Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – 7/11/25… Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) is urging President Trump to release federal funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which provide vital before- and after-school programs across the Hudson Valley.

These programs are particularly impactful for low-income students in low-performing schools. Local recipients of this funding include the New Square Community Improvement Council, Peekskill City School District, United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Westchester Jewish Community Services and so many great organizations in our community.

“This program deeply aligns with [the] Administration’s goals to return power to the state, instead of Washington, D.C., bureaucrats. State Education Agencies are fully responsible for administering the grant, providing each community with the opportunity to distribute funding where it is most needed,” wrote Congressman Lawler.

“21st Century Community Learning Centers are a perfect example of what happens when we take the federal government out of education - outcomes are better. Students that participate in these programs have been found to have better attendance records, are more engaged in their classes, and see improvements in their academic performance, including in reading and math” concluded Congressman Lawler in his letter. 

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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The full letter can be found HERE.