In Washington, a Kentucky congressman is making headlines with a bold proposal to abolish the U.S. Department of Education. This is not the first time Congressman Thomas Massie has introduced this idea. He’s done it multiple times, and his latest effort is through a bill called H.R. 899. If it passes, this bill would officially dissolve the department by December 31, 2026.
This isn’t a new idea; Massie’s bill has been up for consideration since 2017 and has made a return in every Congress since then, with the most recent attempts in 2019, 2021, and 2023. Some local leaders view this bill as more symbolic than practical. Kentucky State Senator Lindsey Tichenor spoke about it, saying, “It’s a statement piece of legislation. It gets people thinking about how we can reduce the Department of Education’s power.” She believes that while the bill might not pass, it sparks important conversations about education control.
Support for the bill has been growing, with 33 co-sponsors backing it as of 2023. Tichenor also shared her thoughts on what would happen if education funding were managed at the state level. She believes that local authorities could handle the distribution of funds more effectively and responsibly, suggesting that local control could lead to better spending.
The Kentucky Democratic Party has a different perspective. Executive Director Morgan Eaves criticized Massie’s proposal, claiming it would harm Kentucky’s students and educators. Eaves expressed concern about the impact on rural schools, which often rely on federal funding to operate. She highlighted that many public education systems are already struggling financially, pointing out a reported $40 million shortfall in Kentucky’s education funding.
As the debate continues, the future of education funding and control remains uncertain, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
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