After a monthlong freeze, Alabama schools will regain access to nearly $70 million in federal funds that were under review by the Trump administration.

“I am ecstatic that our stance for reasonable transparency and consistency in government has won the day,” State Superintendent Eric Mackey said in a statement Friday afternoon. “We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Education for maintaining the faith with our students and our schools.”

Worried that states were misusing the funds for so-called “woke” programs, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon alerted states in late June that until further review, the department would not release expected funds for the following federal grants:

• Title I-C for migrant education
• Title II-A for professional development
• Title III-A for English learner services
• Title IV-A for student support and academic enrichment
• Title IV-B for 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Amid pressure from Congress, the department last week released $1.3 billion in 21st Century grants, which support thousands of afterschool programs across the country. Mackey said he was alerted on Friday afternoon that the department will release the remaining funds to states starting July 28.

The release will end weeks of uncertainty for educators who rely on the money to fund English language instruction, afterschool programs and other services. Alabama officials estimated that the grants amounted to about $68 million for local schools.

“This isn’t just a budget issue—it’s a matter of justice and equity,” Richard Franklin, a Birmingham teachers union rep, said after the freeze. “Our students in Birmingham deserve every opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Stripping away federal funding that supports special education, mental health, reading programs and school safety would be devastating. We cannot allow our kids to become political casualties.”

States typically receive those funds by July 1, enabling them to hire staff and fund services before the school year begins. In Alabama this month, districts scrounged for cash to fund summer programs and services for high-needs students. Some said they would have to cut programs if the money didn’t come through.

Some school districts in Alabama start classes as soon as July 31 this year.

“This is indeed great news to start the new school year,” Mackey continued. “Huge win for state chiefs— from both red and blue and purple states who all worked arm in arm on this common issue important to us all.”

In withholding the funds, the federal Office of Management and Budget, said some of the programs supported a “radical leftwing agenda,” according to the Associated Press.

Two dozen states sued the office in mid-July, alleging that the move violates the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which requires any executive withholdings of budget authority to be reviewed by Congress.

Alabama Congresswomen Rep. Terri Sewell (D) and Sen. Katie Britt (R), also urged a release of the funding in separate letters last week.

“I applaud the announcement from OMB Director Vought to release the outstanding education formula funds to states,” Britt said in a statement Friday. “I have long stated our local communities know how to best serve students and families. This funding will help states and school districts provide students an excellent education.”

Earlier this year, the department froze nearly $9 million in pandemic relief funds meant for a school construction project in Selma and a statewide program for struggling readers. McMahon recently reversed course on that decision, allowing Alabama and other states to file for reimbursements.