Murkowski pushes Education Department to release delayed Alaska grants
Lisa Murkowski said Linda McMahon agreed to expedite money after recipients reported they had not received funding due July 1
The U.S. Department of Education is expected to award $41.3 million through the Alaska Native Education Program to 26 Alaska grantees, after funding due July 1 was delayed more than a month, according to reporting from the Alaska Beacon. Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said grantees told her office they had not received the money, prompting her to press Education Secretary Linda McMahon for its release.
McMahon agreed to expedite the funds Congress appropriated earlier this year, Murkowski said. The program supports tribes, tribal organizations and school districts with majority Alaska Native enrollment.
The grant office did not explain the delay or say when the money would be dispensed. Rosita Kaaháni Worl, president of the Sealaska Heritage Institute, said the organization had not received its funds, noting that federal support is critical because the programs improve Native education.
Spotted an error? Suggest a correction.
We provide independent Native-focused reporting that gives our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.
