Sen. Gillibrand, Rep. Lawler Demand Release of $7 Billion for After-School, STEM, and Solar Programs Amid Funding Freeze

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) has called on the Trump administration to release $7 billion in federal education funding that the Education Department is accused of illegally withholding despite congressional approval. The funds were intended to support after-school programs, STEM education, and teacher training. Senate Democrats are pressing for the restoration of funding for after-school and K-12 programs. Meanwhile, Republican Representative Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) has also urged President Trump to reinstate federal funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which provide before- and after-school programs, including those in his district. The freeze on K-12 funding has drawn criticism from various officials, including former Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, who spoke out against the funding freeze at a Boys and Girls Club event. Additionally, there are concerns that popular solar programs for Pennsylvania schools could lose funding amid the freeze.