White House ends education spending freeze as Arizona Democrats pressed the issue

The Trump administration released $110 million in federal education grants for Arizona after bipartisan pressure from congressional leaders. The funding had been frozen, jeopardizing essential programs in public schools and delaying hiring just weeks before the new school year began. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, along with Representatives Greg Stanton and Yassamin Ansari, spearheaded efforts to demand the release of the funds, which they deemed critical for student support and professional development. Stanton called the administration's reversal a victory for Arizona classrooms. Critics, including Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, underscored that the funding freeze created significant disruption for educators and families.

The funding will now support programs like English language learning and after-school activities. The release follows similar calls from ten Republican senators, emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the request. Arizona’s funding loss was estimated at $132 million, highlighting the broader implications of the funding freeze on education in the state.