Judge temporarily blocks federal plan to freeze $1 billion in child care subsidies

Judge temporarily blocks federal plan to freeze $1 billion in child care subsidies

On February 6th, the early learning and care community received a piece of good news, a federal judge officially blocked a plan to freeze more than $10 billion in funding that support early learning and care programs. This is the third injunction since the Trump administration first announced the freeze.
 

Getting us up to speed

Back in early January, the feds announced an immediate freeze of funds for three major programs, the Child Care and Development Fund, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and the Social Services Block Grant. The freeze targeted five democratic states, including California. 

CA Attorney General, Rob Bonta, joined four other states to challenge this move. Last Friday, US District Judge Vernon Broderick issued a preliminary injunction, effectively stopping the freeze and allowing the money to continue flowing, while the legal case proceeds. 

Why this matters?

• Had this freeze continued, it would have caused delayed payments for thousands of contractors in California. This injunction provides temporary stability. 

• This injunction protects access for children and families, particularly for California’s more vulnerable children.

• This injunction models a defense against political overreach. The court’s decision reinforces that federal agencies can’t unilaterally disrupt programs that have already been funded by Congress. 
  
  

What’s next?

While the injunction is a significant win, the lawsuit will continue, this ruling protects the status quo for now. It is vital we all stay informed and active in the legislative process. EveryChild California will continue to monitor this situation closely, please look out for our calls-to-action, that will include specific directions on actions you can take to ensure your voice, and community, is heard in the process.

Source: https://www.stlpr.org/education/2026-02-09/judge-temporarily-blocks-federal-plan-freeze-billion-illinois-child-care-subsidies