AG Raoul announced an agreement requiring the Trump administration to release, no later than Oct. 3, the full balance of around $219 million in education funds owed to Illinois. The money supports critical programs, including after-school enrichment, workforce development and instruction for students learning English.  

On July 14, Raoul filed a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration over its unconstitutional, unlawful and arbitrary decision to freeze funding for six longstanding programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Raoul and the coalition filed the lawsuit and motion for a preliminary injunction, arguing the freeze violates federal funding statutes and regulations authorizing these critical programs and appropriating funds for them. Additionally, the coalition argued the freeze violates federal statutes governing the federal budgeting process, the constitutional separation of powers doctrine and the Presentment Clause.   

“This agreement is a step in the right direction, ensuring federal funds are released for essential educational programs across Illinois and the entire country. I will continue to stand with other attorneys general to prevent Illinois students and their families from feeling the impact of the president’s unlawful acts that jeopardize needed educational programs.” – AG Raoul