Latest news with #GrantstoStates
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Education Department: Proposed budget calls for billions in cuts
Last March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking the elimination of the Education Department — calling the 46-year-old federal agency 'a big con job' and pledging to move all things education 'back to the states where it belongs.' Trump added that many of the Education's Department's 'useful functions' — including Title I funding and resources for children with disabilities — 'will be fully preserved' and 'redistributed to various other agencies and departments.' Now the Trump administration is articulating its specific Department of Education fiscal intentions in its recently released annual White House budget proposal — which will ultimately require Congressional approval. The department's 2026 budget request advances Trump's plan to 'reach balance and restore confidence in America's fiscal management by eliminating spending that does not support meaningful learning and returning responsibility for services that are better provided by the states, local governments, or civil society organizations to each respectively.' Added the document: 'Our goal is clear: to make education better, fairer, and more accountable by ending federal overreach and empowering families, schools, and states who best know the needs of their students.' The Education Department is requesting $66.7 billion — an approximate $12 billion reduction (or about 15%) from the 2025 appropriation. The proposed budget cut, according to the document, 'reflects an agency that is responsibly winding down.' As Trump promised, the Education Department's budget request asserts it maintains the current Title I allocations of $18.4 billion. Title I funds aim to help students from low-income families achieve in the classroom. 'The request recognizes the importance of funds under Title I-A Grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), which serve as a critical source of support for LEAs in communities of concentrated poverty,' the document noted. 'This program also provides considerable flexibility to LEAs on how to use the funds to best address the needs of their students — which is consistent with the Administration's goal to return education back to the states while maintaining support for families and their students.' More than 108,000 Utah K-12 students benefit from Title I money. The Education Department also administers the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that helps schools pay for services for students with disabilities. The agency's 2026 budget request provides $14.9 billion for the IDEA Grants to States program — about $677 million more than the 2024 appropriation. It also calls for consolidating the Preschool Grant program and the Special Education National Activities programs into the Grants to States program. The Grants to States program, the request noted, will continue to be allocated to states and LEAs. States will receive additional flexibility to reserve funds for state-level activities — including those currently supported under the National Activities programs. States, the proposal added, would continue to meet key IDEA accountability and reporting requirements 'aimed at ensuring a free appropriate public education is available to all students with disabilities' while protecting the 'rights of those students and their families.' The document said the proposals reflect the Trump administration's commitment to increasing flexibility for states 'while limiting federal overreach into schools.' The National School Lunch Program, which reimburses Utah schools and other states for students receiving free or reduced school meals, is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture — not the Education Department. The department's 2026 budget proposal argues that federal support for education in the past has supported programs ill-suited for states. As a result, the budget proposal added, 'states are forced to hire increasingly large numbers of staff not to serve students, but to apply for competitive grants and manage the bureaucratic red tape imposed by the federal government. … It is time for the federal government to get out of the way of states and localities as they turn their attention to education outcomes instead of compliance with Federal red tape.' While calling for maintained support for flexible Title I grants to LEAs, the Education Department's 2026 budget includes a proposed 'K-12 Simplified Funding Program,' which would consolidate many currently federally funded grant programs for elementary and secondary education into a single 'state formula' grant program. 'States and localities would have flexibility to use (Simplified Funding Program) funds for any number of elementary and secondary education activities, consistent with the needs of their communities,' the document states. The budget request notes it would maintain separate funding for Impact Aid and Indian Education — 'both in support of underserved student populations.' But the Trump administration is not requesting funding for several stand-alone elementary and secondary education programs for 2026. 'These eliminations are part of the Administration's overall effort to restore fiscal discipline and reduce the federal role in education. States and localities, not the federal government, are best suited to determine whether to support the activities authorized under the various programs within their own budgets and without unnecessary administrative burden imposed by the federal government.' Existing Education Department-funded programs being eliminated as stand-alone programs — and instead being recommended for consolidation into the K-12 Simplified Funding Program — include programs promoting literacy; enhanced library programs; education services for 'Neglected, Delinquent & At-Risk Children'; the McKinney-Vento programs assisting homeless students; rural education programs; and arts education for students, including those with disabilities. The Education Department budget proposal does not include requests for future funding for the Supporting Effective Educator Development, or SEED, program. Also eliminated from the budget proposal are funds for migrant education. 'This program has not been proven effective and encourages ineligible noncitizens to access taxpayer dollars stripping resources from American students,' according to the document. The Education Department's budget document referenced the alarming rate of the nation's eighth graders who are struggling in reading and math — and blames federal control for 'decimating student achievement.' More local school options such as charter schools, the document argues, are needed to give parents choices for their children's education. 'So the request strategically invests $500 million, a $60 million increase, to expand high-quality charter schools, which have a proven record of improving students' academic achievement,' according to the report. 'These funds would support new and continuation awards that make start-up, replication, expansion, and facility support available to charter schools capable of delivering innovative solutions to meet student needs.' The 2026 budget proposal provides $1.4 billion for Career and Technical Education (CTE) State Grants — an amount equal to the 2024 appropriation. Secondary and postsecondary CTE programs, according to the document, 'integrate academic and technical pursuits, introduce students to careers as early as middle school, support attainment of postsecondary credentials of value, and prepare students for career pathways in in-demand, high-wage fields.' The requested programs, the document added, reflects the need to prepare American workers for the 'historic amount of in-demand and high-quality jobs that will help rebuild the American economy by supporting states.' The Education Department's 2026 proposed budget would set a maximum Pell Grant award of $5,710 for award year 2026-2027 — a decrease of $1,685 over the 2024-2025 award year. Pell Grants are financial 'grants' awarded to undergraduate students from low-income families. They have been a traditional pathway for many Americans to pursue higher education. The proposed award modifications, according to the document, will continue to cover the average in-state tuition and fees of attending a community college. 'The President is committed to fulfilling his promise to preserve the Pell Grant program; however, the growing funding shortfall created by past congressional decisions makes it necessary to decrease the maximum award,' according to the document.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State librarian now hopes to receive Vermont's full share of federal support for libraries
Vermont libraries got some good news at the end of April when the state Department of Libraries learned it would receive a partial Grants to States Award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in the amount of $622,179, according to State Librarian Catherine Delneo. "This is a positive outcome as the Grants to States award from IMLS comprises 1/3 of the Department's total budget and is essential to the services the Department provides statewide," Delneo said in an email to the Burlington Free Press. The Free Press reported on March 27 that federal funding for the state's libraries was threatened by the Trump Administration's slashing of budgets for federal agencies, including IMLS. About two weeks later, Hannah Kirkpatrick, a recent University of Vermont graduate with a master's degree in history, lost her IMLS-funded job helping Vermont's numerous local historical societies get ready for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the country by establishing their priorities for their collections and energizing their communities to help ensure the continuing preservation of local history. Please enable Javascript to view this content. Delneo said she received another update from IMLS staff on Wednesday, May 5, saying that while their final appointment has not yet been issued by the Office of Management and Budget, "we do plan to issue the remainder of the FY 2025 awards to the states, which will bring them to levels similar to last year's allotments." "The Department is hopeful that it will ultimately receive the full expected Grants to States allotment from IMLS in the amount of $1.24M, which was Vermont's 2024 Grants to States allotment," Delneo said. Contact Dan D'Ambrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@ Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont's federal funding for libraries looks like it will come through
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DPI receives part of federal library funds, but uncertainty will affect grant services
Wisconsin libraries rely on funding provided by the federal government through the Library Services and Technology Act Grants to States Program. (Photo courtesy of Madison Public Library) The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) received $1.6 million in grants from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support library operations and programming last week, though uncertainty remains for the program. Wisconsin libraries rely on funding provided by the federal government through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States Program, but that program has been in danger since President Donald Trump signed an executive order to downsize and begin the process of eliminating the agency. DPI and libraries throughout the state have warned that eliminating the funding would be a blow to statewide support for library programs as the grants fund staff for programs including the interlibrary loan system and other grants. The notification message from IMLS to DPI stated that the partial payment is for the time period through April 2025. It also notified the state agency that 'any additional amounts are subject to the availability of funds, IMLS discretion and other actions' and that 'should those conditions be met, IMLS anticipates issuing supplemental awards and will send the allotment table at that time.' 'At this time, the DPI has not received a final allotment table indicating the amount of funding Wisconsin will receive,' the DPI stated in an update to libraries Tuesday afternoon. 'This is not the typical fashion in which these funds are granted to states, but receiving a partial award provides some stability and relief in the short term.' The uncertainties for federal funding will still have some impact on the services that DPI carries out. Typically, the DPI Library Services office opens grant subawards, which are grants funded by federal funds and administered by the state agency, to library systems in Wisconsin in July. That won't happen this year due to the uncertainty surrounding the amount and timing of future Grants to States funds. 'The DPI will prioritize the Library Services salaries and the tools necessary to do their jobs with this partial allotment,' DPI said in the email. The Library Services team is made up of about 20 people with 16 of the positions funded with federal dollars. 'The team will reassess the viability of providing subawards once more is known about the future of IMLS and LSTA funding.' The amount that the state received is about half of the $3.23 million that Wisconsin received for the Grants to States Program received in 2024. Ben Miller, DPI library services director, had previously told the Examiner that the expected payment would serve as the next milestone for the state agency. There was uncertainty surrounding whether the payment would be sent given the gutting of staff for the IMLS office and the fact that other grants for libraries and museums have already been cut. Wisconsin is part of a multi-state lawsuit challenging the cuts to IMLS. Miller had said that even if the agency received the payment, it will likely be cautious in proceeding with certain actions as the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018, the federal law that the grant program relies on, is up for renewal this fall. DPI spokesperson Chris Bucher said in an email to the Examiner that the state agency is 'encouraged' by the first payment and is 'optimistic given the IMLS note about issuing the supplemental awards.' 'Our top priority remains being [of] service to Wisconsin kids and communities,' Bucher said. DPI also it would continue to provide updates to libraries as the situation evolves and thanked the library community for 'sharing your stories, working with elected officials, and remaining steadfast in the incredible services you provide every day.' Libraries across the state have been working to inform the public about the potential cuts and to advocate for the federal funding with lawmakers. 'Keep being loud and proud about the meaningful work happening in your libraries and communities,' DPI wrote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
WA library programs, services at risk due to grant terminations
The Brief The Washington Secretary of State says grant terminations by the Trump administration puts the Washington State Library at risk of losing personnel, statewide programs, resources and more. A presidential executive order canceled a $3.9 million grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), along with a leadership grant to support libraries in state prisons. OLYMPIA, Wash. - After several federal grants were terminated by the Trump administration, the Washington Secretary of State is sounding the alarm about the long-term impacts it could cause for Washington libraries. A presidential executive order has canceled a $3.9 million grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), along with a leadership grant that funds a pilot to support libraries in state prisons. What they're saying Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs says these grant terminations put the Washington State Library at risk of losing personnel, statewide programs, resources for local libraries, and community opportunities. "Washington's library system ensures people have unfettered access to information at hundreds of public, school, academic, and institutional libraries across the state," Hobbs said. "This commitment is rooted in the fundamental principle that an educated and informed citizenry is critical to a free society. That goal for libraries is not a partisan issue. They represent a critical 'third place' in communities across the state – a social environment that is not home or work and is for everyone." Washington has joined 20 other states that filed suit against the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of IMLS, which has provided Washington with $3.9 million from their Grants to States program. According to the Sec. of State, losing funds from the IMLS would result in: Potential loss of the Washington Digital Library Consortium, which serves 40 library systems and lends more than 1 million eBooks and audiobooks to Washingtonians annually. Ending research database subscriptions for Washington libraries Rural libraries losing access to broadband equipment and internet access Funding for tribal libraries to update technology and improve services Losing professional training and consulting for public libraries across the state Cutting funding for the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library service, and Institutional Library Services Stopping programs like tabletop gaming grants and digital newspaper pilots "Libraries are essential to Washington communities. They provide free internet, job training, and access to books and resources for people of all backgrounds," said Washington State Librarian Sara Jones. "Without the federal funds making this possible, countless programs and services would disappear, leaving many communities without access to the resources on which they rely." Diminished state funding could also severely impact other services, like public access to the Central Library, newspaper publications on microfilm, state publications, the federal repository, and services for the public, including Ask a Librarian. The Source Information in this story is from a press release by the office of Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. Teen facing new charges for playground shooting in Federal Way 1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out Family and neighbors of missing Arlington man rally and call for action Everett police arrest 23-year-old bikini barista assault suspect Seattle ranked 5th 'coolest' city in US Pacific Northwest ports brace for impact as China tariffs soar to 145% To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oklahoma libraries brace for funding delays as lawsuit over gutting federal agency filed
Oklahoma state library officials are preparing for funding delays and complications as the Trump Administration guts the country's library and museum agency's staff and directs it to eliminate funding to states. The Oklahoma Department of Libraries, along with similar agencies in other states across the country, was informed this week that all staff for the federal Institute of Library and Museum Services, commonly known as IMLS, were being placed on administrative leave. Some state libraries across the country were informed that federal grants approved last year are being terminated. The moves in Washington, D.C., mean library systems in Oklahoma and other states could be left scrambling to make up funding gaps to continue to reach the tens of millions of Americans they collectively serve every year. According to a grant termination letter received by some states, the grants violate an executive order President Donald Trump signed in March and are inconsistent with the administration's priorities for the IMLS. So far, Oklahoma's library agency has not received a termination letter for its Grants to States awards, though California's, Connecticut's and Washington's state librarians offices confirmed to USA TODAY that their grants had been ended six months early. Trump's executive order states that IMLS must be reduced to its statutory functions and eliminate nonstatutory components and functions to the maximum extent. More: Trump funding cuts could threaten public libraries, Native American cultural institutions In response to the cuts, the American Library Association is joining the largest museum and library workers union to challenge the Trump Administration's gutting of the IMLS in court. The world's biggest library association announced the lawsuit on Tuesday alongside the union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The IMLS works to improve libraries and offer access to national collection resources. Oklahoma agencies, including the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, received $4.4 million in federal funds through the IMLS during fiscal year 2024. Even if Oklahoma's IMLS grant funding is not terminated like other states, the state could face challenges to accessing the funds and reporting how they're spent if the federal library agency has no employees, according to Kaylee Reed, the public information officer for the Oklahoma Department of Libraries "We are working to remain informed, flexible, and collaborative with the administration to advocate for the continuation of this vital program and communicate the positive return on investment it brings to Oklahoma communities," Reed said. "We're also keeping our state legislative and executive branch leaders informed of the situation while communicating potential direct impacts that will be felt by Oklahomans if the Grants to States program were to end." Under the 2018 Museum and Library Services Act, IMLS is statutorily required to send funding to state libraries under the Grants to States Program. However, the act could expire in September if Congress doesn't take action. When Trump signed the executive order targeting IMLS on March 14, the U.S. Senate passed and the president signed a continuing resolution for fiscal year 2025, which provides funding for IMLS through September 2025. The new legal complaint argues that cutting programs at IMLS will violate federal law by eliminating programs Congress has provided funding for and directed IMLS to undertake. In a statement, American Library Association President Cindy Hohl said libraries play an important role in democracy, from preserving history to providing access to government information, advancing literacy and civic engagement and offering diverse perspectives. 'These values are worth defending," she said. "We will not allow extremists to threaten our democracy by eliminating programs at IMLS and harming the children and communities who rely on libraries and the services and opportunities they provide.' This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma libraries brace for funding delays over federal Trump lawsuit
