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Democrats are sounding the alarm — the Trump decision to wind down the Department of Education will cost Virginia hundreds of millions of dollars and lead to teachers losing their jobs. The reality is something completely different.

Last week’s Executive Order requires the Federal Government to begin the winding down of the Department of Education to the smallest extent required by law. Congressional action will be required to formally end the Department. Under the order, existing programs will be either moved from Education to other agencies or shifted to the state level.

In that sense, Democrats are correct. Republicans and Democrats do agree that educating our children is one of the highest priorities a government should have. Where we differ is how that should be done.

Other Democrats imply – and some state outright – that winding down the Department of Education will lead to poorer outcomes in our schools, or less support for education.

President Trump’s Executive Order is designed to put more resources toward education by ending a duplicative bureaucracy that adds little to the overall outcome in our schools.

Outcomes have not improved appreciably since the agency was founded in 1979, according to a report from the Pew Research Center. Calls for the end of the Department of Education have been loud since the day it was founded as a separate cabinet agency in 1979. 

As of now, the agency serves as a conduit for money for K-12 education and Federal student loan programs, including COVID related ESSR grants most recently.

Per usual, Democrats equate “doing something” with “government spending money.” 

Billions of dollars spent through the Department show that not all motion is progress. The only thing that matters in education is the outcomes. Everything else is negotiable.

Shifting from the Department of Education 

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared that “Virginia is Ready.” According to the Governor, the Commonwealth is set to take full ownership of K-12 education by rolling out a “high-expectations agenda.” 

I support President Trump and the Governor on their vision for state education. 

I appreciate those who contact my office and hope you will continue to reach out when we can be of assistance.  The best way to contact me is via email at DelTWright@house.virginia.gov or by calling 434.696.3061. You can also send mail to PO Box 1323, Victoria, Virginia 23974. Follow me on Facebook: Delegate Tommy Wright.