Democrats push for school funding

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) is demanding the Trump administration release $7 billion in federal education funding, accusing the Education Department of illegally withholding money Congress already approved.

“It’s just a straight-up cut for no reason,” Gillibrand said.

The senator says the funding was intended for after-school programs, STEM education, and teacher training. With the Education Department putting a hold on the funds, some lawmakers fear the result could devastate classrooms nationwide.

“It’s going to really affect their ability to get the resources they need,” Gillibrand said. “Educators and moms are very worried about how this will affect the curriculum in their own schools.”

Gillibrand added the impact extends beyond K-12 students. She says adult learners will also suffer, especially since nearly one in five Americans lack basic literacy skills. This hurts economic mobility and weakens the workforce.

“Education is the gateway to the middle class,” she said. “So when you’re cutting all these different types of programs, the people whose education is being cut will therefore not achieve their full earning potential.”

In response, the Department of Education said it is committed to ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent in alignment with the president’s priorities.

Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.)  defended the administration’s decision, saying school programs should be thoroughly vetted before receiving funding.

“We do know that if the president’s doing it, it’s probably because of what he sees being missed or fraudulently used,” Walberg said. “Taxpayer dollars need to produce an educational opportunity or an experience in child care.”

In New York, the withheld money accounted for 13.5% of K-12 funding last year. Gillibrand says if the administration does not act, she is prepared to take the matter to court.