Increase the role of the Department of Education for Special Needs

I am the parent of a newly diagnosed autistic child with generalized anxiety disorder. Once gifted, my child now struggles with a processing speed below the 1st percentile, making it clear how critical special education and mental health services are for students like him. The Department of Education ensures protections under IDEA and Section 504, providing vital funding and oversight that guarantee equal access to education for children with disabilities. Weakening or dismantling the department would leave millions of families without the support they need to help their children succeed. I urge you to oppose any efforts to defund or weaken the Department of Education and instead: 1. Increase special education funding to support early intervention and individualized learning. 2. Expand school-based mental health resources for students with anxiety and autism. 3. Strengthen IDEA and Section 504 protections to ensure equal access across all districts. Children like mine deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential. Please protect and strengthen the Department of Education to ensure all students, regardless of ability, receive the support they need. Thank you for your time and commitment to America’s children.