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Judge pauses deadline for federal workers to accept Trump's resignation offer; CA state lawmakers take action to enact safeguards against federal immigration enforcement; Study shows air quality disparities from industrial ag in NC.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

MA educators cite chaos, fear following Trump’s directives

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Thursday, January 30, 2025   

Massachusetts educators say President Donald Trump's threat to pause all federal grant programs has created instability for schools and their students.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the order and it was later paused by the White House, but not before affecting child care and Head Start payments in the state and sowing doubt about the future of school meals.

Jessica Tang, president of the American Federation of Teachers-Massachusetts, said she heard from families and school staff worried about their health care and job security.

"Literally all of those basic needs were put into question for so many of our families because of the freeze on the funding," Tang explained.

Lawmakers and legal scholars said the order violates federal law, regarding whether a president can block spending already approved by Congress. Tang argued the new administration is undermining public trust at a time when families are still craving stability coming out of the pandemic.

The American Federation of Teachers was part of a broad coalition of Democrat-led states and organizations to sue the Trump administration over the pause in funding. They contended the order would have catastrophic effects on educators' ability to provide a quality education for all students.

Tang noted she finds hope in the way communities are pushing back.

"I am actually overwhelmed by the number of actions and initiatives and efforts that everyday people are coming together to support each other," Tang observed. "The grassroots mutual aid, I think that is inspiring."

Tang added educators have had to remind families students are safe despite Trump's directive to allow immigration authorities in schools, medical facilities and churches. She emphasized the chaos of the past week is creating stress and anxiety, both for teachers and students, which makes it difficult to learn.

Disclosure: The American Federation of Teachers contributes to our fund for reporting on Education, Health Issues, Livable Wages/Working Families, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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