A BIG WIN FOR PENNSYLVANIA STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

Students in school

In less than a year into his presidency, Trump’s administration and congressional

Republicans have introduced drastic policies with potential devastating impacts on students and their families. Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB), signed into law on July 4, 2025, slashes millions of dollars from federal funding to schools and colleges and eliminate grants and loans and introduced new criteria that would negatively impact children who are enrolled in either Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), school meals etc.

California and twenty-three other states, including Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia sued the federal government Monday for the release of more than $6 billion in federal education funding that they say never arrived. Community activists across the country are also protesting and demanding that the Trump administration release federal funds owed to schools. Thanks to all those who have been speaking out on behalf of American children, the United States Departmentof Education announced that it will release over $5 Billion in fiscal year 2025 frozen federal education funds to states.

This is a humongous win for all of those who have made it clear to the federal government that it cannot rob American children of a successful future and that adequate funds are essential to our children, youth, and families throughout the country. Without these funds, our schools would not have been able to provide adequate services and the critical education resources to eliminate barriers to success for students. Your immense push back and loud and clear advocacy has been impactful. This is an example of the power of the people’s voice and collective action. Coalition4Justice thanks everyone for their powerful advocacy on behalf of our children, our nation’s future.

Dr. Bernadine Ahonkhai

Education & Social Justice Consultant

Founder/CEO, Coalition4Justice