Protecting MI Students from U.S. Department of Education Cuts

Dear Friend,

Last week, President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Like many of you, I am worried about what this could mean for students in Michigan.

With nearly 10% of Michigan’s education budget coming from federal funding which goes directly to low-income schools, special education, and other critical, on-campus resources, Michigan public schools could lose a significant amount of funding and tools that students need to learn. These cuts could reduce transparency, take resources out of the classroom, and put grants that make college more affordable at risk.

Last month, I asked you and other Michiganders to share how cutting the U.S. Department of Education would impact you and your family. I received over 1,400 responses. Over three-quarters, 82%, of those who wrote in were concerned parents and grandparents worried about how these cuts would hurt their kids or grandkids.

As a mom, I know that every parent wants their child to learn and grow as much as possible in school so they can live healthy, successful lives. I hear your concerns, and I want you to know that I am committed to protecting Michigan’s students and young learners. We will take every action necessary to ensure Michigan schools get the funding and support they need to help students thrive.

Since I took office, we have made record, bipartisan investments to set every student up for success. We are feeding all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch at school, expanded on-campus mental health and school safety resources, offering more before- and after-school programming, and raised per-pupil funding by nearly 26% so every student has better textbooks and resources, from the library to the computer lab.

I will continue to monitor what’s happening in DC and do everything I can to support Michigan students and schools.  

See more results of the survey below.

Sincerely,

Dept. Of Education Survey Results

Which U.S. Department of Education programs have helped you or a loved one?

We asked you and other folks across Michigan to explain how they benefit from U.S. Department of Education programs and what it would mean if funding for them went away.

Over 800 Michiganders said they or their family have benefited from Pell Grants or federal student loans. Over 750 said a school provides their child special education or disability services. And over 500 said they benefit from special funding that helps low-income communities whose students need extra support.

Parents and educators fear that reduced special education funding will hinder access to vital services such as speech therapy, support for autistic students, and other accommodations, supporting our most vulnerable students. Without adequate resources, these students will fall behind, limiting future opportunities. Cuts to Title 1 funding and meal programs would make it harder for students to succeed in school, widening the achievement gap. And reduced before- and after-school programs will make things harder for working families.

For older students, Pell Grants and federal student loans have made higher education possible, putting them on paths to good-paying jobs. Cuts to these programs will make it harder for Michiganders to go to college or trade school, get ahead, and earn more.

Protecting Michigan Students

I hear your concerns.

Deep cuts to the U.S. Department of Education would hurt Michigan kids, put a strain on teachers and parents, and could make it even harder for many Michiganders to afford higher education.

That’s why we are doing everything we can to expand support for our students, schools, and teachers, not take it away.

The balanced 2026 budget I proposed continues to set our students up for success by:

✅ Investing $10,000 in every child and every school, ensuring students get the attention and resources they need to succeed.

✅ Expanding support for special education students—a 10% increase.

✅ Continuing to provide free breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students.

✅ Making the largest investment in career and technical education in Michigan history, so more students can get good-paying jobs right out of high school.

✅ Keeping students safe in school with continued investments in student mental health and upgrading school security.

✅ Fully phasing in the costs of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, providing a tuition-free pathway for full-time community college students, and two out of three full-time students at public or private 4-year universities, up to $27,500 toward a 4-year degree.

✅ Continuing funding for the MI Future Educator Fellowship and Student Teacher Stipends, providing a tuition-free route to becoming a teacher.

Investing in our kids early gives them a strong foundation for a lifetime of success. Everyone deserves the opportunity to get a high-quality education, secure a good-paying job, and ‘make it’ in Michigan.

Make Your Voice Heard

If you are concerned about the impact of the U.S. Department of Education being dismantled, it’s important to contact the White House, your U.S. Senator, and your U.S. Congressperson.

• White House Comments line – (202) 456-1111
• White House Switchboard – (202) 456-1414
• Senator Gary Peters – You may contact Senator Peters’ office by calling 313-226-6020 or by visiting his website at peters.senate.gov.
• Senator Elissa Slotkin – You may contact Senator Slotkin's office by calling 202-224-4822 or by visiting her website at slotkin.senate.gov.
• House of Representatives – You may contact your U.S. Representative by calling the U.S. House switchboard at 202-224-3121 or by visiting the U.S. House website at house.gov.

You may also contact my office and make your voice heard at Michigan.gov/Whitmer, call 517-335-7858, or click on the button below.