SACRAMENTO, CA – SEIU California today rebuked Trump’s Executive Order attempting to shut down the U.S. Department of Education in all but name without Congressional approval. According to Ed Source, California schools received $8 billion in federal funding last budget year, supporting students who attend rural schools, special education, English-learners, and students who are unhoused and hungry.
Max Arias, Executive Director of SEIU Local 99, said:
“With his continued attempts to shutter the Department of Education, Trump is checking another box on the billionaire wishlist and again turning his back on the pocketbook issues that most concern Americans: not just the price of eggs, housing, and gas, but the availability and quality of essential family needs like good schools, healthcare, child care, and higher education.
“For generations, the mission of the Department of Education has been to ensure all children – not just the offspring of billionaires – have a path toward the American Dream. This inclusive, opportunity-building mission is precisely why Trump and Musk want to shut it down.
“SEIU members live and work in the communities where federal education cutbacks will do the most harm. SEIU members are classified school staff working in the most resource-starved schools; we provide hot, nutritious meals and the extra support English-learners and students with disabilities need to succeed. Unlike the children of billionaires, our kids are counting on affordable community colleges and higher education opportunities to build a better future. And unlike billionaires’ children, working families rely on Pell Grants and other financial aid to afford college.
“Congress must step up to protect Department of Education-funded initiatives that build opportunity for the most disadvantaged students, ensuring pupils can focus on learning instead of hunger pangs, that English learners can prepare to be our next generation of leaders, and that our children with special needs have every opportunity to succeed. SEIU members will send a strong message to our Congress Members that stealing billions from California schools will have widespread, negative effects: larger class sizes, fewer faculty and staff, and worse educational outcomes.
“We demand Congress reject Trump and Elon Musk’s attempts to amass more wealth by robbing our children and college students of opportunity and our schools and communities of basic resources.”
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