ATLANTA — Georgia Congresswoman Lucy McBath is calling for the release of $7 billion in withheld federal school funding.
This follows the Trump administration’s recent decision to dismantle the Department of Education, resulting in the layoff of 1,400 employees and the suspension of critical education grants to states.
The announcement came just one day before the July 1 deadline when districts typically receive these funds, putting schools at risk of financial strain ahead of the new academic year.
"I truly believe that they knew that this deadline was coming and they just determined that they weren't going to allocate the funding," Rep. McBath said.
McBath emphasized that it is Congress’ responsibility to allocate public school funding and accused the administration of acting unlawfully.
"For them to illegally withhold these funds is not morally and ethically right," she said.
Georgia is currently missing over $200 million, including crucial grants for after-school programs and teacher training. Among the impacted programs is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, which provided $47 million to Georgia in 2024.
McBath believes the move was intentional, motivated by the administration’s desire to dismantle the Department of Education. When asked about the decision on Tuesday, President Donald Trump stated the administration aims to shift control of education funding entirely to the states.
McBath said she has heard parents in her district expressing outrage.
"They enroll their children in these programs that would help with children that have dyslexia, children that have other disabilities and now their funds are not there," she said.
With many Georgia schools reopening in early August, McBath warned the consequences will be felt almost immediately.
She also pushed back against the idea of relying solely on state funding, noting that financial resources vary widely
"Each state financially allocates different resources for public school education. Not every state across the country has the same level of financing," McBath said.
According to the Education Law Center, the gap between the highest and lowest funded states is consistently between $13,000 and $14,000 per student, further widening educational disparities.
"It's hurting not only our children, but it is a disservice to our families and they are abandoning our teachers," McBath said.
McBath, a member of the committee overseeing education funding, said efforts are underway to hold the administration accountable. She and her colleagues have formally demanded the release of funds in a letter to the Department of Education and the White House, joining 24 states that have filed lawsuits.
"The Georgia families... they need this funding to be in their schools," she said.
McBath is urging constituents to contact their Republican representatives and demand action.