New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined a coalition of 24 states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The legal action challenges the administration's decision to freeze billions of dollars in federal funding for education, including $158 million earmarked for New Jersey. This funding is crucial for six longstanding programs managed by the U.S. Department of Education.
The attorneys general argue that the freeze violates several federal statutes and regulations, including those governing federal budgeting processes such as the Antideficiency Act and Impoundment Control Act. They seek declaratory and injunctive relief from the court.
Attorney General Platkin stated, “Freezing billions of dollars in critical education funding just ahead of the start of the school year isn’t just wrong and reckless. It is also flagrantly illegal.” He emphasized that this action undermines educational programs vital to students, educators, and schools.
For many years, states like New Jersey have utilized these funds for various educational services, including programs for students with special needs and English language learners, teacher training initiatives, and community learning centers. The Department of Education typically releases about 25% of these funds annually around July 1 to help states plan their budgets.
However, on June 30 this year, state agencies were informed that funding would not be allocated as usual. This unexpected move has disrupted plans for the upcoming academic year, affecting budgets and staffing plans already approved by local education agencies.
The lawsuit claims that the Trump Administration's actions violate federal statutes and constitutional principles like the separation of powers doctrine. The coalition seeks a court declaration deeming the freeze unlawful and aims to prevent any further withholding or delay of these essential funds.
Joining Attorney General Platkin in this lawsuit are attorneys general from states including California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont Washington Wisconsin as well as officials from Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
