Larson Condemns Trump Cancellation of $1.2 Million in Funding for Hartford Public Schools

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after the Trump Administration pulled over $1.2 million in federal funding for Hartford Public Schools, with no public notice or explanation.  

“Hundreds of thousands of kids across Connecticut rely on Department of Education programs to succeed in school, but that has not stopped Donald Trump and Linda McMahon from dismantling the agency brick by brick,” said Larson. “Democrats and Republicans have continuously come together to increase funding for the Full-Service Community Schools program because it works. These grants have had a proven track record – reducing truancy and dropout rates, improving academic achievement, and increasing student engagement inside and outside of the classroom. Canceling this program in the middle of the school year with no announcement, explanation, or approval from Congress, is beyond a disservice to Hartford students. They deserve better from their government. I will do everything I can to protect these essential programs from this president’s cruel cuts.” 

After receiving a $2.1 million federal grant in 2023 through the Full-Service Community Schools Program, Hartford School District received notice that the $1,262,656.80 in funding remaining was canceled. These funds are currently supporting programs at M.D. Fox Elementary School, Burr Middle School, and Bulkeley High School, to expand in- and out-of-school student support, career readiness programs, and crime and violence prevention and intervention. 

Rep. Larson is a cosponsor of Rep. Jahana Hayes’ Department of Education Protection Act to ensure federal funding is not used to downsize or restructure the Department. He was one of 192 House Democrats who filed an amicus brief in court in support of the multi-state lawsuit opposing President Trump’s order to dismantle these programs.