Oppose dismantling the Department of Education -protect kids with disabilities

I am writing to express my strong opposition to any efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. As a resident of Pennsylvania, I am deeply concerned about the devastating impact this would have on students with disabilities, who rely on federal oversight and funding to access a quality education. The Department of Education plays a critical role in enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that millions of students with disabilities—including more than 300,000 students in Pennsylvania—receive the specialized support they need. Without strong federal protections: • Pennsylvania’s special education funding gap will worsen. Our state already struggles with an underfunded special education system. According to the Education Law Center, Pennsylvania’s schools require at least $2 billion more in special education funding to meet current needs. Without federal oversight and funding, struggling school districts—especially in rural and low-income areas—may be forced to cut vital services. • Disparities between school districts could increase. Pennsylvania has some of the largest funding inequities in the country. Wealthier districts like Lower Merion are able to provide extensive special education services, while underfunded districts like Reading, Harrisburg, and York face major resource shortages. The Department of Education helps ensure that federal funds reach the schools that need them most. • Families will lose essential legal protections. Many Pennsylvania parents rely on federal oversight to hold school districts accountable when they fail to provide appropriate services under IDEA. Without a strong Department of Education, families could face greater difficulty advocating for their children’s rights in special education. Students with disabilities in Pennsylvania already face significant barriers to educational equity. Weakening federal oversight would increase disparities, reduce critical services, and limit opportunities for the students who need them most. I urge you to oppose any legislative efforts to abolish or defund the Department of Education. Instead, I ask you to advocate for stronger federal support for Pennsylvania’s students with disabilities. Thank you for your time and for your commitment to the needs of students with disabilities. I look forward to your response on this critical issue.