The Trump administration on March 28 issued a decision to claw back funds for Illinois schools, reversing the U.S. Department of Education’s prior approval of Illinois’ request for a liquidation extension on federal pandemic relief funds. The decision revokes approval for Illinois grantees to spend $77.25 million in federal pandemic relief funds intended to support Illinois’ highest-need students, forcing school districts to reconsider essential services.
“Our most at-risk students are having resources their districts were promised stripped away for political gain, and Illinois will not stand by and let this kind of cruelty abide,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Every dollar of these funds would go to support districts in need of every available support, and instead the administration is making it harder yet again for Illinois families to live, work, and get an education.”
“This decision is a devastating blow to the students and schools that were relying on these approved funds to provide critical services,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “School districts depend on stability in funding to plan effectively and ensure continuity of services for students. The abrupt reversal of this extension disrupts stability and jeopardizes essential programs that support students’ learning recovery.”
Illinois has spent down 98.5% of its federal pandemic relief funds. The remaining $77.25 million has been obligated, meaning it has been committed within contracts, orders, or payroll, but has not yet been expended. Grantees had requested late liquidation approval on a narrow, project-specific basis to account for supply chain issues, staffing shortages, and other delays due to the pandemic.
Previously, the U.S. Department of Education granted Illinois the requested extension to liquidate federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief and ARP Homeless Children and Youth funds until March 28, 2026, for obligations made on or before September 30, 2024.
The Trump administration’s revocation of the approval meant funds had to be liquidated by March 28, 2025 – the same day the revocation decision was announced – leaving school districts, Regional Offices of Education, and other grantees suddenly unable to access the remaining funds.
The Trump administration’s action impacts 27 school districts, two Regional Offices of Education, and three other grantees that were relying on these funds to reimburse expenses for essential services, including transportation for homeless children, adaptive technology for students with disabilities, certification for teachers of English learners, and after-school tutoring to address learning loss. Without access to these funds, impacted grantees may have to stop services.
The letter from the U.S. Department of Education suggests that states may resubmit extension requests, placing an unnecessary and duplicative administrative burden on grantees and jeopardizing access to critical resources for the schools and students who need them most.
- NotRich - Tuesday, Apr 1, 25 @ 4:34 pm:
What grandpa Joe giveth.. uncle Elon takes away.
- Jocko - Tuesday, Apr 1, 25 @ 4:41 pm:
==it has been committed within contracts, orders, or payroll==
I’m waiting for the Supreme Court to say DJT violating the Contracts Clause is an official act.
- stumped - Tuesday, Apr 1, 25 @ 4:53 pm:
Has anyone sussed out what is a DOGE cut to all states versus what is a cut targeted to Illinois, or blue states?
- Pundent - Tuesday, Apr 1, 25 @ 5:25 pm:
=Has anyone sussed out what is a DOGE cut to all states versus what is a cut targeted to Illinois, or blue states?=
I believe the short answer is they aren’t using the precision of a scalpel but the destructive force of their figurative chainsaw. Much of this is being directed by Elon Musk with the acquiescence of the President. It is being done across the board with no regard for who will be affected. Red state, blue state it does not matter. And oddly enough it’s being cheered on by those that may be impacted the most.