Blumenthal Statement on Trump Administration Releasing Previously Blocked Funding for K-12 Education & Afterschool Programs

Withheld funds included an estimated $53.6 million for CT schools & community organizations
[Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released the following statement following the Trump administration’s announcement it will release the remaining $5.5 billion in federal funding for K-12 schools and adult education programs that it has been blocking for weeks, including an estimated $53.6 million for Connecticut schools and community organizations. Before- and after-school programs, early learning centers, religious organizations, and workforce centers were also impacted.
“The Trump administration’s illegal and cruel withholding of billions of funds primarily serving children put critical educational programs at risk, including summer schools. The administration only backed down in the face of significant congressional and community outrage. I’ll continue to fight against any delayed funds that come at the expense of Connecticut residents,”said Blumenthal.
Earlier this month, Blumenthal joined aletterto Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon demanding the immediate release of the funding.
The funding streams President Trump blocked for weeks, all of which are programs he requested to eliminate in his fiscal year 2026 budget request, are below:
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