Rep. Cisneros Statement on Trump EO to Dismantle Department of Education

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order to begin the process to shutter the Department of Education: 

“Education presented me with an incredible opportunity, and my wife and I have worked hard to give kids that same opportunity through our foundation. Every child should receive the world class education they deserve, which is why President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education (ED) is especially cruel and short-sighted. Over four million students in California rely on ED for Title I funds, which help ensure children, regardless of their family income, can access an equitable and quality education. In California’s 31st District, our students have benefited from nearly $37 million in Title I funds and over $57 million in IDEA Grants, which support the needs of students with disabilities. Nationwide, ED has supported over 1.5 million preschool students, and it’s a fact that early childhood education programs help children succeed later in life. In addition, nearly one million undergraduates in California rely on ED for Pell Grants afford higher education. 

“President Trump and Secretary McMahon can try to claim otherwise, but I question if they seriously think that student loans, Pell Grants, and funding for students with disabilities and for English-learners won’t be in jeopardy because of their political vendetta against ED. While President Trump and Secretary McMahon stand with out-of-control billionaires, I stand with our teachers and students.” 

Rep. Cisneros co-founded the Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation, which invests in college access and affordability programs for students and veterans. 4,079,439 California students participate in ED Title I programs; Title I and IDEA funds by School District.

###