1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

I write as your constituent to express strong support for the Department of Education and urge you to protect its funding, authority, and mission. The Department of Education's Effectiveness: The Department sets national standards that ensure quality education regardless of location. This oversight has improved outcomes nationwide, with high school graduation rates rising from 80% in 2011-12 to 87% in 2021-22, particularly among historically underserved students. Through Title I funding, the Department supports nearly half of all U.S. schools serving 26 million students in low-income communities, resulting in measurable improvements in math and reading proficiency. IDEA grants ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate services, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity. The Department's research capabilities, especially through the National Center for Education Statistics, provide essential data that informs evidence-based policies and practices, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer dollars on programs that work. Why Federal Oversight Matters: Education is our strongest tool for economic mobility. Federal oversight ensures that educational opportunity isn't determined by geography or socioeconomic status, helping break cycles of poverty. In our global economy, coordinated educational standards are essential for national competitiveness. Without federal coordination, we risk creating educational disparities that hinder workforce mobility and economic growth. The Department's Office for Civil Rights plays an irreplaceable role in protecting students from discrimination and ensuring equal educational opportunity – a fundamental responsibility in a just society. Risks of Dismantling: Proposals to eliminate the Department would likely increase educational disparities between states, reduce accountability, and diminish educational quality for vulnerable students. While specific policies can be debated, the Department's core functions represent essential investments that yield substantial returns in economic growth, social mobility, and national competitiveness. I urge you to support its mission and resist efforts to diminish its role.