Carson City, NV – Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has joined a coalition of 25 states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The lawsuit challenges the decision to freeze $6.8 billion in education grants, affecting six longstanding programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. This funding freeze comes just weeks before the start of the school year in many parts of Nevada.
Attorney General Ford stated, "The Trump Administration's decision to freeze $53 million in critical education funding just weeks before our schools open is not only unconstitutional, but it's a direct attack on Nevada's students and families." He emphasized that his office is taking action to protect education in Nevada and defend against federal overreach.
For decades, states like Nevada have relied on these funds for various educational programs and services. These include programs for migratory children and English learners, as well as community learning centers and adult education efforts. The Department of Education typically releases about 25% of these funds to states around July 1 each year.
However, this year, state agencies were informed on June 30 that funds would not be obligated for six formula funding programs on July 1. This sudden freeze has disrupted plans for the upcoming academic year, affecting local education budgets and staffing plans.
The lawsuit argues that it is Congress that holds the power to control spending appropriations passed into law, not the Executive Branch. The coalition seeks declaratory and injunctive relief from the court to block any attempts by the Trump Administration to withhold or delay funding.
Joining Attorney General Ford are attorneys general from California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania Vermont Washington Wisconsin.