N.M. Delegation Successfully Pushes Trump to Release Illegally Withheld Funds for New Mexico Students and Teachers

N.M. Delegation: “With the delayed release of this funding right as classes begin, schools are left scrambling to prepare. Our kids’ schools never should have been placed in this position.”

“We will remain vigilant to ensure the Trump Administration upholds its duty to distribute funding for our children, educators, and schools. Anything less than that is unacceptable.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) helped to successfully push President Trump to release nearly $5.6 billion in federal education funding that was illegally withheld from New Mexico’s students, educators, and schools. Much of the funding Trump illegally withheld from New Mexico supports programs that provide mental health support grants, English language instruction, adult literacy classes, and more.

This news comes on the heels of the N.M. Delegation successfully pushing the Trump Administration to release $1.3 billion in funding for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which supports afterschool programs that strengthen literacy, STEM skills, mental health, and violence prevention.

In total, the N.M. Delegation pushed the Trump Administration to release nearly $7 billion in federal education funding that Trump unlawfully withheld.

“For New Mexico, this funding is an essential investment in our children’s futures – not a luxury. By illegally withholding it, President Trump forced schools to make difficult decisions about staffing, class sizes, and student services. Now, with the delayed release of this funding right as classes begin, schools are left scrambling to prepare. Our kids’ schools never should have been placed in this position.

“President Trump needs to understand that when it comes to our kids and their future, we will fight hard to ensure they have all the resources they need to get ahead. And we will remain vigilant to ensure the Trump Administration upholds its duty to distribute funding for our children, educators, and schools. Anything less than that is unacceptable.”

Below is just some of the funding President Trump illegally withheld from New Mexico’s educators and students:

• $5.8 million in funding for English Language Acquisition programs that support multilingual learners. 
  • These programs help English learners attain English proficiency, achieve high levels of academic success, and strengthen family engagement. The funding also improves educator training and provides essential resources to support students both inside and outside the classroom. In a state where so many students come from diverse linguistic backgrounds, this funding is vital to helping students thrive and supporting their families.

• $4.7 million in funding for critical adult education programs.
  • These funds are essential for GED programs, English language proficiency classes, literacy and math instruction, and workplace readiness training. By providing adults with opportunities to join the workforce, continue their education, and improve their quality of life, these programs strengthen entire communities. Just last year, Doña Ana Community College enrolled 1,431 students in its adult education program, and last month alone, nearly 100 students graduated with their GED. Freezing these investments threatens to set back thousands of New Mexicans who are working to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Public officials across the country have raised strong concerns about the freeze in funding. Earlier this month, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez joined 21 states across the country to sue the Trump Administration for withholding the education funds.

###