Statement by Governor Murphy and Department of Education Commissioner Dehmer on the Release of Over $140 Million in Federal Education Funding for New Jersey Schools

“After improperly withholding funds for nearly one month, the Trump Administration recently released over $6 billion in funding for public education across the country. This includes over $140 million that our State’s best-in-the-nation public school system relies on to deliver top-notch education and support services for our students.

“School districts in New Jersey utilize these funds to provide critical supports to uplift our students, including summer, after-school, and literacy programming, tutoring services, counseling, and teacher training. 

“While we are thankful that the Trump Administration has made the appropriate decision to release this education funding, the untenable delay in obligating the funding and the departure from past practice is cause for serious concern. New Jersey school districts depend on predictable funding to ensure students receive the services they need and to plan for the upcoming school year.

“We applaud Attorney General Platkin and the members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation who put pressure on the Trump Administration and advocated for the swift release of federal education funding. New Jersey will continue to be a staunch advocate for our school communities in the face of continued uncertainty.”