1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

The Department of Education is wasting over $7 million in taxpayer money per month by forcing employees to remain idle on administrative leave. This mismanagement, driven by efforts to dismantle the agency under President Trump, has already cost over $21 million in just the last three months according to the employees' union. Instead of genuine efforts at efficiency, this approach is generating wasteful spending with no returns as workers are paid for not working. This situation stems from the abrupt termination of nearly half the department's workforce in March, which sparked lawsuits now leaving around 1,300 reinstated employees in administrative purgatory. Rather than resolving this promptly, the department has allowed salaries to continue draining resources while offering some workers settlements to resign and drop their cases. However, many dedicated public servants are holding out in hopes of returning to their important work serving students, parents, and educators. The request is to immediately end this unproductive status quo that is squandering millions each month. Bring these skilled professionals back to their positions supporting educational development and opportunity across the country. Continuing to pay employees while barring them from their duties helps no one and reflects poorly on the management of a vital government agency. Resolve the personnel disputes efficiently and refocus the Department of Education on its core mission.