- 16 states and D.C. sue over halted $189B pandemic school funds
- New York loses $134M for repairs, tutoring, and homeless services
- Education Dept reversed 2026 spending deadline without warning
- States allege violation of federal administrative procedures law
A coalition of Democratic attorneys general from 16 states and Washington, D.C., launched a federal lawsuit Thursday against the Trump administration’s sudden termination of pandemic relief funding for schools. The Education Department’s decision blocks access to remaining COVID-19 aid originally earmarked for classroom recovery programs, infrastructure improvements, and student support services. Legal experts warn the reversal could destabilize multi-year education projects already in motion.
New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the human impact, noting the $134 million loss would directly affect wheelchair-accessible transportation, library resources, and catch-up tutoring for students who fell behind during remote learning. Over 60% of New York City’s pandemic relief allocation funded after-school programs for homeless youth and mental health counselors – services now at risk of being cut mid-academic year.
The Biden administration had extended the spending deadline to March 2026 through formal regulatory channels, a decision the Trump team revoked with 30 days’ notice. Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the policy shift, claiming districts had three fiscal years to allocate resources,though internal agency documents reveal 42% of rural school systems requested deadline extensions for construction projects delayed by supply chain issues.
Legal analysts highlight three potential consequences of the funding freeze: 1) Violation of federal administrative law requiring reasoned explanation for policy reversals 2) Disproportionate harm to Title I schools serving low-income students 3) Erosion of trust in long-term federal education partnerships. Michigan’s Oxford School District, for example, halted installation of air filtration systems promised to parents of asthmatic children.
Industry experts warn the funding cutoff coincides with a 17% nationwide rise in chronic student absenteeism post-pandemic. Dr. Ellen Torres of the Education Policy Institute notes: This isn’t just about balance sheets – we’re seeing tangible learning loss reversals in districts maintaining robust tutoring programs. Pulling funds now undermines two years of academic recovery progress.
The lawsuit seeks immediate injunctive relief to restore access to remaining funds, estimated at $68 billion nationally. A ruling is expected within 90 days, though appeals could extend the battle through 2025. With 31% of school administrators reporting pandemic-era mental health staffing shortages, the case’s outcome may shape educational equity for a generation.