NEA-Alaska is deeply concerned about the implications of the recent federal funding freeze directed by the Trump Administration. We know our members have questions, and we are doing everything possible to stay ahead of this issue. We are actively working with NEA, Senator Lisa Murkowski’s office, and Alaska legislators to gather information and seek clarity on how this unprecedented action will impact our schools, students, and communities.
We are actively communicating with Senator Murkowski’s staff, who have been in contact with federal agencies to understand how the funding freeze memo will be implemented, particularly for programs that serve Alaskans. Today, the U.S. Department of Education provided the following clarification:
“The funding pause directed by the January 27, 2025 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum only applies to discretionary grants at the Department of Education. These will be reviewed by Department leadership for alignment with Trump Administration priorities. The temporary pause does not impact Title I, IDEA, or other formula grants, nor does it apply to Federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans under Title IV, HEA. HBCU and MSI grants also remain unaffected and continue to be supported by this administration. The Department is working with OMB to identify other programs that are not covered by the memo.”
An additional Q&A from OMB states that Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, Head Start, and other similar programs will not be paused. Senator Murkowski's office is also awaiting guidance from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service on how the memo will impact school and child nutrition programs—an issue of particular importance to Alaska’s students and families.
This afternoon, a federal judge blocked the freeze on federal aid programs, saying more time is needed to assess the impact. This stay is temporary and will remain in effect until next Monday.
There are still many unanswered questions. We recognize the uncertainty this situation creates, and we will continue to push for answers and advocate for the needs of Alaska’s educators and students. As soon as we receive additional information, we will provide updates.
