Federal Aid

The U.S. Department of Education is withholding more than $6 billion in funding for the nation’s schools. The money accounts for nearly 12% of funding for K-12 schools in Connecticut, according to CT’s Education Association.

In May, former President Donald Trump announced the end of the Digital Equity Act, cutting over $20 million in planned federal funding to Connecticut that would have supported digital skills training, internet access, and tech resources for underserved communities; funds that many local programs were counting on.

The Connecticut State Library's $2.1 million federal grant was unexpectedly reinstated after the Institute of Museum and Library Services abruptly cut it mid-year. State Librarian Deborah Schander said she’s working to ensure such disruptions don’t happen again, as vital library services remain at risk.

AmeriCorps, the federal community service program that supports volunteers in Connecticut, has been directed to cut $400 million in spending.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) and state Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker have notified the Trump administration that they will not end diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in their schools. In doing so, they risk losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) met with health advocates in New Haven who said they’re worried about federal funding cuts.

HHS said they’re pausing the funding, which comes from Title X, while they review possible violations of civil rights laws and an executive order from President Trump that bars undocumented immigrants from getting taxpayer-funded benefits.

In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring the elimination of seven federal agencies he labeled “unnecessary.” Among these was the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Trump administration has cut federal funding for libraries in Connecticut and two other states.

9/11 advocates said cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program endanger first responders and survivors of the attacks.