Arizona scored a major legal victory as the U.S. Department of Education released $132 million in frozen education funding—money that had been withheld under the Trump administration. The move follows a lawsuit led by Attorney General Kris Mayes, who partnered with 23 other state attorneys general to challenge what they called an unlawful and damaging funding freeze.
Mayes didn’t hold back in criticizing the Trump-era decision. “The Trump administration’s unlawful freeze of these critical funds threw the start of the school year into chaos in Arizona,” she said. “School leaders had to scramble to see how they could make up for millions in lost funding. Teachers and aides worried if their jobs were in jeopardy. And students and families were left wondering what would happen to after-school programs.”
The freeze, imposed on June 30, jeopardized key educational services—impacting programs for migrant children, English learners, school improvement, classroom technology, adult education, and community enrichment. Summer learning initiatives were particularly hard hit, with no funding to support them as the school year approached.
On July 14, Mayes and her counterparts filed a legal challenge seeking a preliminary injunction, arguing that the funding halt violated federal law, budgetary regulations, and even the U.S. Constitution. They cited breaches of the separation of powers and the Presentment Clause, emphasizing the overreach of executive power.
Mayes called the court’s decision to unfreeze the funds a victory for students, educators, and communities across Arizona. “We stood up for our schools, and we won,” she said.
With the release of the funds now underway, districts can move forward with restoring essential programs, securing jobs for educators, and stabilizing classrooms ahead of the new academic year.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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