Senator Hassan and Congresswoman Goodlander Discuss Importance of the Department of Education for Students & Impact of Trump Administration’s Attacks on Public Education

MANCHESTER – Yesterday morning, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander met with educators and school officials to hear about the support that the U.S. Department of Education provides for K-12 students and for students pursuing higher education. The conversation took place as President Trump issued an executive order to begin abolishing the U.S. Department of Education and has already cut important programs for students and schools. 

“This is a really challenging time for public education and the success of our students, who will be the next generation of citizens, workers, thinkers, inventors, and businesspeople,” said Senator Hassan. “Yesterday’s discussion provided an opportunity to make clear the harms that the Trump Administration is causing to real students and families. At a time when the federal government should be working to strengthen public education in America, the Trump Administration is instead determined to throw our schools into chaos and take away critical resources that help our children thrive.”

“Education is the lifeblood and ultimate safeguard of American democracy. Here in New Hampshire, we are lucky to have dedicated educators in our public schools. But they can’t do their jobs without the support they need,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “I was proud to join Senator Hassan in convening this important conversation with education leaders from pre-K through college to discuss the critical role federal programs play in our public schools. I will always stand up for public education and the people who make it possible.”

Senator Hassan has been speaking out about the devastating impact that closing the Department of Education will have on students across New Hampshire and the country. Additionally, last month, Senator Hassan introduced and urged consideration of a measure to overturn the President’s executive order to shut down the Department. Congresswoman Goodlander has been an outspoken advocate for protecting public education and is helping lead bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the IDEA Full Funding Act, that will ensure all children with disabilities can access high-quality public education.

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