“Months ago, Education Forward Arizona joined other experts in predicting that instead of closing the Department of Education, they would begin holding and pulling back some of the education funding,” said Rich Nickel, president and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “Unfortunately, that is exactly what we are seeing happening now. Arizona’s students can’t afford delays when it comes to education. These federal funds are not optional — they’re essential to maintaining critical student programs. Pulling the rug out from under them right before the academic year begins threatens to widen the very opportunity gaps these dollars are meant to close. We urge federal leaders to release these funds immediately so schools can do what they’re charged to do: educate and prepare students for their future.”