Education Fund Release Sparks Mixed Reactions in Alabama
The partial release of education funds that had been withheld by the Trump administration is generating both support and criticism among Alabama lawmakers.
In an announcement made on June 30, the administration revealed its intention to withhold $6.8 billion in federal education funding—an amount typically distributed annually on July 1. This withholding affects various programs, including those for English Learners, academic enrichment, professional development, immigration education, and after-school activities across the nation.
The National Education Association, the largest teacher’s union in the U.S., has estimated that Alabama could potentially lose around $100 million if these funds do not get reinstated.
Recently, the Trump administration decided to release $1.4 billion specifically for after-school and summer educational programs, but over $5 billion in education funding remains withheld.
Senator Katie Britt, a Republican from Alabama and a supporter of Trump, expressed her approval of the partial fund release. “We are pleased to see these funds being released to support our after-school and summer programs,” she shared in a social media post.
Britt also extended her thanks to the president and the director of the Management and Budget Office for the funds’ distribution. She noted that this decision was spurred by a request she and nine other Republican senators submitted.
“Withholding this funding contradicts President Trump’s aims to return K-12 education control back to states. This money flows directly to state and local districts, giving them the authority to decide its allocation,” she explained. “While we share concerns regarding taxpayer money funding questionable programs, we don’t believe this is the case with these funds.”
On the flip side, Representative Terri Sewell, a Democrat from Alabama, criticized the administration for its decision to hold back some of the funds approved by Congress. In her written statement, she revealed that, although her office has not received confirmation from the Trump administration, local educators have reported delays in fund allocations.
Sewell is continuing her push for the release of all remaining withheld funds, stating, “The illegal withholding of education funding is causing confusion and panic in our K-12 schools and for the students they serve. I will hold the Trump administration accountable for policies that are adversely affecting Alabama’s children.”
Alongside Sewell, 150 House Democrats have also criticized Trump’s action, demanding the release of funds that they deem “illegally withheld.” They highlighted that the abrupt notice given to the state just a day before the funds were set to be released further complicated the situation.
The letter from Sewell’s group points out that this unnecessary delay impacts at least 10% of federal K-12 funding in any state, risking educational programs and potentially leading to layoffs.
“There are no valid reasons to withhold these funds from the American people,” a senator noted. “We will ensure that funds for schools, teachers, and families are released promptly.”
Alabama Principal Eric McKey has echoed the call for expedited fund release. “As we approach the new school year, we hope for a swift resolution,” he stated in a message to local outlet Alabama Reflector. “We want to avoid any disruption in the services we provide to students and their families.”
Additionally, legal actions are being considered to compel the release of the funds, including a lawsuit spearheaded by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 23 other states and D.C., as well as a separate lawsuit from the Union of Local School Districts and the American Federation of Teachers.
