Trump administration agrees to release AmeriCorps funding to KY, Beshear says
The Trump administration has agreed to restore remaining AmeriCorps funds to support efforts like housing development, anti-hunger initiatives, disaster relief and more in Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear’s office has announced.
In April, Beshear joined a multistate lawsuit to try to halt the federal administration’s dismantling of AmeriCorps, and in June the group won a preliminary injunction. On Aug. 28, the Trump administration agreed to release the remaining $208,487 to Kentucky rather than continue to fight the lawsuit, Beshear’s office said in a news release.
Beshear, in a statement, called the Trump administration’s attempt to eliminate the agency “illegal and short-sighted.”
“Today is a good day for our commonwealth and country, as we once again see that the law — and what’s right for the American people — can rise above any challenge,” he added.
Other parties in the lawsuit were Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and attorneys general from 22 states and Washington, D.C.
The Trump administration’s reversal confirms Kentucky will receive the remaining funds from the original $9 million appropriation from Congress.
This is the latest multistate lawsuit Beshear joined to have recouped federal funds for the commonwealth. In July, the Department of Education agreed to release $96 million in Kentucky school funds that the Trump administration had withheld.
Jennifer Ginn of the Kentucky Department of Education said the office is still waiting on about $25.5 million, which is expected by Oct. 1.
Other lawsuits Beshear joined against the Trump administration aim to protect $148.8 million in public health funds allocated during COVID-19, $32 million on approved electric vehicle projects, and $3.6 million in unemployment insurance funds.
Beshear and his administration have also sent letters to federal government agencies to remind them of their obligations to provide federal funds awarded to Kentucky, the news release said.
“These funds aren’t about Democrat or Republican — they were appropriated by Congress for the education of Kentuckians, and I’m proud we were able to get them back,” Beshear said in the release.
Attorney General Russell Coleman, a Republican, previously told the Herald-Leader he’d be keeping an eye on Beshear’s lawsuits on behalf of the state.
