Congresswoman Luz Rivas Slams Trump Administration’s Executive Order to Dismantle Department of Education

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) released the following statement slamming President Trump’s Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education: 

“President Trump is gutting the support, opportunities, and resources that have helped make the American Dream possible for public school families across the country. As a proud public school student, I have personally seen and experienced how the Department’s support for programs have helped students across the San Fernando Valley expand their perspectives, reach their full potential, and give them a fair chance to pursue their dreams. 

“Instead of addressing the widening academic achievement gap, preventing school shootings, or making college more affordable – issues all families care about – the Trump Administration is choosing to steal from our children and their futures to give more tax breaks to billionaires. 

“The Republicans’ attacks on children means students and educators will receive less support, class sizes will get larger, and college will become less attainable for many. This is a reckless attack that will hurt every community across the country, but students with disabilities, low-income students, English as a Second Language (ESL) students, and girls who benefit from Title IX opportunities will be disproportionately harmed. 

“My House Democratic Caucus colleagues and I are supporting litigation to overturn this illegal order and fighting for legislation that gives our students a fair chance at pursuing their American Dream.” 

Background 

On February 7, Congresswoman Rivas, Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA-39), and nearly two dozen House Democrats went to the Department of Education to ask for a meeting with then-Acting Secretary Denise Carter about the Trump Administration’s plans to shutter the Department, but were locked out and met with resistance at the front door when trying to enter. 

In Fiscal Year 2024, California received: 

·         Over $1.57 billion in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding, which is a crucial source of federal support for special education; 

·         Over $2.23 billion in Title I funding. This funding provides assistance to school districts for children from low-income families; 

·         Over $4.68 billion in Pell Grants, which help students pay for a college education; and  

·         Over $142 million in Career and Technical Education Grants.  

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