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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) led her colleagues in the Michigan Democratic delegation in sending a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon requesting answers about federally appropriated funds that have been withheld from school districts across the country, including over $156 million for Michigan. 

These federal funds, used to support important K-12 programs and extracurricular activities, have historically been delivered to school districts by July 1 to ensure there is adequate time to plan before the beginning of the new school year.

“Despite having already been appropriated by Congress and enacted into law by President Trump when he signed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 on March 15, 2025, funds for this year are now being withheld pending a review,” the lawmakers write. “The uncertainty surrounding the unprecedented withholding of these funds will force districts to make budgetary adjustments that will lead to larger class sizes due to reductions in staff, restrict access to before- and after-school programs, and will impact services provided to students with disabilities, to name a few consequences."

“In past years, the funds were sent to Michigan by July 1 to ensure the districts had ample time to properly finance and plan for the upcoming school year,” the lawmakers continue. “With the funds being withheld, districts now face tremendous fiscal uncertainty, preventing them from being able to prepare for the programs, training, and services required for school educators and students alike. We, the undersigned members of the Michigan delegation, urge the Department of Education to release the appropriated funds to give school districts the certainty they need for the upcoming school year.”

“In Michigan, the withheld funds are expected to have a significant fiscal impact on school systems. The state relies on this funding to train teachers and administrators, provide high-quality digital learning opportunities for students living in rural communities, invest in assistive technology to educate students with disabilities, and support school-based mental health services, counseling, and systems and practices to prevent bullying and harassment,” the lawmakers conclude. “These robust programs are authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and are essential for students of all ages to supplement their learning and participate in to grow thoughtful and well-rounded students. Withholding the funds will weaken the state of public education in our state and quality of learners for our future."

The lawmakers requested answers to the following questions:

• Since the appropriated funds were enacted by President Trump and have been received by school districts by July 1st in previous years, when should states and school districts expect to receive these Congressionally appropriated funds?
• How are federally funded public school districts expected to support their students, teachers, and staff without the expected funding budget at the start of the 2025-2026 school year?
• What impacts do you expect funding delays to have on school districts, especially those in rural and underserved communities? 
• What is the reason the Department of Education and/or the Office of Management and Budget chose to delay the funds?
• Are you abiding by federal regulations which mandate that federal agencies determine if a specific recipient’s grant should be terminated, notify grant recipients of the termination, and provide each recipient with an opportunity to object through an appeals process? 
  • If not, please explain the process that the State of Michigan must go through to ensure proper and expected federal funding for their appropriated sum.

The letter is signed by Representatives Haley Stevens, Rashida Tlaib, Shri Thanedar, Hillary Scholten, and Kristen McDonald Rivet. 

View the full text of the letter here.