1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

I’m writing as someone who cares deeply about public education. I have taught at public high schools for 12 years and know how vital they are to students and to communities. We are losing a special education teacher due to budget cuts this year, a position we can't afford to lose. We're also short science and math teachers, leaving us with big classes. The Department of Education has illegally frozen more than $6 billion in federal K-12 education funds. Without this essential and congressionally approved funding, districts cannot hire educators and support staff, special education and mental health services are disrupted, and rural and low-income schools are left without basic resources. Congress needs to assert their constitutional authority and demand the immediate release of all frozen federal education funds. Underfunding public education hurts all of us. It’s cruel, shortsighted, and irresponsible. If we want a successful economy, a thriving populace, and to be competitive on the world stage we must support our schools. Please get this money released right away. Thanks.