Federal Funding

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Many rural school districts around the United States are having a hard time making up for federal grant money that's been cut by the Trump administration. Federal dollars make up roughly 10% of education spending nationally. The percentage is significantly higher in rural districts, which aren’t able to raise as much money on property taxes. The administration has withheld or discontinued millions of dollars for programs supporting mental health, academic enrichment and teacher development. Administration officials say the grants don’t focus on academics and they prop up diversity or inclusion efforts that run counter to White House priorities.

President Donald Trump and House Republicans want to cut new funding for a housing grant that many rural areas rely on to help fund affordable housing. Experts say cutting the grant would jeopardize thousands of future homes for the nation’s poor. That’s especially true in Appalachian towns and rural counties that lack investment and where many of Trump’s voters live.

Organizations penned a letter to Congress saying federal cuts are putting their towns at risk.

A federal judge temporarily stopped a Trump administration attempt to end billions in COVID-era health grants that would affect addiction supports, community health worker funding and childhood vaccination programs.

The U.S. Department of Education pulled out of an agreement to give Kentucky school districts more time to spend COVID relief funds. Some districts say the sudden halt jeopardizes long-term projects.

After the Trump administration gave notice to Kentucky’s health department this week they were cancelling nearly $150 million in grants, Beshear said he would fight to maintain funding.

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