The Education Department is set to release $1.3 billion in grant funding that had been previously withheld for after-school programs. This decision follows pressure from ten Republican senators who highlighted the importance of these funds for communities. The Trump administration had initially withheld over $6 billion in various federal grants, citing a review process. The released funds will support programs crucial for child care and educational activities for low-income families while continuing reviews on the remaining withheld grants.
The Education Department will release $1.3 billion in previously withheld grant money for after-school programs, days after 10 Republican senators sent a letter imploring the Trump administration to allow frozen education money to be sent to states.
The withheld money supported programs that had longstanding bipartisan support and were critical to local communities. The money had been appropriated by Congress in a bill that was signed by Trump.
Without the money, school districts and nonprofits such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club of America had said they would have to close or scale back educational offerings this fall.
The money being released Friday pays for free programming before and after school and during the summer. The programs provide child care so low-income parents can work.
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