Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, alongside 15 other attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education and Secretary Linda McMahon. The lawsuit challenges the department's decision to revoke an extension that allowed states to use pandemic relief funds. The funds were meant for education and were originally extended until March 2026. However, the new deadline was abruptly set to March 28, 2025.

"School districts across our state relied on a clear, approved timeline to complete essential projects to keep classrooms warm, ventilated, and safe for kids," Nessel stated. She emphasized that rescinding funds without warning is harmful to Michigan's children.

The Department's cancellation of the extensions has left Michigan without access to over $25 million in education funds. "We will continue to work with Attorney General Nessel to challenge federal actions that harm schoolchildren," said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. He insists that the Department of Education should honor its prior commitments.

The funds in question were to support essential programs, including those for children experiencing homelessness and assistance for rural attendance. School districts like Bay-Arenac ISD and Macomb ISD were set to receive already approved funds.

Dr. Pamela Pugh from the State Board of Education vowed to protect students from damaging federal changes. "Our children deserve better from the U.S. Department of Education," she stated regarding withheld funds intended for infrastructure improvements.

The withheld funds amount to nearly $17 million, which were meant for classroom construction, HVAC installations, curriculum purchases, and other educational needs. Districts such as Battle Creek Public Schools and Flint City School District were approved for significant sums.

The lawsuit accuses the Department of violating the Administrative Procedure Act by rescinding the extensions without legal justification and for misapplying criteria for considering extension requests. Other states joining the lawsuit include Arizona, California, and New York.

The legal action seeks to revert the decision and uphold the previous deadline for fund usage.