WILMINGTON - On July 17, 2025, Governor Matt Meyer joined 17 other Governors calling upon Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and OMB Director Russell Vought to release approximately $6.8 billion that the Trump Administration is withholding from schools and students across America, including $28.6 million in Delaware. Led by Gov. JB Pritzker from Illinois, Governors from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Maine, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin all signed onto the letter, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the withholding.

“Education isn’t a bargaining chip. It’s a fundamental right and the foundation of everything we’re trying to build in Delaware,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “From early literacy to afterschool enrichment, these programs are essential to student success and our future workforce. When the Trump Administration withholds funds already approved by Congress, they’re not hurting politicians—they’re hurting kids, teachers, and families. Delaware students are being used as political pawns, and we won’t stand for it.”

In this new letter, the Governors detailed the impact of these missed payments across the nation’s education system and urged the Department to follow the law and fulfill their basic obligation to distribute funding appropriated by Congress.

“Today, in Delaware, children are wondering if they will lose their after-school programs. Families are wondering if they will lose their summer programs. This situation should be unacceptable to all of us,” said Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. “This should be a joyful time as we prepare for the first day of school. Instead, we are facing a summer of uncertainty and fear because nearly 20 percent of our federal funds are being arbitrarily withheld. If it takes a lawsuit to get those funds released, then Delaware is all in.”

According to the Delaware Department of Education, the total estimated amount withheld will affect these programs:

• $10.8 million for Supporting Effective Instruction through professional development for teachers and school leaders, and initiatives to expand the educator workforce and reduce class sizes.
• $6.7 million for Student Support and Academic Achievement, assistance for providing a well-rounded education, effective use of educational technology, and safe and healthy schools.
• $6.5 million for 21st Century Community Learning Centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours.
• $2 million for English Language Acquisition, programs and practices to help English learners achieve proficiency.
• $595,500 for Education of Migratory Children, which includes state and local programming to promote educational stability for migrant students and families.
• $1.95 million for Adult Basic Education with integrated English literacy and civics education – programs to help adult learners achieve English language proficiency, earn a GED, and prepare for a career.

Delaying the release of these funds will have significant immediate and long-term consequences for learners at all levels in every corner of the state. School leaders will be forced to make impossible budgeting decisions without these promised and legally entitled federal funds, including postponing hiring or eliminating instructional positions. Students may also lose access to summer and afterschool programs, tutoring, and language support.

Governor Meyer has made it clear that education is a top priority for his administration. The next generation’s future is at stake, and if a child cannot read, then they cannot succeed. Education is the foundation for fixing many other issues throughout the state, like economic and workforce development. In his first fiscal year budget, Governor Meyer allocated $8 million to create an Early Literacy Emergency Fund to help support our youngest learners, $3 million to fund teacher-driven projects, allowing teachers to request funding for classroom needs as they see fit, and $2 million to assist education agencies with disciplinary needs, among other major investments.