New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has secured a court order mandating the restoration of critical U.S. Department of Education funding for states, intended to address the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 students. The order prevents the U.S. Department of Education from withholding nearly $1 billion in education funding, including about $85 million earmarked for New Jersey.
On April 10, Attorney General Platkin joined forces with a coalition of 15 other attorneys general and Pennsylvania's governor to file a lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The lawsuit challenges the administration's decision to end access to funding under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was previously accessible through March 2026 as per the U.S. Department of Education’s determination. Judge Edgardo Ramos from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a preliminary injunction that orders immediate restoration of these funds as legal proceedings continue.
“We are grateful that today’s decision puts a stop to the Trump Administration’s reckless and cruel attempts to cut off critical education funding to our state," said Attorney General Platkin. "Because of our lawsuit, schools, students, and teachers across our state will now continue to have access to $85 million in federal funding jeopardized by the Trump Administration.”
Platkin emphasized that stripping access to federal funds meant for vulnerable students is unlawful and expressed optimism about permanently preventing further harm.
The ARPA-funded programs are designed to mitigate pandemic-related educational disruptions by providing resources for school systems and supporting services crucial for vulnerable students, such as unhoused youth.
Attorney General Platkin and his coalition argued that revoking these funds would create significant budget shortfalls affecting both students and educators by eliminating essential educational services.
Judge Ramos granted an injunction stopping enforcement of a letter from Education Secretary Linda McMahon dated March 28, 2025, which had rescinded states' access to their allocated ARPA funds.
The lawsuit includes participation from attorneys general representing New York, Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon; along with Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania's governor.
