Garamendi and CA Democrats Secure Release of $928 Million Owed to California Public Schools

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08), along with  Representative Norma Torres (CA-35), and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) and the entire California Democratic Congressional Delegation secured the release of nearly $7 billion, congressionally-appropriated funding for K-12 schools and adult education. The funds included $928 million owed to California public schools.

Trump reversed course and released the funds after pressure from Democrats, including from a letter that was sent to the Department of Education (ED) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) demanding the funds be released.

“With the new school year fast approaching, it’s essential that schools have the complete information they need to plan their budgets effectively,” said Congressman Garamendi. “I’m glad this crucial funding has been reinstated for the 5.8 million K-12 students in California who depend on federal funds to ensure teachers remain in the classroom and students receive the high-quality education they deserve. Democrats will continue to stand against the chaos created by the Trump administration and fight to ensure every California student has access to a strong public education.”

Background:

With the start of the new school year approaching in California, on June 30, 2025, the Trump Administration gave states just one day’s notice that these critical funds would be indefinitely frozen past their typical release on July 1.  

As a result, California schools would have been forced to roll back programs, lay off staff, and cut services that help students thrive. Last week, the Trump administration relented, ultimately restoring the $928 million owed to California, and $7 billion owed to schools across the country after Democrats’ pressure.

With nearly 5.8 million K-12 students in California, the illegal freezing of these Congressionally appropriated funds is already hurting our schools and students. Many school districts had already budgeted for these federal dollars, leaving them scrambling to fill massive funding gaps just weeks before the school year begins. The withheld funding included vital investments in:

• Reducing class sizes and teacher recruitment and retention, especially in underserved areas.
• After-school, before-school, and summer learning programs in low-income communities.
• School-based mental health services, accelerated learning courses, STEM education, and college and career counseling.
• Academic Support for English learners and children of migrant workers.
• Adult education and workforce readiness programs.

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