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Press Release

NEA President: Trump’s funding freeze hurts students, communities, and public schools

National Education Association President Becky Pringle released the following statement responding to the Trump Administration’s federal funding freeze:
Published: January 28, 2025

National Education Association President Becky Pringle released the following statement responding to the Trump Administration’s federal funding freeze:

“Parents and educators know America's students need more opportunities to succeed, and we need to invest in our public schools where 90% of students -- and 95% of students with disabilities -- learn.

“Creating chaos is not leadership. The unprecedented, illegal, and reckless decision by the Trump administration to freeze federal funding will hurt students, communities, and public schools - especially students in lower-income communities who benefit most from federal funding.

“This is a move straight from the extreme Project 2025 playbook and will have an immediate and devastating impact on millions. Students will lose access to learning opportunities if Head Start programs are shuttered. Parents will be cut off from childcare services they depend on so they can go to work and provide for their families. Students will go hungry if school meals are taken away. And the dream of higher education will be further out of reach as institutional aid for programs is affected. These are the real people impacted.

“Educators won’t be silent as anti-public education politicians hurt our students, our families, and our communities across America. Together with parents and allies, we will continue to organize, advocate, and mobilize for the public schools our students deserve – no matter their race, place, or background.”

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org


 

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Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.