As the Trump administration faces numerous challenges, one federal department seems to be executing its plans without a hitch. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, a proponent of school vouchers, has made her disdain for public education clear, pushing for increased privatization within the educational system. Now, she is fulfilling her commitment to diminish public education funding, reduce federal involvement in schools, and promote school choice.
Recently, President Trump and Secretary DeVos unveiled the education budget for the upcoming year, which proposes a staggering $10.6 billion cut from programs that primarily assist the most disadvantaged students—accounting for a significant 13.6% of the total education budget. In contrast, $1.4 billion of these funds would be redirected towards school choice initiatives.
Approximately $1 billion would be shifted from Title I funding, which supports the education of low-income children, to a new program called Furthering Options for Children to Unlock Success (FOCUS). This program would only grant funds to school districts that offer school choice options. The Center for American Progress has labeled such strategies as “Robin Hood in reverse,” suggesting they divert resources from high-poverty districts to more affluent ones.
Who Stands to Gain?
- School Vouchers: The budget includes additional funding for expanding voucher programs, allowing low-income students to attend private or religious schools.
- Charter Schools: A total of $500 million would be allocated to charter schools, representing a 50% increase from current levels.
- Staff Security for Betsy DeVos: The budget requests an additional $158 million for her staff’s salaries, despite an overall reduction in Department of Education personnel. While previous secretaries utilized their own security, DeVos is being protected by U.S. Marshals, costing the department about $1 million each month.
Who Will Suffer?
Programs benefiting students at every educational level are set to face significant cuts. As Senator Mark Roberts, a leading Democrat on the education committee, stated, “This budget threatens communities by eliminating funding for after-school initiatives, financial aid for struggling college students, teacher training programs, and even Special Olympics education initiatives.”
Further Cuts Include:
- Student Loan Forgiveness: The budget aims to eliminate the popular Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives loans for graduates who work in public service or nonprofit sectors after ten years.
- After-School and Summer Programs: The 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which support nearly 2 million low-income students, would see funding reductions.
- Federal College Work Study: The budget proposes cutting funding for the federal work-study program, which currently assists 670,000 college students.
- Pell Grants: Although not entirely eliminated, the largest federal grant program for low-income families would be cut by nearly $4 billion.
- Teacher Training: Grants supporting effective teaching would be completely slashed.
Other programs facing elimination or severe cuts include arts education, initiatives for high-need Native American children, gifted education, adult literacy programs, and childcare assistance for low-income parents attending college.
Secretary DeVos is set to testify before the House Appropriations Committee soon. The Los Angeles Times notes that the political implications of this budget could hinder its passage in Congress, as cutting aid to public schools may adversely affect Trump’s voter base, particularly in rural areas where public schools are vital.
Amidst the ongoing scandals enveloping the administration, it’s crucial not to overlook the administration’s educational policies and their aim to privatize education. Instead of hoping for your representative to reject this budget, it’s essential to voice your concerns directly.
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Summary:
Betsy DeVos’s recent education budget proposes substantial cuts to programs vital for low-income students while reallocating funds towards school choice initiatives. This budget threatens numerous educational programs, impacting students at all levels and prioritizing privatization over public education.