WASHINGTON D.C. — Governor Brad Little was in Washington, D.C., to witness President Donald Trump sign the order to eliminate the Department of Education.
He also posted a video on Facebook expressing his support for the decision, after he says he just left the White House.
In the video, Governor Little says, "This puts the education back where it should be, where it's defined in the Idaho constitution as the responsibility of the state. I know that Idahoans, parents, and students all appreciate President Trump believes as we do. We can best decide what's best for our children in Idaho."
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The Idaho Democratic Party responded Friday in a statement saying:
"Brad Little cares more about clinging to power than fighting for Idaho schools. He already pushed voucher schemes that siphon public dollars from classrooms. Now he’s in Washington, applauding as Donald Trump and the corrupt billionaire he put in charge of education tear it all down. Lunch programs. College aid. Special education. Student debt relief. Vocational training. School safety. Funding for low-income and rural schools. Gone. And don’t count on Idaho to step up. Under total Republican control, our schools rank dead last in funding. Teachers are overworked and underpaid. Class sizes are exploding. Rural schools are barely hanging on. We should be investing in kids instead of billionaires. If you’re a public school student, a parent of a child with special needs, or a family trying to build a better future, Little has made it clear whose side he’s on. And it’s not yours."
— Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea
President Donald Trump signed the executive order Thursday aimed at beginning the elimination of the Department of Education, claiming it is costly and ineffective.
Trump emphasized that returning control of education to states will empower local parents and teachers, allowing them to make decisions without federal interference. He also announced plans to cut the department’s workforce by 50%, with around 2,000 employees having already left this year.
