1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I write today with deep concern regarding the Trump administration’s recent suspension of over $230 million in congressionally‑approved federal funding for Pennsylvania’s schools—including after-school programs, teacher development, English-learner services, migrant education, and adult basic education grants. This funding freeze, first reported on June 30, 2025, jeopardizes key resources for our most vulnerable communities. These grants support: Title I‑C Migrant Education: $11 million Title II‑A Supporting Effective Instruction: $70 million Title III‑A English Language Acquisition: $20 million Title IV‑B 21st Century Community Learning Centers (after‑school): $54 million Adult Education Basic Grants: $20 million These funds are vital for underserved students—migrant children, English learners, students in foster care, those in juvenile justice, and low-income youth. They also fund after-school and summer opportunities that prevent academic regression. The adult education component—a $20 million investment—plays a crucial role in our workforce development ecosystem. It offers literacy, civics, and career readiness to adults aiming for economic stability and community participation. Withholding or delaying these funds not only undermines compliance with the Impoundment Control Act, but it also erodes trust in federal commitment to education. In counties like Bedford, the freeze threatens after-school programs that serve hundreds of children daily, leaving families scrambling for safe alternatives. To ensure our children and adults reach their full potential, I urge you to: 1. Immediately advocate in Congress for prompt release of withheld 2025 K–12 and adult education funds. 2. Pass legislation affirming that funds allocated by Congress may not be withheld without explicit approval and justification. 3. Increase future federal investment in specialized programs—vocational, special education, adult literacy—that drive long-term educational and economic resilience. Pennsylvania ranks sixth nationally in withheld funding—behind only CA, TX, NY, FL, and IL—with more than $230 million at risk . This is not a minor administrative delay—it's a direct hit to equitable education and a future-ready workforce. Your leadership is essential. Please act now to release the funds and secure increased support for specialized K–12 education, after-school enrichment, and adult learning programs. By doing so, we protect Pennsylvania students and strengthen our economy. Thank you for your attention and for championing Pennsylvania’s learners.