Advocates Raise Concerns Around Substantial Federal Funding Loss Impacting Clark County District Schools

NEVADA — Nevada schools are set to lose over $60 million in funding, being held up by the Trump Administration. This funding supports after-school programs and English Language Learner (ELL) programs throughout the state. Local groups highlighted concerns about this funding loss and how it will impact students, staff, and educators in Nevada.

Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement: 

“The Trump Administration’s decision to withhold over $60 million in funding puts Nevada’s students and educators at serious risk—threatening vital programs like after-school support for working families and English Language Learning services for children. This is yet another glaring example of the Trump team’s failure to uphold its responsibility to the American people. Even more troubling is Governor Lombardo’s silence. At a time when Nevada’s children face long-term harm, he refuses to stand up to Trump or defend the needs of his constituents. It’s a shameful display of political cowardice with consequences that could ripple through generations.”

Andrew Clarke, Revenue Coalition Manager of New Day Nevada, issued the following statement:

“The Trump Administration is adding insult to injury by playing games with much-needed funding to our education system. Withholding $60 million from our most vulnerable students in Nevada isn’t fiscal responsibility, it’s a political decision that harms the very people who power our economy.  If we’re serious about building a strong and resilient future, we need to stop balancing budgets on the backs of kids and working families—and start raising the revenue that supports the world in which we would all prefer to live.”

Leo Murrieta, Executive Director of Make the Road Action Nevada, shared the following statement: 

“Every child in Nevada deserves a quality education. Nevadans believe in a future where all students have access to the tools and support they need to thrive and fulfill their dreams. That includes fully funded public schools, strong after-school programs, and resources for English language learners.

“But right now, over $60 million in federal funds meant for those exact supports is being withheld—and Governor Lombardo is nowhere to be found. While our communities wait, he continues to push private school vouchers and turn his back on the public school students who need him most and are being left behind. It is shameful to see this unfold. Leadership means standing up for our kids, not selling them out. Nevadans are watching, and we won’t forget.”

Denise Bolaños Heredia, Associate Director of Return Strong, issued the following statement:

“For families who have a loved one in jail or prison, school is often one of the only stable resources their children can depend on. Programs like after-school care and ELL services aren’t extras — they are lifelines. At Return Strong, we know that children impacted by incarceration already face unique barriers. We need more educational support and opportunities for these kids, not less. The loss of this federal funding would be devastating to communities already fighting to stay afloat. Nevada must act to protect our students.”

Dawn Etcheverry, President, Nevada State Education Association, issued the following statement:

“Against the backdrop of the budget bill that strips health care from millions of Americans and cuts off food assistance for millions of children, the harmful and perplexing decision by the anti-public education trump administration puts essential after-school programs, teacher training, and support for migrant students at serious risk. Just weeks after Nevada’s Governor and Legislature approved a mere $2 increase in per-pupil funding, forcing districts to confront immediate budget shortfalls, this federal freeze creates yet another burden. Our schools are now under even greater pressure to maintain critical programs while trying to balance already strained budgets for the year ahead.”

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About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media.