Latest news with #TitleII
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
State Department says 59,000 tons of food assistance are in motion after reports of incinerated aid
FIRST ON FOX: The State Department says it is working swiftly to distribute tens of thousands of tons of food aid around the globe, pushing back on reports that the U.S. was preparing to incinerate hundreds of tons of stockpiled supplies before they could be delivered. According to figures shared with Fox News Digital, the agency currently has 59,305 metric tons of in-kind food commodities stored in warehouses across the United States and abroad. "We have already programmed all the food expiring before October 2026," a senior State Department official said. "The idea that we have tons of expiring food we are letting go to waste is simply false." The State Department says it has approved 44,422 metric tons of food to be transferred or reprogrammed through partnerships with the World Food Program (WFP), Catholic Relief Services, Mercy Corps, and Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA). That includes 30,000 tons of short-dated food supplies already programmed for delivery to crisis zones like Syria, Bangladesh, and Sudan. Rubio Officially Kills Usaid, Reveals Future Home For Foreign Assistance Programs An additional 12,000 tons of aid is awaiting final reprogramming, a delay the department attributes to a temporary hold by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Title II apportionments — an issue officials say has now been resolved. Read On The Fox News App "To the extent there is a delay that is causing operational problems, it is not from the State Department," the official said. "All of the food expiring in the next 16 months is accounted for." The official also dismissed recent media coverage, arguing that the focus on a limited amount of food near expiration distorts the larger picture. "The very small portion — less than 1% of USAID's food stockpiles — addressed by the mainstream media was the exception that distracts from a very extensive and orderly process we directed to ensure that all of the food was accounted for in an efficient and strategic manner." The public defense comes after several outlets reported that the Trump administration ordered the incineration of roughly 500 metric tons of emergency food stored in Dubai as it neared expiration. According to Reuters, while 622 tons were successfully redirected to countries including Syria, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, another 496 tons — valued at $793,000 — were destroyed, with an additional $100,000 in disposal costs. The incident occurred as part of a broader restructuring of U.S. foreign aid policy. In early July, the Trump administration officially dissolved USAID, transferring authority over development and humanitarian programs to the State Department. That shift has been accompanied by efforts to rescind billions of dollars in foreign assistance. A temporary aid pause in January prompted the former State Department inspector general to warn that as much as $500 million worth of food aid was at risk of expiring. However, the department says assistance is now back online under a restructured model. State Department Reveals Plan To Deliver 'Life-saving' Meals To 1.4M Starving Children With USAID phased out, the State Department is now responsible for managing large-scale aid programs, and it is under pressure to deliver. Lawmakers and aid groups are closely watching to see whether the newly reprogrammed food aid reaches intended recipients. Democrats seized on the incineration reports during congressional hearings this week, accusing the Trump administration of turning its back on urgent humanitarian needs. The reports were first published by The Atlantic. Earlier this month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the administration's vision for foreign assistance, saying he was abandoning what he called a "charity-based model" in favor of empowering growth and self-reliance in developing nations. "We will favor those nations that have demonstrated both the ability and willingness to help themselves," Rubio wrote, "and will target our resources to areas where they can have a multiplier effect and catalyze durable private sector — including American companies — and global investment." The new approach is designed to emphasize trade and investment over direct aid, and to position the U.S. to better counter China's growing global article source: State Department says 59,000 tons of food assistance are in motion after reports of incinerated aid Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Detroit schools at risk of losing over $16 million as US federal education funds are withheld
Detroit schools at risk of losing over $16 million in US federal funding freeze. Detroit Public Schools, already grappling with some of the highest poverty rates in the country, are facing a major financial setback as more than $16 million in federal education funding is being withheld. The White House has paused the release of $6.2 billion in education funds across the country, impacting hundreds of school districts. But Detroit ranks among the hardest hit, raising urgent questions about how schools will prepare for the upcoming academic year without the support they were legally promised. Although the funds were approved by Congress and signed into law under the Trump administration, the delay in distribution is now threatening key programs that support teacher development, after-school learning, mental health services, and English learners. What programs are being affected The withheld funding covers five major federal education programs: Educator development (Title II) Student enrichment and support (Title IV) Migrant education Support for English language learners 21st Century Community Learning Centers While full data for migrant education is not available, the other four programs account for a projected $81.6 million loss in Michigan. This equals about $65 per student statewide, according to data compiled by the education policy group New America. Detroit alone stands to lose more than $16 million, with some of the steepest losses nationally in programs aimed at supporting low-income and vulnerable students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elevate Business Writing With This Desktop App Grammarly Learn More Undo Detroit's poverty rate and high dependency on federal aid Detroit Public Schools serve one of the most economically disadvantaged student populations in the country. The district has the highest school-age poverty rate (46.9 percent) among 46 states. These schools heavily rely on federal programs to fund after-school services, academic enrichment, teacher training, and student wellness initiatives. Because many of these programs are tied to poverty-related formulas, Detroit is more dependent on them than wealthier districts. A pause in this funding puts not only programs but student learning and staff planning at immediate risk. Democratic districts bearing the brunt in Michigan In Michigan, the funding freeze is hitting school districts represented by Democrats harder than those represented by Republicans. Democratic districts are projected to lose $45 million, compared to $36.6 million for Republican districts. Average loss per district in Democratic areas: $7.5 million Average loss in Republican areas: $5.2 million On a per-student basis, Democratic-led districts are expected to lose $84 per student, while Republican-led ones would lose $51 per student. This pattern is a sharp contrast to the national trend, where Republican-led districts are seeing larger per-student cuts. The unique situation in Michigan is partly due to Detroit's heavy dependence on federal aid and its inclusion among the top ten districts at highest risk. The hardest-hit districts: Detroit takes centre stage The congressional district represented by Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit) is facing the highest per-student funding loss in the country: $210 per student. Rep. Rashida Tlaib's district, also in Detroit, is next in line, with a projected loss of $87 per student. These losses are especially concerning given that these districts already contend with widespread poverty, staffing shortages, and limited local funding alternatives. The funding freeze comes at a time of added financial instability. The Republican-controlled Michigan House of Representatives failed to pass the state's education budget by the July 1 deadline, compounding the uncertainty. With federal and state budgets unresolved, school districts are unable to plan effectively. Even if they attempt to temporarily cover program costs using local or reserve funds, federal regulations may prevent them from reallocating those funds later when and if the federal money is finally released. What this means for students and educators The loss of funding could lead to scaled-back after-school programs, reduced access to mental health services, delays in curriculum development, and less training for teachers. These setbacks may be most deeply felt in Detroit's most vulnerable communities, where such support is essential. Beyond the financial impact, there is also a symbolic cost. The delay sends a discouraging message to students and families in already underserved areas, especially as they prepare to return to school in just a few weeks. A school year clouded by uncertainty With over $16 million at stake and the school year fast approaching, Detroit Public Schools are caught in a storm of political delay and financial ambiguity. For students already navigating the challenges of poverty and educational inequity, the funding freeze could not come at a worse time. Unless urgent action is taken at both the federal and state levels, Detroit's students and educators may find themselves starting the academic year with fewer resources, reduced support, and more uncertainty than ever. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
What led to the $25 million freeze in Maine student grants during the Trump administration's funding review?
What led to the $25 million freeze in Maine student grants? Maine schools are facing delays in accessing nearly $25 million in federal education grants, following a nationwide review launched by the Trump administration. The funding pause is part of a broader reassessment of how billions in federal education dollars are distributed across states, with the administration signaling a closer alignment with its policy agenda. The affected grants support a range of student-centered initiatives, including after-school programs, language instruction for English learners, professional development for teachers, and adult education services. While technically available for obligation starting July 1, the beginning of the fiscal year, these funds remain on hold as the US Department of Education reevaluates multiple programs. Wider review halts education funding nationwide The pause in Maine is part of a broader review involving more than $6 billion in education funding nationwide. The administration has indicated that the purpose of the review is to ensure all spending is consistent with federal law and current presidential priorities. In practice, however, the freeze has interrupted normal budget cycles for schools that rely on annual allocations to plan staffing, curriculum, and enrichment activities. For Maine, the $25 million in limbo reflects the state's projected allocation for fiscal year 2025. Districts had begun budgeting for the year assuming the grants would be available on time, but the hold now forces them to either delay key programs or shift resources from other areas. Student learning and teacher support programs affected Among the specific programs impacted are Title I, Part C, which funds education for migratory children, and Title III, which supports English learners and immigrant students. Title II funding—used for recruiting and training high-quality teachers—and Title IV programs that enable academic enrichment and summer learning are also part of the freeze. Additionally, adult education grants to states are included in the review. This funding supports both core instruction and supplemental services in many Maine communities. The freeze raises immediate concerns about the continuity of services for vulnerable student populations, particularly in districts with high numbers of multilingual learners or students needing academic support outside regular school hours. Uncertainty ahead as schools wait for clarity While the Department of Education has not provided a specific timeline for completing the review, districts have been advised to proceed cautiously with their planning. The Maine Department of Education has already notified school systems of the pause and flagged the potential impact to the state's congressional delegation. For now, the funding remains in administrative limbo. Without additional clarity, schools may face difficult decisions about which programs to delay or scale back in the coming months. The broader review reflects a shift in how the federal government is approaching education funding under the Trump administration. But for school officials in Maine, the more urgent question remains: when will the funds that support their students actually arrive? Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Newsweek
05-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Some Social Security Recipients Will See Wage Garnishment in Just Weeks
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In roughly 20 days, some Social Security recipients could experience wage garnishment as a higher Social Security claw back rate returns. Roughly 2 million Americans owed money to the Social Security Administration due to overpayments in 2023, according to KFF and Cox Media group. Starting July 24, the higher wage garnishments will go into effect until the full overpayment has been resolved. Why It Matters President Donald Trump has implemented a wide range of changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA). In addition to ending the use of paper checks by October, Trump also appointed former Fiserv CEO Frank Bisignano as the new SSA commissioner. The Department of Government Efficiency also instructed the agency to cut 7,000 SSA jobs. For beneficiaries who have been mistakenly overpaid, losing Social Security benefits could have severe consequences on their ability to pay for basic necessities. Roughly 21 percent of married couples and 45 percent of single recipients rely on Social Security for 90 percent or more of their income, according to SSA estimates. A sign is seen outside a US Social Security Administration building, November 5, 2020, in Burbank, California. A sign is seen outside a US Social Security Administration building, November 5, 2020, in Burbank, California. VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images What To Know In some circumstances, the SSA overpays Social Security recipients due to either miscalculations on their part or the recipient failing to update their earnings information. In March, the SSA said it would be bringing back its 100 percent claw back rate for Social Security recipients who were mistakenly overpaid by the government. During Joe Biden's presidency, that rate was set at 10 percent to allow seniors more breathing room to pay for their basic necessities. However, the SSA updated that garnishment rate to 50 percent in April. "When we determine an individual receiving Title II benefits is overpaid, we send them a notice requesting a full and immediate refund and inform them of their right to request reconsideration or a waiver of recovery," the SSA said in April. "We usually provide 90 days for the individual to request a lower rate of withholding, a reconsideration, or waiver." The 90-day period from the SSA's statement on April 25 ends July 24, meaning more than a million recipients could see their payments impacted. However, those who have been overpaid can file for an overpayment waiver. Form SSA-632BK asks for forgiveness for the overpayment if it was not your fault and it would create financial hardship. To get this approved, you'll need proof that repaying the money would create a significant hardship. Beneficiaries can also file Form SSA-561 to appeal the claim you were overpaid. Newsweek reached out to the SSA for comment via email. What People Are Saying Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "Most recipients don't realize they've been overpaid until they receive a letter from the SSA. Without regularly reviewing your earnings history and benefit statements, overpayments can go unnoticed. Even if the error wasn't your fault, you're still responsible for repayment—unless you appeal, request a waiver, or set up a payment plan within the 90-day period." What Happens Next The loss of income could be dire for many Social Security recipients who rely on the benefits for most if not all of their income. A recent report from Gallup found 86 percent rely on Social Security as a "major" or "minor" income source. "The consequences can be significant, especially for retirees living on a fixed income. With inflation still elevated, a 50 percent reduction in benefits could severely impact housing, food, and healthcare," Thompson said. "For many, Social Security is their only source of income—making these garnishments potentially devastating."
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Social Security July 2025: Here's why your stimulus checks are lower than you expected
Starting July 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will start cutting certain beneficiaries' payment benefits to 50%- and no, it's not because of the predicted treasury shortfall. Instead, it is part of the SSA's policy to recover lost funds disbursed in overpayments. SSA's official announcement Representational image.(Unsplash) {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Back in March this year, the SSA declared that benefits of recipients receiving overpayments after March 27, 2025, will be withheld until the amount is fully reimbursed. The withholding rate was later changed, and an emergency message was posted next month on the official website notifying that payments were to be slashed by 50% for those with outstanding overpayments. {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} 'If the individual does not request a lower rate of withholding, reconsideration, or waiver after the approximately 90-day period, we will recover the overpayment by withholding up to 50 percent of their Title II benefit payment (if there is no fraud or similar fault), until we fully recover the overpayment,' the post read. 'Any new Title II overpayment determinations will have the 50 percent benefit withholding automatically applied for overpayment notices sent beginning April 25, 2025, which is the first day of COM 05.' {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} The SSA reduced the withholding rate to 10% after many people lost their homes when benefits were cut off. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} The SSA reduced the withholding rate to 10% after many people lost their homes when benefits were cut off. {{/usCountry}} Read More {{^usCountry}} Also read: Social Security age hits 67: Seven must-know updates for your retirement planning What is the outstanding value of overpayments? {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} Also read: Social Security age hits 67: Seven must-know updates for your retirement planning What is the outstanding value of overpayments? {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} According to an August 2024 report from the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General, the agency paid out nearly $72 billion in improper payments during fiscal years 2015-2022. As of September 2023, total uncollected overpayments stood at $23 billion, as per the report. How can overpayments be paid back? {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} According to an August 2024 report from the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General, the agency paid out nearly $72 billion in improper payments during fiscal years 2015-2022. As of September 2023, total uncollected overpayments stood at $23 billion, as per the report. How can overpayments be paid back? {{/usCountry}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} An overpayment typically happens when a system error causes the SSA to pay a person more than what they are due or if a beneficiary fails to update their income details promptly. 'Effective April 25, 2025, overpayment notices will provide a default Title II overpayment benefit withholding rate of 50 percent of the monthly benefit,' the official statement added. This was supposed to come into effect 90 days after issuing the notice, i.e., roughly around July 24. Those who feel that the error was no fault of their own or aren't currently in a financial position to pay back the amount due can raise a query by filling out a form on the website, which might make them eligible for a waiver. {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} By Stuti Gupta SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
