1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you to Oppose and Vote NO on H.R. 899 that calls for a Congressional action to abolish the Department of Education. The proposed elimination of the Department of Education through H.R. 899 and the recently signed executive order is a flashing red light, tipping the hand of the Republican Congress to their overall plan of inequality and injustice for the public education system. This reckless and utterly un-democratic action threatens to dismantle crucial educational support systems and protections for students across the nation, in every state. As you know, the Department of Education plays a vital role in 1. Ensuring equal access to quality education 2. Providing federal funding for public schools 3. Safeguarding civil rights in education 4. Supporting students with disabilities 5. Administering federal student loan and workforce development programs. Dismantling this essential agency would have devastating consequences for millions of students, teachers, and families, benefiting only those seeking to privatize education at the expense of the most vulnerable. We must adamantly reject this attack on public education and stand firm in protecting the Department of Education's critical programs and services. The layoffs and mismanagement has already begun, we must not let this bill finish McMahon’s job of destruction, for which she was appointed. The Department of Education must be preserved to uphold every student's right to a quality, equitable education. I urge immediate vocal action to oppose H.R. 899, and to VOTE NO in committees and on the floor of the House. I also urge, you to oppose any attempts to cripple or eliminate this essential agency through executive overreach by teaming with legal groups and education unions and advocates to sue to block the layoffs in court. Thank you.