1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you as a school social worker and a dedicated advocate for public education. I am deeply concerned by the proposed budget cuts to Medicaid and the ongoing discussions around abolishing the Department of Education, both of which would have disastrous effects on our nation’s most vulnerable children. As a professional working within schools, I see firsthand how essential services, including those provided through Medicaid, are vital to the health and well-being of students. These services support students with mental health needs, disabilities, and chronic conditions—many of whom are already facing barriers to success in the classroom. Cuts to Medicaid would undermine these critical services and disproportionately harm low-income and underserved students, deepening the inequities they already face. Furthermore, the notion of abolishing the Department of Education is both troubling and shortsighted. The Department of Education plays a key role in ensuring that all children—regardless of their background or zip code—have access to quality education. Without it, education would become a patchwork system, where the most disadvantaged students would continue to suffer. We cannot allow such a crucial agency to be dismantled. Our children deserve better. I am also deeply concerned about the growing push for voucher programs. These programs, often marketed as providing "choice," are in reality a form of welfare for the rich. They divert critical resources away from public schools, which serve the majority of our students, and funnel them into private institutions that are often inaccessible to low-income families. The result is a further entrenchment of inequality in our educational system, leaving the most vulnerable students without the support they need. As a social worker, I understand that the success of our students extends beyond academic performance. We must consider their emotional, social, and physical needs. The proposed budget cuts, along with the dismantling of essential services like Medicaid and the Department of Education, would make it harder for children to succeed—not just in school, but in life. I urge you to reconsider these harmful budget proposals and policies. Our children are our future, and we must prioritize their education and well-being by ensuring adequate funding for public education, supporting Medicaid, and maintaining the Department of Education. The future of our nation depends on the success of every child, and we cannot afford to fail them. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and hope to see your leadership in safeguarding the future of public education. Sincerely,