In response to reports the Trump administration is preparing an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea released the following statement:

“Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies are coming for our schools. This is a blatant attempt to gut education and steal opportunity from our kids. In Idaho, federal resources keep rural schools open, support special education, and ensure low-income students get a fair shot. Trump’s plan would strip away civil rights protections for students with disabilities, making it harder for them to access the support they need through individualized learning plans. These destructive changes would pile even more costs onto neighborhood schools as Republicans in the Statehouse fail to address the existing funding shortfalls. Debbie Critchfield and Brad Little know the harm this will bring but are too scared to stand up to Trump. We’re not. Idaho Democrats will fight to protect our kids, our schools, and our futures.”