Rep. Panetta, Local Education Leaders Rally Against Trump Administration’s Education Cuts
Seaside, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) held a press conference with local education leaders to highlight the recent reversal of the Trump Administration’s reckless education funding freeze and the continued threat posed by the Administration’s proposed FY 2026 budget. The event took place at the Helen Rucker Learning Center at Seaside High School, where speakers emphasized both the impact of the freeze and the urgent need to protect future federal education investments.
On July 1, the Administration abruptly froze nearly $7 billion in already-appropriated federal education funding, including support for English learners, migrant students, teacher development, afterschool programs, and adult education. The decision left local schools scrambling. Monterey County alone saw over $25 million frozen, forcing the issuance of layoff warnings to dozens of program staff. Santa Cruz County lost over $10 million.
After weeks of legal challenges, bipartisan pressure, and vocal demands from lawmakers including Rep. Panetta, the Administration relented and began releasing the funds. But education leaders warned that the victory is fragile, with next year’s proposed federal budget seeking to slash education funding by 15% and eliminate key programs entirely. The President’s FY 2026 budget proposal would reduce Department of Education funding by $12 billion, consolidate 18 grant programs into one underfunded block grant, and eliminate the Office of Migrant Education altogether.
“The Administration’s reckless freeze on nearly $7 billion in education funding created chaos for our schools, blindsided administrators, and put essential programs at risk,” said Rep. Panetta. “We pushed back through coordinated pressure, legal action, and public outcry, and the Administration decided to release the funding. But with next year’s budget threatening even deeper cuts, we must continue to push back to protect our students, support our teachers, and strengthen our community.”
“We are cautiously relieved that the Trump Administration has agreed to release federal education funding, including $25.9 million for Monterey County,” said Dr. Daneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools. “However, concerns remain about potential policy guardrails, which are unclear. We are especially hopeful that it includes full funding support for our migrant education programs. Moving forward, we must continue to advocate for essential education funding in the 2026 federal budget and beyond, especially for our most vulnerable students. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Panetta and to the educators, parents, and community members who spoke out against the reckless withholding of these funds. I urge the public to continue raising their voices to keep federal education funding intact without eliminating vital programs.
“As a former English learner who attended public schools on the Central Coast, I know firsthand the impact of the very programs now under threat,” said Abel Sanchez, President of the Santa Cruz County Board of Education. “I would not be where I am today without the support of federally funded education programs designed for students with the greatest needs. We owe it to every student, every teacher, and every family we serve to protect these essential school resources from this administration’s ongoing assault on public education.”
“We remain committed to protecting the essential programs that support our most vulnerable students. The federal funding freeze threatened critical services for English learners and afterschool care that many families in our community rely on. While we welcome the release of these funds, we must remain vigilant to prevent future threats to public education. I’m grateful to Congressman Panetta for championing public education and standing with us to ensure every student has access to the opportunities they deserve,” said PK Diffenbaugh, Superintendent, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
“The release of these federal funds is a victory for our students and families, reaffirming that investing in education is investing in our collective future,” said Monica Anzo, Superintendent, Alisal Union School District. “This vital funding is not a luxury, but a fundamental resource, and our advocacy must continue to ensure its consistent support for every child we serve. We must continue to show up and speak up on behalf of our students and families, as it is still needed.”
“While I'm grateful that the frozen funds have been released, we know this is just the beginning. We know that Services for students — at Pajaro Valley High and across our nation — remain under threat,” said Minc Robinson Brooker, teacher at Pajaro Valley High School in the Pajaro Valley School District and 2025 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year. “As a teacher for nearly two decades, I understand that knowledge is power when applied purposely and positively. Let us continue to raise our voices and apply our collective power to inform our communities and protect the programs our students need to thrive.”
In Congress, Rep. Panetta has been at the forefront of the fight to restore education dollars, including signing multiple letters demanding action from the Administration and pressing for full restoration of California’s $928 million share of frozen funds. Rep. Panetta closed the event by reaffirming his commitment to working with local leaders to defend federal investments in students, schools, and communities across the Central Coast.