(NewsNation) — Democratic Gov. Matt Meyer of Delaware says the country needs more investment in education, not cuts.
“Like a lot of things, we’re just hoping we stop cutting the bulls— instead of cutting education,” Meyer said on “NewsNation Now.”
President Donald Trump has said federal funding from the Department of Education will go directly to the states to run their own education. Meyer said this has left state officials confused and wondering if the funds from the department will actually go toward the states like they were promised.
“In Delaware, we rely on $377 million in federal assistance to help students in need,” Meyer said. “They’re telling us the money isn’t going away, so we’re trying to figure out what this means.”
Trump signed an executive order Thursday that calls to dismantle the Department of Education.
Since Congress created the department, it would still need to authorize its elimination.
Trump has argued in the past that shutting down the Education Department and putting the states in charge would improve the global ranking of U.S. school systems.
The Trump administration says it will take “all lawful steps” to shut it down but that Trump wants the department gone “as quickly as possible.”
Education cuts will empower states: Landry
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, said he believes Trump’s order will help states fund their schools, empowering states to facilitate education more directly. Landry said Trump will keep his word on giving money from the Education Department to individual states.
“America works best when states are acting independently,” Landry said on “The Hill on NewsNation.” “We want that money unfettered and put it in the classroom where it belongs.”
Landry said Trump is listening to the American people and going across party lines with giving education back to the states.
“We know that America is failing our kids and our education system is dismal when compared to other countries,” Landry said. “Give us an opportunity.”