How much do you want to bet that not a single Virginia Republican condemns Trump’s latest, appalling – not to mention illegal and unconstitutional – action? And no, obviously Youngkin et al are NOT supporters of public education; quite the contrary!
“Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education will have devastating consequences for Virginia’s 1.2 million public school students and the dedicated educators who serve them. These vital funds enable students to pursue their dreams, ensure students with disabilities receive support, and provide affordable access to quality education. Without this funding, Virginia’s schools will face severe challenges—from staffing shortages to the elimination of essential programs that foster student success.
This is yet another stark reminder of why Virginia’s elections this November will be critical to the future of our Commonwealth. The choice is clear: we must elect Democratic leaders committed to strengthening public education and expanding opportunities for all students, not allow Republicans to continue prioritizing Trump’s divisive and extreme agenda, creating chaos and diminishing opportunities for parents, students, and educators alike.”
| Virginia House Democratic Caucus Condemns Donald Trump’s Dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education |
| RICHMOND, VA—Today, the Virginia House Democratic Caucus condemned President Donald Trump’s reckless executive order dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, calling it a direct attack on Virginia’s public schools, students, and educators. With Governor Glenn Youngkin backing the orders, Virginia faces hundreds of millions in lost funding and nearly 8,950 teacher job losses across the Commonwealth—at a time when students are already struggling with some of the lowest test scores in the country.
“Education is the great equalizer, and every student—no matter where they live—deserves access to a world-class education,” said Speaker Don Scott. “Dissolving the Department of Education reverses that promise and sets our children back. Trump continues to hurt Virginians, our families, our children, and our communities, and Virginia’s Republicans continue to let him—it’s shameful. “Eliminating the Department of Education will have a devastating impact on Virginia’s students, particularly those in low-income and rural communities,” said Leader Charniele Herring. “It’s unconscionable that Republicans would support a plan that would gut public school funding, slash teacher jobs, and set our children even further behind academically. Instead of leading, he’s once again aligning himself with Donald Trump’s dangerous and extreme agenda.” “By supporting the Trump plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, Youngkin has put his stamp of approval on harming the future of nearly 1.3 million Virginian children in our public schools,” said Majority Chair Kathy Tran. “As a mom with four kids in our public schools, I see everyday how important it is that we invest in our students and ensure every child has equal educational opportunities. Our kids deserve the best, and House Democrats will fight for them.” While Trump and Youngkin push harmful education cuts, Virginia House Democrats are delivering real investments for students, teachers, and families. This session, House Democrats passed a bipartisan budget that allocates $782 million in new K-12 funding, $134 million for teacher and staff bonuses, $52.8 million for special education, and $55 million to keep college tuition affordable. The budget also expands access to early childhood education by adding 4,500 new slots and reducing childcare costs for working families. Governor Youngkin has until March 24 to sign the legislation. |
Donald Trump just signed an Executive Order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education.
This could be devastating for Virginia’s kids — it’s horrible.
Here are my thoughts: pic.twitter.com/9hyiH98gpz
— Abigail Spanberger (@SpanbergerForVA) March 20, 2025
RICHMOND, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education — threatening billions of dollars in federal funding for Virginia schools.
“The strength of our schools is personal to me. I’m the mother of three daughters in Virginia public schools — one in elementary school, one in middle school, and one in high school. I know that kids, families, and schools across the Commonwealth will bear the brunt of this irresponsible decision.
“Virginia’s students, parents, teachers, and schools will suffer if the Trump Administration cuts education funding. Federal resources fortify critical lifelines for families to receive the support they need, particularly for parents of kids with disabilities, pre-schoolers enrolled in Head Start, students in rural school districts, and Virginians who count on Pell Grants to pursue higher education.”
“At a time when Virginia ranks last in the country in student math recovery, our Commonwealth needs leaders who are focused on promoting excellence and expanding opportunities for our kids, not creating chaos for families. As Governor, I will work aggressively to make sure our schools have the funding they need to address our chronic teacher shortage, contend with learning loss, expand workforce training opportunities, and set Virginia’s next generation on the path to success.”
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order dismantling the Department of Education:
“As a mother of two children in public schools, I know that every parent wants to ensure their child is safe in school and learning what they need to succeed. As the daughter of educators who grew up in the Jim Crow South, I know that not every child has received the education they deserve. As a former state legislator with 18 years in the General Assembly, I know that states and localities struggle to provide what every child needs to learn and succeed.
“The Department of Education was created to help fill these gaps in state and local support for public schools.
“Although we have more work to do, Trump’s actions will erase the important progress we have made in ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. Trump’s actions will affect every community in America, but more children with disabilities and those in rural and low-income communities will slip through the cracks.
“Education is the key to individual opportunity and a thriving health economy, communities, and democracy. Democrats will fight to defend every child’s right to reach their full potential, no matter who they are or where they live.
“This decision is a step backwards, an affront to everything my parents, grandparents, and great grandparents fought for, and a blatant attempt to raid support for teachers and students to give tax breaks to billionaires.”
Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus Responds to The President’s Illegal Executive Order to Dismantle the U.S. Department of Education
RICHMOND, V.A. — Today, the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus released the following statement in response to the federal administration’s decision to demolish the U.S. Department of Education:
“Donald Trump’s latest illegal decision to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education is yet another check off his Project 2025 bucket list. This is a deliberate attempt to spread fear and chaos among some of the American people.
Here is a little history lesson: The Department of Education, established in 1980 under former Democratic President Jimmy Carter, exists to ensure that Title I schools, special education programs, and Pell Grants receive the funding they need to support students. Without it, public education in Virginia and across the country will suffer greatly.
When we think of Trump’s push to dismantle the Department of Education, we think of George Wallace standing in the schoolhouse door, blocking Black students from entering. It brings back memories of Virginia engaging in massive resistance. This effort to push education back to the states is designed to roll back all efforts at progress since the 1954 Brown v Board of Education decision.
Trump and his minions clearly want to limit educational opportunities. When will the madness end?”
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