FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
Executive order will dismantle the Department of Education and jeopardize public education for Wisconsin kids
Trump moves forward with education cuts to clear the way for major tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations
MADISON, Wis. – This afternoon President Trump signed a new executive order, pushing forward a dangerous plan to further dismantle the Department of Education. This move could threaten funding for Wisconsin public schools, job training programs, and especially target educational opportunities for students with special needs.
“President Trump and Republicans in Congress are once again desperately searching for programs they can cut in order to fund more tax breaks for the ultra-rich and big corporations. It’s shameful that they’re willing to jeopardize access to high-quality public education for Wisconsin kids in order to pay for more handouts to those at the very top,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Republicans in Congress, including Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, need to speak out against this announcement and work with their colleagues to protect resources for Wisconsin public schools.”
Last week in response to the Trump administration’s announcement that it was cutting the Department of Education staff in half, Wisconsin parents and educators were quick to speak 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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