SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, along with several colleagues, has urged the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought to implement the Fiscal Year 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act. This act includes crucial funding for various educational programs.

The legislation encompasses funds for Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants, 21st Century Learning Centers, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants, English Language Acquisition, Migrant Education, and Adult Basic and Literary Education State Grants.

In a letter to Vought, the Senators stated: “The decision to withhold this funding is directly contrary to President Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states.” They emphasized that these funds empower local leaders to make decisions benefiting students and families.

The letter was also signed by Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Susan Collins, John Boozman, Katie Boyd Britt, Deb Fischer, John Hoeven, Jim Justice, Mitch McConnell, and M. Michael Rounds.

The Senators expressed concerns about withholding funds which they believe support bipartisan-backed programs such as after-school initiatives. These programs are vital for school-aged children’s learning opportunities while enabling parents' workforce participation.

Additionally, they highlighted that these funds aid adult learners seeking employment skills or transitioning into further education. The Senators encouraged reversing the decision to withhold funds and reaffirmed their willingness to collaborate with OMB Director Vought and Secretary McMahon on federal education funding priorities.