CA, RI, WI States Sue Over Federal Special Ed Grant Cuts
California, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin sued the US Education Dept over ending special ed development grants.
Why it matters: This lawsuit could set legal precedents for challenging federal funding adjustments, affecting how states defend special education resources and how counsel approach administrative law disputes in education.
- Lawsuit filed on June 9, 2026, by California, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin against US Department of Education.
- The suit challenges termination of State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- California received $2.1M annually for SPDG from 2022 but lost funding in September 2025 over alleged equity conflicts.
- Plaintiffs argue the Department used unpublished policies without proper procedures or explanations in ending grants.
On June 9, 2026, the attorneys general of California, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin jointly filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to terminate the State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG). These grants, authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), fund training and professional development for special education personnel.
California’s SPDG grant provided $2.1 million annually starting in 2022, totaling $10.5 million over five years. The grant was cut in September 2025, with the Department citing concerns the grants conflicted with newly introduced equity policies. California serves over 880,000 students in special education programs, highlighting the grant’s critical role.
The states argue the Department’s termination violated administrative procedures by relying on unpublished policies and failing to give clear justifications. The complaint alleges these actions breached required transparency and procedural rules that govern federal funding decisions.
This suit follows broader litigation from 2025 responding to the Department’s freeze on substantial education funding under the previous Trump administration, marking continued state challenges to changes in federal education policy. While Rhode Island and Wisconsin joined the suit, the public details on their SPDG funding impacts remain limited.
The Department of Education and Department of Justice have not issued public comments on the lawsuit. Legal experts say the case could influence how states can contest federal funding changes and impact legal strategies in administrative and education law.
By the numbers:
- $2.1 million — annual SPDG grant to California from 2022 to 2025
- 880,000+ — special education students served by California’s public schools
- June 9, 2026 — date lawsuit filed
Yes, but: The Department of Education maintains its authority to adjust funding priorities and states must comply with federal equity policies, though it has not publicly detailed its legal response to this suit.
What's next: A federal court hearing on the lawsuit’s merits is expected later in 2026, which could clarify procedural standards for federal education grant disputes.