1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I appreciate your dedication to public service, particularly during this pivotal moment in our nation's history. As a constituent and educator, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the actions of the Trump Administration, DOGE, and the potential threats posed by Elon Musk to Arizona's and the nation's future. With 20 years of experience as an educator at a state university and as an alum of Arizona State, I have witnessed firsthand the impact that grant-funded initiatives in science, arts, culture, and sustainability have on students' futures. My students are uncertain about their prospects due to the potential cuts in funding for these initiatives. While I agree that enhancing efficiency in government spending is essential, I urge you not to compromise scientific, social, and cultural research or university education. Our state universities play a vital role in fostering economic mobility and social impact, especially for first-generation students, who comprise nearly 49% of our student body. I implore you to protect the funding sources that enable us to provide quality education and prepare students for the future.