Federal Updates

On July 15, the U.S. Department of Education announced the “Workforce Development Partnership” which will allow Department of Labor to take on a greater role in administering career and technical education (CTE) programs funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V). According to a FAQ document, “the programs will be managed alongside ED staff, with continued leadership and oversight by ED.” 

This article summarizes recent actions by the Trump administration invoking the 1996 PRWORA law to restrict immigrant families from accessing federally funded education programs, including Head Start and dual enrollment. The move has raised legal and equity concerns, particularly about student documentation requirements and a possible challenge to Plyler v. Doe.

We need your help to urge the Trump Administration to release FY25 funds that are being withheld from public schools. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to request the immediate release of these funds.

On June 30, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) announced it would not release FY25 funds for several key federal education programs as appropriated by Congress. These programs represent over $6 billion in federal support that school districts across the country have already budgeted for and are depending on to provide essential services and supports to students.

Federal education policy is shifting rapidly—and this week has brought a wave of significant, fast-moving developments. We’re committed to keeping members informed and ready to respond in real time. 

For the last 24 hours the Senate has been voting on a slew of amendments to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While initially on Friday the Parliamentarian struck out the voucher program, after considerable negotiations with Republicans she agreed to a significantly revised version of the nation’s first federal private school voucher program.

On March 28, the Department informed SEAs that the Administration has canceled any prior approval for “late liquidation” of remaining funds from a variety of federal pandemic recovery funds, including American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER and Homeless Children and Youth (HCY) funds.

On May 30, Trump Administration released additional budget materials to Congress for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). While not officially the full FY26 budget proposal, this information builds upon the “skinny budget” and provides specific funding requests for programs.