The U.S. Education Department is releasing more than $5 billion in education grant funding to states this week, including $230 million to Pennsylvania schools.

According to NPR, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle lobbied to release the funds, citing financial strain on states and local communities. 

On June 30, the US Department of Education notified the Pennsylvania Department of Education that the delivery of about $230 million in federal funds would be delayed.

The funding “covers vital programs for Pennsylvania students and teachers like before and after school programming, teacher training and professional development, adult and family literacy programs and education for children from farming families across the Commonwealth,” the statement said.

In July, the Trump administration withheld billions in congressionally approved funding for K-12 education programs nationwide. Shortly thereafter, Governor Josh Shapiro of Abington Township announced that he joined a lawsuit with 25 other states and the District of Columbia over the funding freeze.

On July 25, Shapiro posted:

We sued the Trump Administration and now the Department of Education has told us that every dollar of the $230 million unlawfully withheld from Pennsylvania schools will be returned to us — critical funds that school districts rely on to meet their budgets, train teachers, provide afterschool programs, and more.

As Governor, it’s my job to stand up for Pennsylvanians. And if anyone tries to hurt our students, they’ll have to go through me.

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.