HARTFORD – Connecticut Senate President Martin Looney joined Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff in issuing the following statement Thursday in response to an executive order from President Donald Trump calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.
“We’re outraged and appalled to see confirmation that the education of American children has become the latest sacrifice in service of the Trump administration’s pursuit of tax breaks for the world’s richest men. This reckless order puts nearly $400 million for Connecticut schools in jeopardy, including funding for school meals and special education,” Senators Looney and Duff said. “For weeks, we’ve witnessed a deliberate effort to hollow out the core of this nation’s institutions to facilitate more favorable conditions for the fabulously wealthy elite. As the Trump administration writes off the future of Connecticut kids as collateral damage, Connecticut Republicans stand idly by.”
Connecticut relies on the federal Department of Education for a variety of functions including:
-More than $394.5 million in funding, accounting for more than 10% of the state’s total revenue for education in 2024.
-Support of free and reduced-price meals for students.
-Funding for schools in lower income communities.
-Extensive guidance for school districts on issues ranging from special education to discrimination.
-Important programs intended to increase the number of teachers from underrepresented communities.
-Mechanisms for processing civil rights or disability-based discrimination.
-Management of vital student aid programs including Pell Grants.
-Support for public service loan forgiveness programs, which helps retain teachers in public schools.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193
Share this page: