Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 22 states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The lawsuit challenges the administration's decision to freeze $6.8 billion in funding for six programs managed by the U.S. Department of Education. According to Nessel, this funding is crucial for various educational initiatives, including summer learning programs that have already been affected.

Nessel stated, “Courts across the country have made it clear to Donald Trump that he and his administration do not have the authority to unilaterally block funding that Congress has already approved.” She emphasized that these grants are essential for Michigan students' success and accused the Trump Administration of jeopardizing their future.

For years, Michigan and other states have utilized these funds for programs benefiting migratory children, English learners, community learning centers, and adult education efforts. However, on June 30th, state agencies were informed that funds would not be allocated as scheduled on July 1st.

The funding freeze has disrupted plans for the upcoming academic year. Local education agencies had prepared budgets and staffing plans based on these grants but now face uncertainty just weeks before school starts. Essential programs like summer school and afterschool activities are impacted.

In Michigan alone, six programs totaling approximately $171 million are affected. These include Title I-C (Education of Migratory Children), Title II-A (Supporting Effective Instruction), Title III-A (English Language Acquisition), Title IV-A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants), Title IV-B (21st Century Community Learning Centers), and Adult Basic Literacy; Integrated English Literacy; and Civics Education Grants.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice expressed concern over the impact on economically disadvantaged students or those needing extra help: “Our schools...believed that funds appropriated by Congress...would be forthcoming." He called the situation an "outrage."

LEO Director Susan Corbin highlighted how adult education plays a critical role in providing opportunities for Michiganders without high school diplomas: “LEO planned to use these funds...to serve more than 20,000 adult learners.”

The coalition argues that freezing these funds violates federal statutes governing budgeting processes and constitutional doctrines such as separation of powers.

Attorney General Nessel joins attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Hawai’i Illinois Maine Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota Nevada New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington Wisconsin Kentucky Pennsylvania seeking declaratory injunctive relief against what they view unlawful withholding by Trump's administration.