PA Attorney General 'Closely Monitoring' School Funding Threats

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania's attorney general said he is "closely monitoring" the Trump administration following threats that funds will be withheld from districts that do not reopen schools for in-person learning this fall.

In a letter Tuesday, Attorney General Josh Shapiro assured Pennsylvania educators that the Trump administration does not have legal authority to withhold education funding.

"Please know that I will be closely monitoring Secretary (Betsy) DeVos' actions and if she does seek to withhold federal funding in violation of the law, I will act to protect Pennsylvania students," Shapiro said.

DeVos and President Donald Trump recently threatened to withhold federal funding for schools that do not reopen in the fall. Trump tweeted that he disagreed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for reopening schools.

"In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS," the president tweeted. "The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open!"

Shapiro called DeVos' threats "vague" but nonetheless clarified the Trump administration has limited authority to withhold properly appropriated federal funding to schools.

"The Constitution makes clear that Congress, not the Executive Branch, has the power to appropriate federal funds and to attach conditions to those funds," Shapiro said.

He said if attempts are made to stop congressionally appropriated funds from flowing to certain districts and schools, "I will take all appropriate actions."

Shapiro, in his letter to educators, acknowledged the "incredibly difficult choices" they are in the process of making.

"Your decision must balance children's educational and emotional needs, parents' ability to return to work, the health and safety of your teachers and staff, and overall public health," he said. "While we have learned much about COVID-19, there is still much we do not know about how physical reopening will affect students and their families along with faculty and staff — despite Secretary DeVos' statements to the contrary."

School districts across the country and Pennsylvania are grappling with how the start of the school year should look for students and teachers.

In Pennsylvania, all districts must complete a health and safety plan prior to reopening. Some districts are opting for a traditional reopening, while others are leaning toward a hybrid or virtual program.

Here is the full letter: