U.S. Department Of Education Releases Federal Funding Promised To NH Public Schools

By InDepth NH

U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-NH, and Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, both issued news releases about their efforts to have the funds released. See below.

CONCORD, NH — Following weeks of advocacy from Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, the Trump Administration announced it will release the remaining $5.5 billion in federal funding being withheld from America’s public schools. This funding represents the remaining funds from the nearly $7 billion in education funding the Administration has been holding since July 1, including $27 million for New Hampshire.

“New Hampshire’s educators have been standing up to bullies for a long time, but they didn’t need one in the White House,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “I’m glad to see that after fierce advocacy and legal challenges, the federal funding promised to our schools will finally be released. I will never let our public schools be pushed around.”

Congresswoman Goodlander has been a fierce advocate for protecting public education. She has filed multiple legal briefs to hold the administration accountable and reverse this freeze, including briefs in defense of the Department of Education and challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to fire public servants, including America’s educators. Earlier this month, she sent a letter pressuring the Trump Administration to release almost $7 billion in illegally withheld, congressionally-appropriated federal funding meant for education-related programs such as after-school programs, teacher training, and adult education. Goodlander is helping to lead the IDEA Full Funding Act, legislation that will ensure all children with disabilities can access high-quality public education.

Gov. Ayotte's news release: Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte secured the release of federal education funding for academic enrichment, English language learning, and other key programs for New Hampshire schools.

Prior to the Department of Education’s announcement that it would release the funding, the Governor met multiple times with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to advocate for the best interest of Granite State students, teachers, and families.

“My number one priority is fighting for what is best for New Hampshire, and I am pleased that this funding is being released. As I told Secretary McMahon in multiple meetings, this funding is critical to delivering a best-in-class education for every child in New Hampshire, and I thank her and the Trump Administration for responding to our concerns. I will continue to advocate directly for the programs and services Granite Staters depend on.”

This article first appeared on InDepthNH.org and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.