FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
Educators and parents speak out on Department of Education firings and Trump’s push to close the department entirely
Trump moves forward with education cuts to clear the way for major tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations
MADISON, Wis. – Yesterday the Trump administration announced massive staff cuts to the U.S. Department of Education in a continued push to close the department entirely. These cuts threaten support for public schools, job training programs, and educational opportunities here in Wisconsin.
While Trump and Republicans in Congress are threatening public schools, they continue to push for massive tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations. This announcement, along with recent attempts to cut Medicaid and other successful programs, is part of an all-out push from Republicans to funnel money to those at the top while working families pay the price.
“Kids across Wisconsin depend on public schools and programs supported by the Department of Education. These cuts will make it tougher for students to succeed and put even more pressure on parents across Wisconsin, all to funnel trillions in new tax breaks to those at the top,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Republicans in Congress, including Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, need to stand up to this move and protect resources for Wisconsin public schools.”
In response to Trump’s announcement, Wisconsin parents and educators are speaking out:
“Gutting federal support for public schools, all to pay for more tax breaks for those who are already well off, is just wrong. We should be supporting our public schools and working to ensure that everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable, have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education in their community.” - Teddy Sullivan, teaching student from Spring Valley, Wisconsin
“As a former Head Start teacher, I’ve had the privilege to see so many students succeed thanks to a quality public education. Every kid in Wisconsin deserves that same chance to learn, grow, and thrive. Gutting the Department of Education will hurt our schools and threaten our economic success. Congress needs to stand up to President Trump and ensure Wisconsin students have the support they need.” - Gwen Firmin, a former teacher from Kenosha
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