OLYMIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington has joined other states in slapping the federal government with yet another suit, this time concerning education funding.
AG Nick Brown’s office announced on Monday, July 14 that Washington state has joined litigation against the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget for withholding $7 billion in formula grants.
The grants go towards programs that support English learners and children of migratory workers, professional development for staff members, technology in the classroom and extracurricular activities.
According to the state AG’s office, the federal government is obligated by law to fund these programs.
The federal government was supposed to award grants beginning July 1, but just a day before, the states received notice from the government that this funding was to be reviewed.
In Washington, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction estimates nearly $137 million would be going to K-12 schools this upcoming year.
An additional over $13 million is frozen that could go towards adult student learning in the state.
22 other states and D.C. are represented in the suit that seeks to halt the actions and force the government to provide the grants in accordance with the law.
