Attorney General Dan Rayfield has joined forces with a coalition of attorneys general from 15 states and the Governor of Pennsylvania to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal action aims to counter the Department of Education’s (ED) decision to cut access to hundreds of millions of dollars in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These funds were originally available for state education systems until March 2026.
The ED announced the termination of states' access to these funds on March 28, citing a sudden policy change. This move has reportedly created significant budgetary challenges for state education departments and local school districts, posing a threat to the support systems for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or experiencing homelessness.
"We’re standing up to Trump not for politics, but for our students," stated Rayfield. "Oregon won’t be bullied, and we’re taking this fight to court to protect every student and teacher who’s been caught in the crossfire of these political games."
The ARPA-funded programs under threat include the Homeless Children and Youth (HCY), Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER), and Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools (EANS). These initiatives fund vital services crucial for helping schools and students to recuperate from the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the coalition, the abrupt financial cuts hinder the states’ ability to provide essential services, potentially affecting public employees and the quality of education offered to K-12 students. They argue that this action violates the Administrative Procedure Act because the ED reversed its decision unlawfully and without proper justification, disregarding Congress’ mandate.
In their lawsuit, Attorney General Rayfield and his coalition are requesting both preliminary and permanent legal orders to prevent the ED from revoking the states' access to the funds. They seek to ensure the continued support for essential educational programs.
The attorneys general involved alongside Rayfield represent Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and the District of Columbia, with participation from the Governor of Pennsylvania.