relief to restore the withheld funds.
States typically receive approximately 25% of these education funds on or about July 1 each year, allowing local education agencies to plan their budgets and staffing for the academic year. However, on June 30, the U.S. Department of Education informed states that it would not be obligating the funds for six key formula-based education programs.
According to Platkin, this last-minute decision has already disrupted summer school and afterschool programming, childcare for working families, teacher development, and resources for vulnerable student populations. The freeze is also impacting contracts and staffing decisions already made based on the expected funding.
Joining New Jersey in the lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
Ah it’s all garbage-frivolous law suit.
The $158 million is all geneiva wasting the feds money on all kinds of programs & therapies which kids don’t need and don’t help.
They just need to show that they are Democrats.
Not quite. There are many kids getting very needed tutoring from these federal programs. When the school starts sending home a bill for your child’s English and math tutoring that she needs to keep up with the class, then you will sing a different tune.
Nope. Trumpers will defend their man even to their detriment. It’s basically a cult.
Thanks Ben. Someone had to say it.
Because a minority get needed assistance doesn’t mean the tax payers should be robbed of billions annually.
You’re right, we should get rid of all public Fire Departments and Police forces, why should we all pay taxes for the few people who have fires in their houses or commit crimes?
Sounds like what lakewood is doing to NJ.