Fund our public schools adequately!

As your constituent, I urge you to oppose the administration’s proposal to slash Department of Education funding by 15 percent in FY2026—on top of the $350 million already cut from student loan programs through the recent House reconciliation bill. The administration’s plan would replace proven programs with two block grants: • The “K–12 Simplified Funding Program,” combining Title I and 18 other initiatives. • The “Special Education Simplified Funding Program,” consolidating all seven Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs. This restructuring would eliminate critical programs such as TRIO, Gear Up, English Language Acquisition, and the Teacher Quality Partnership that addresses teacher shortages through clinical training. While block grants are often sold as a way to give states “flexibility,” in reality they typically mean less funding, less accountability, and fewer protections for vulnerable students. States could also divert funds toward voucher schemes that undermine public education and strip students—especially those with disabilities—of legal rights and supports. Meanwhile, the only area slated for an increase in the FY2026 education budget is charter schools, which would receive an additional $60 million. This is a deliberate attempt to weaken the public schools that educate 9 out of 10 American children. Our public schools are the backbone of our democracy. They deserve investment, not cuts. I urge you to reject these proposals, protect critical programs, and ensure every student has access to the resources, opportunities, and protections they need to succeed.