Senate Majority Leader Cannizzaro, Educators Blast Feds for Freezing $61M in Nevada School Aid

LAS VEGAS — Today, Senate Majority Leader Cannizzaro, educators, and former students came together to slam the U.S. Department of Education and the Trump Administration for holding up over $60 million in federal funding for Nevada schools. Speakers discussed the impact this will have on specific programs, such as after-school activities and the English language learner support currently offered.

LINK TO VIDEO

Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro issued the following statement:

“We are here to call out what is a very deliberate act of sabotage by the Trump Administration that could potentially cost Nevada schools and Nevada children over $60 million in lost funding, $60 million in lost funding over this upcoming school year. School starts in about a month for many Nevada families, and now our districts are scrambling to factor in the loss of that $60 million that the Trump administration has unilaterally decided to freeze. It's funding that let me remind you, Congress has already approved. Congress approved funding for our schools, our students, and our families, and the President himself signed that into law. The $60 million that our schools are relying upon supports students with disabilities. It supports English learners to fund after-school programs and adult education, to pay educators to help the families here in Nevada who need it the most.”

Vicki Kriedel, Educator and former SEA-NV President, issued the following statement:

“I’ve dedicated my career to helping students grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. That’s why it is both shocking and deeply disheartening that the federal government is withholding more than $60 million in critical funding—money that supports after-school programs and English Language Learner (ELL) services. Additionally, Governor Lombardo has remained silent on this funding loss, demonstrating his dereliction of duty in failing to stand up to the Trump Administration. Nevadans deserve better.”

Jodi Manzella, Executive Director, After-School All Stars Greater Las Vegas, issued the following statement:

“We have over $11 million in funds that are being withheld with this federal freeze for the 21st century grant that impacts almost 12,000 students in the state of Nevada. Miss Vicky's school, where she serves, is one. Thirteen schools are funded through the 21st Century grant, funneled from our Nevada State Department of Education down to After School All Stars. Unfortunately, with the freeze of these funds at the federal government, we will not be able to provide this programming to these thirteen schools, which will impact 1,600 students every day after school. We will not be able to keep them safe, provide them with a nourishing meal in their after-school hours, provide them with additional academic support taught by licensed Clark County School District teachers, and provide them with vital enrichment activities that they need and deserve.”

Jiromi Peña, Former Student and Member with Make The Road Nevada, issued the following statement:

“I'm a junior in college studying political science and history with a minor in public policy. I'm also working with survivors of human trafficking, helping them get access to the resources they need, and making sure they know when they're being exploited. After-school programs helped me get into college. They taught me how to apply to college, provided me with SAT waivers, helped me visit our campuses, and prepared me academically and emotionally for what college would demand. When I walked into my first college class, I wasn't overwhelmed. I was ready, and that's not something many students, regardless of their background, can say when we come from public schools that are underfunded and often overlooked. So, hearing that more than $60 million in federal funding meant for students like me, English language learners, low-income families, kids who need a chance, is on hold. It's honestly heartbreaking. I know what these programs did for me. I know how many kids depend on them to feel like they belong, to learn, and to dream bigger. To see Governor Lombardo stay silent in support of these Trump policies, while these programs that help children are at risk. It's not just frustrating, it's shameful. We are not disposable. Nevada students deserve more than the bare minimum. We deserve investment.”

Elisa Cafferata, Executive Director with Children's Advocacy Alliance, issued the following statement:

“We know that investing in children returns the highest return on investment for our state in all aspects of success. And just as Nevada is making progress toward universal pre-K and increasing investment in early school readiness, these legislative wins were achieved in the last session. This decision to hold more than $60 million in federal funding represents a troubling trend and a real step backward for the children in our state. These funds were designed to support critical wrap-around services that help working families and their children. By withdrawing these dollars, the Department of Education risks stalling the momentum that we have started to gain in the state. So we asked Governor Lombardo to join us in standing up for investing in all of Nevada's children.”

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