Carson City, NV – Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has joined a coalition of 25 states in a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its decision to freeze $6.8 billion in education grants. The funding freeze affects six programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education and comes just weeks before the school year is set to begin in many parts of Nevada.
Attorney General Ford stated, “The Trump Administration’s decision to freeze $53 million in critical education funding just weeks before our schools open is not only unconstitutional, but it’s a direct attack on Nevada’s students and families.”
The lawsuit argues that the funding freeze violates federal statutes and regulations governing these educational programs, as well as constitutional principles such as the separation of powers doctrine and the Presentment Clause. The attorneys general are seeking declaratory and injunctive relief from the court.
For decades, states like Nevada have relied on this funding for various educational initiatives, including programs for migratory children and English learners, community learning centers, adult education, and workforce development efforts.
According to federal requirements, about 25% of funds for these programs are typically made available around July 1 each year to help state and local agencies plan their budgets. However, this year state agencies were informed on June 30 that funds would not be obligated for six formula funding programs.
This sudden freeze has disrupted plans for the upcoming academic year. Local education agencies had already approved budgets and developed staffing plans based on expected funds. Now they face significant shortfalls just weeks before schools reopen.
In Nevada alone, an estimated $53 million in federal education funding is frozen—representing 15.3% of the state’s total education budget.
Attorney General Ford joins his counterparts from California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland Michigan Minnesota New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Oregon Pennsylvania Vermont Washington Wisconsin in challenging this action by filing suit against it
