Congresswoman Beatty Fights to Save Department of Education; Advocates for Ohio Students and Educators

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tonight, Congresswoman Beatty released the following statement regarding President Trump's unlawful Executive Order to drastically cut resources from the Department of Education:

"The Department of Education has long stood as a pillar of opportunity for students across Ohio and the nation, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can access and pursue high-quality education," said Congresswoman Beatty. "While President Trump's executive order will hurt students and teachers in every district, its impacts will disproportionately be felt among veterans, low-income students, and children with disabilities."

"I know firsthand how access to a quality public education and federal financial aid can change lives. My brother and I were the first in our family to graduate college, and that was made possible by the federal support provided to our public schools and the federal resources that helped us fund our higher education. These critical resources should be available to help each and every student reach their full potential."

"President Trump's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education puts access to these educational opportunities - and the jobs of our hardworking educators - at risk. In Central Ohio, federal funding for public education is helping to close literacy gaps, provide an equitable education to students with disabilities, and make sure homeless and low-income students have the necessary supports to help them succeed. It is also opening doors for those seeking higher education, including the nearly 1.8 million Ohioans, who rely on federal student loans to chase their academic dreams."

"Let me be clear - this executive order is an attack on the fundamental promise of the American dream. It will worsen achievement gaps, reduce career and technical education opportunities that prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, and put higher education out of reach for working families. I stand with students, parents, educators, and my Democratic colleagues in Congress to oppose this reckless move and ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education."

"Throughout my time in Congress, I have advocated for expanding Pell Grants, increasing investments in Ohio's public schools, supporting teachers, and boosting STEM education programs to prepare Ohio's next generation of leaders."

"I will continue to fight back against any attempt to undermine our children's future."

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) has served Central Ohio's working families in Congress since 2013. She is the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, co-chairs the bipartisan Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, and is Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus.

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