Local Leaders Warn: Trump’s Budget Cuts Could Devastate New York’s Education System

State and local leaders are worried about cuts to the federal budget under the Trump administration, which may include slashing or even closing the Education Department.

On Sunday, Governor Kathy Hochul and other officials met in New York City to discuss the potential fallout. They warned that shutting down the Education Department could cause serious problems.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand pointed out that over 2.5 million K-12 students in New York could lose vital federal funding. This includes around half a million students with disabilities who rely on nearly $1 billion in annual support. Additionally, about 250,000 students learning English might miss out on $66 million each year.

Just last month, the Mount Vernon City School District’s acting superintendent shared that a state-appointed financial monitor will start reviewing the district’s situation. However, no timeline has been given for when this monitor will begin work. The district has struggled with financial issues and dropping enrollment for years. Recently, they announced the closure of multiple schools, including the Mount Vernon Leadership Academy and the Cecil H. Parker School.

Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of federal funding, noting that New York receives more than $5 billion each year for its schools. She warned that losing this money could lead to serious consequences. She stated, “If localities lose that funding, they will have to raise taxes.” Hochul expressed deep concern for vulnerable children with disabilities, stating they deserve the support of caring professionals.

Hochul also pointed out that funding for higher education, such as Pell Grants, would also be affected if these federal funds were cut. The ripple effects of these budget cuts could be profound, impacting education at all levels.

Check out this related article: Education Next: Your Go-To Journal for Insightful Opinions and Cutting-Edge Research on Education Policy Trends

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