Story perspectives

Education Department Transfers Power Amid Legal Challenges

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has entered nine interagency agreements transferring responsibilities to the Department of Labor, a move viewed as diminishing ED's role.
Despite reports of funding cuts, Title I and special education budgets remain unchanged.
A federal judge blocked the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump from withholding $600 million in health care grants to Illinois and three other states, citing harm to public health infrastructure.

History

Historical Context

In 2019, the U.S. Department of Education transferred certain responsibilities to the Department of Labor, reflecting a broader shift in federal education policy initiated by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015. This transition highlights ongoing efforts to decentralize education governance, particularly affecting states like Illinois, and raises concerns about maintaining educational standards and public health services amid increasing state autonomy.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has entered nine interagency agreements transferring responsibilities to the Department of Labor, a move viewed as diminishing ED's role.
Despite reports of funding cuts, Title I and special education budgets remain unchanged.
A federal judge blocked the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump from withholding $600 million in health care grants to Illinois and three other states, citing harm to public health infrastructure.

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