Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has taken legal action against the Trump administration, joining a coalition of 15 states, the District of Columbia, and the Governor of Pennsylvania. The coalition is seeking to restore access to key educational funds from the Department of Education (ED) intended to support low-income and unhoused students as well as other services addressing COVID-19's impact on K-12 students.
According to Attorney General Ellison, the ED unexpectedly ended states' access to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants that were available until March 2026. This decision has resulted in significant budget shortfalls for state education departments and school districts.
"The Trump Administration’s cruel and reckless law-breaking continues," said Ellison. "Arbitrarily cutting funds to help low-income and homeless children hurts not only those children, but taxpayers in every school district and state who will have to pick up the slack. We also allege these cuts are illegal, so we’re holding the Administration accountable yet again so they follow the law and stop harming Americans, especially our most vulnerable children."
The ARPA funded three education programs: Homeless Children and Youth (HCY), Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER), and Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools (EANS). These programs are vital for helping students and schools recover from the pandemic, providing necessary resources like food, classroom supplies, and training for teachers working with unhoused students.
Ellison and the coalition argue that the ED's sudden withdrawal of funds, previously guaranteed until March 2026, violates the Administrative Procedure Act. They seek legal prevention of this withdrawal to ensure continued access to these essential funds.
Joining Ellison in this lawsuit are the attorneys general from several states including Arizona, California, and New York, along with other parties.