1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

A robust, nonpartisan system of local, state, and federal agencies is essential to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality learning opportunities and qualified and supported teachers, regardless of their zip code or economic status. I am profoundly concerned by recent federal efforts to dismantle public education, as should you. Public education has long been a cornerstone of American society, a pillar of democracy, and a primary vehicle for opportunity. Systematic collection of national data and research provides crucial insights that inform evidence-based decisions by states and communities, ultimately strengthening our capacity to serve students effectively. State and local education institutions cannot independently compete with global education systems—this is precisely why federal coordination and support through the U.S. Department of Education remains vital. As my representative, I implore you to commit to advocating for policies and resources that will enhance education outcomes for all students while preserving the mission of our public education systems, which is fundamental to cultivating an informed citizenry and the skilled workforce that is essential to maintaining and increasing America's leadership in an increasingly knowledge-based global economy.