Rep. Norma Torres Condemns Trump’s Plan to Eliminate the Department of Education
Warns of Devastating Impact on Local Schools
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres issued a strong rebuke of President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, warning that such a move would have catastrophic consequences for students, families, and educators in California’s 35th District.
“Eliminating the Department of Education is a direct threat to the future of our children that would be felt in every classroom, in every home, and across every community in our district,” said Rep. Norma Torres. “The funding the Department of Education manages ensures that thousands of students in our community, no matter their background, have the resources they need to learn, thrive, and succeed. I will do everything in my power to stop this reckless attack in our school and protect the future of our students.”
In California’s 35th District, 198 public and charter schools serve 150,729 students, including:
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26,876 children living below the poverty line who rely on federally funded programs for support.
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10,407 students experiencing homelessness who depend on
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school services for stability.
Federal education funding is a critical part of local school budgets, including:
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$48.8 million in Title I funding for schools serving low-income students.
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$84.6 million in Child Nutrition Act funding for school meal programs.
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$29 million to support children with disabilities.
In addition, the Department of Education provides $377.6 million in federal student aid to help students and families in the district pay for college or career school through grants, work study, and loans.
If the Department of Education were dismantled, school districts could face devastating cuts, forcing teacher layoffs, overcrowded classrooms, and cuts to essential services. Donald Trump’s actions today call into serious question his commitment to helping families students succeed in our communities.
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