Stanton Slams Trump Administration's Freeze on Tens of Millions in Education Funding for Arizona

Cuts represent a tenth of all federal education funding for the state WASHINGTON—U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) today slammed the Trump Administration for freezing an estimated $118 million in federal K–12 education funding, normally released to Arizona on July 1. “On the same day Republicans passed a bill to cut food assistance for needy kids, Trump’s Department of Education is defunding Arizona’s public schools and the students they serve. That should tell you all you need to know about this Administration's priorities,” said Stanton . “Trump needs to listen to parents and educators and restore this funding immediately.” Despite Congress passing a continuing resolution in March of this year—which President Trump signed extending previous funding levels through fiscal year 2025—the Department of Education is taking a first step toward “impoundment,” the illegal withholding of money appropriated by Congress to fund federal programs and activities. An estimated total of $6.2 billion in Congressionally appropriated funds currently remains unavailable to states and territories across the U.S. The estimated impact in Arizona based on U.S. Department of Education 2024 Funding, as calculated by the Learning Policy Institute, includes: $43,833,611 from the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants. These funds support increasing student achievement by improving the quality and effectiveness of educators and underserved students’ access to effective educators. $25,120,734 from Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program. These funds support improving student academic achievement, including by providing students with access to a well-rounded education, improving school conditions for student learning, and improving the use of technology. $24,011,830 from the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers. These funds provide academic enrichment opportunities such as literacy and other educational services during non-school hours (e.g., through after-school or summer programs) for students and families—particularly those in underserved and low-performing schools. $9,803,715 from the Migrant Education Program. These funds support migratory children in reaching challenging academic standards and graduating from high school. $15,495,043 from the English Language Acquisition State Grants. These funds help students learn English and meet challenging state academic standards.