New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recently raised concerns about President Trump’s potential plans to abolish the Department of Education (DOE). They warned that this move could lead to significant increases in property taxes across New York.
The two Democrats held a press conference to discuss public education issues just days after Democratic lawmakers were denied entry to the DOE building. They expressed worry about reports suggesting that Trump might use an executive order to dismantle the department and later pursue legislation to eliminate it entirely.
Hochul pointed out that cutting federal education funding would have serious financial repercussions for New Yorkers. The state currently receives about $5.5 billion from the DOE each year, with $3.2 billion going to the state budget and $2.3 billion allocated to local governments. Losing this funding could force localities to raise taxes to cover their education needs.
“If that money vanishes, localities will have to find other ways to fund education. That often means higher taxes for homeowners and businesses,” Hochul warned. “For many outside the city, school taxes are a big part of property tax bills. People need to understand the impact of these changes.”
Trump has been vocal about wanting to shrink the federal government, including the DOE. During a rally in Wisconsin, he mentioned he was “dying” to eliminate the department, claiming it abuses taxpayer dollars while indoctrinating students with unwanted ideas.
Eliminating the DOE would end crucial programs such as free lunches for low-income students and Pell Grants, which support about 7 million college students every year. Some of these programs might be transferred to other agencies, but many could be lost entirely.
As the situation develops, Hochul called for more accountability from Republican lawmakers in New York. “Where are you? Your constituents will be hit hard by these changes, especially the children. If you can’t advocate for them, maybe it’s time to reconsider your position,” she said.
The DOE was founded by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to promote fairness and equality in education. Its creation split the former Department of Health, Education, and Welfare into two separate entities. The future of the DOE remains uncertain, with no clear plans for reunification or dissolution.
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