TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined a coalition of 24 states in filing a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s recent decision to halt billions of dollars in education funding — including $158 million allocated to New Jersey.
The lawsuit, filed against the U.S. Department of Education, claims the funding freeze violates multiple federal laws and constitutional provisions. The plaintiffs argue the freeze disrupts long-standing grant programs that support teacher training, special education services, afterschool programs, and summer learning efforts across the country.
The legal action seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, asserting that the freeze contravenes the federal laws that authorize and appropriate funding for the programs, along with the Antideficiency Act, Impoundment Control Act, and the constitutional separation of powers.
“Freezing billions of dollars in critical education funding just ahead of the start of the school year isn’t just wrong and reckless. It is also flagrantly illegal,” said Attorney General Platkin. He added that the freeze has already impacted summer programs and threatens upcoming academic year services, particularly those for English language learners and students with special needs.
According to the complaint, states typically receive about 25% of annual funding for these programs on or around July 1, allowing local education agencies to plan for the upcoming school year. This year, however, state agencies, including New Jersey’s Department of Education, were informed on June 30 that the U.S. Department of Education would not be obligating funds for six formula grant programs on schedule.
The plaintiffs allege the sudden halt has disrupted budgets and contracts already in place and has affected services relied upon by families, educators, and students. The lawsuit contends that the action undermines years of consistent federal funding and injects uncertainty into vital education initiatives.
New Jersey joins attorneys general from states including California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and others, along with the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, in the legal challenge. The coalition is urging the court to declare the funding freeze unlawful and prevent delays or withholding of funds moving forward.
