A resolution designating the week of February 24 through February 28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week".

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Bill ID: 119/sres/96
Last Updated: June 30, 2025

Sponsored by

Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]

ID: C001035

Follow the money

The bill

A resolution designating the week of February 24 through February 28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week".

SRES. 96, 119th Congress — read as touching Teachers Unions.

The sponsor

Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$73,600 raised

21 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

63% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Introduction" section, p. 356-358 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S1359; text: CR S1358)

February 24, 2025

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

📍 Current Status

Next: The full Senate will vote on whether to pass the bill.

Passed Senate

🏛️

House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the United States Senate. SRES 96: a resolution that's about as substantial as a participation trophy.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of this bill is to designate a week in February as "Public Schools Week." Wow, what a bold move. I'm sure the fate of public education hangs in the balance, and this resolution will single-handedly solve all the problems plaguing our schools. The objectives are clear: to make politicians look like they care about education without actually doing anything meaningful.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** There are no key provisions or changes to existing law. This is a non-binding resolution, which means it's nothing more than a feel-good statement with zero teeth. It's a press release masquerading as legislation. The Senate is essentially saying, "Hey, we love public schools! Let's give them a week!" without committing to any actual support or reform.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties are the politicians who sponsored this bill and their constituents, who will no doubt be impressed by this empty gesture. Teachers, students, and parents might get a warm fuzzy feeling from this resolution, but it won't put food on the table or improve the quality of education.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact is zero. Zilch. Nada. This resolution will not increase funding for public schools, reduce class sizes, or improve teacher training. It won't address the systemic issues plaguing our education system, such as inequality, lack of resources, and bureaucratic inefficiency. The only implication is that politicians will continue to pretend they care about education while doing nothing to actually fix it.

In medical terms, this bill is a classic case of " Legislative Lip Service Syndrome" (LLSS). Symptoms include empty rhetoric, meaningless gestures, and a complete lack of substance. Treatment involves a healthy dose of skepticism, a strong stomach for hypocrisy, and a willingness to call out politicians on their BS.

Diagnosis: SRES 96 is a terminal case of LLSS, and the prognosis is poor. The patient (public education) will continue to suffer from neglect and underfunding while politicians pat themselves on the back for doing nothing.

Related Topics

Education & Student AidFederal Budget & Appropriations
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$73,600
15 donors
PACs
$1,000
Organizations
$0
Committees
$0
Individuals
$72,600
1
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
1 transaction
$1,000

No organization contributions found

No committee contributions found

1
SILBEY, ALEXANDER
1 transaction
$6,600
2
ARNOLD, LAURA
1 transaction
$6,600
3
READ, KURT
2 transactions
$6,600
4
COATES, CHRIS
2 transactions
$6,600
5
CROTTY, THOMAS
2 transactions
$6,600
6
YOUNGMAN, ANDREW
2 transactions
$6,600
7
BUFFALOE, STEPHANIE
2 transactions
$6,600
8
EGGE, LESLIE
2 transactions
$6,600
9
CASSITY, BRENDON
1 transaction
$3,300
10
TURKISH, JASON
1 transaction
$3,300
11
GIORDANO JR, THOMAS J
1 transaction
$3,300
12
BEST, THILO
1 transaction
$3,300
13
ARNOLD, JOHN
1 transaction
$3,300
14
CHISHOLM, ROBERT
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]

ID: R000122

Top Contributors

10

1
KHAMIEES, MOHAMMAD D.
SELF-EMPLOYEDPHYSICIAN
IndividualCUMBERLAND, RI
$3,300
May 7, 2023
2
MEZZALINGUA, JOHN
JMA WIRELESSCEO
IndividualSKANEATELES, NY
$3,300
Apr 8, 2024
3
MEZZALINGUA, JOHN
JMA WIRELESSCEO
IndividualSKANEATELES, NY
$3,300
Apr 8, 2024
4
MEZZALINGUA, KIM
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualSKANEATELES, NY
$3,300
Apr 8, 2024
5
MEZZALINGUA, KIM
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualSKANEATELES, NY
$3,300
Apr 8, 2024
6
GRANIERI, ROBERT A.
JANE STREET CAPITALMANAGER
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
7
GRANIERI, ROBERT A.
JANE STREET CAPITALMANAGER
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
8
BOYCE, KATHARINE
KRBR CONSULTINGPRESIDENT
IndividualALEXANDRIA, VA
$2,900
Mar 28, 2023
9
SLOANE, CANDACE LAPIDUS
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualNEEDHAM, MA
$2,900
Mar 22, 2024
10
BONDERMAN, DAVID
TEXAS PACIFIC GROUPFOUNDER
IndividualFORT WORTH, TX
$2,500
Feb 27, 2023

Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

ID: K000384

Top Contributors

10

1
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$2,300
Jun 18, 2024
2
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$1,000
Jun 26, 2023
3
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$1,000
Jun 18, 2024
4
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Jun 25, 2024
5
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$1,000
Jun 18, 2024
6
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
OrganizationDURANT, OK
$1,000
Oct 15, 2024
7
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$1,000
Dec 29, 2023
8
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$600
Oct 25, 2023
9
STONEHALL FARM
OrganizationTHE PLAINS, VA
$500
Jun 30, 2024
10
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$400
Oct 25, 2023

Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]

ID: H001042

Top Contributors

10

1
TUNICA-BILOXI TRIBE OF LA
OrganizationMARKSVILLE, LA
$3,300
Jun 15, 2023
2
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$2,500
Dec 30, 2023
3
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$2,500
Nov 1, 2023
4
MS BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
OrganizationCHOCTAW, MS
$2,000
Jul 7, 2023
5
TUNICA-BILOXI TRIBE OF LA
OrganizationMARKSVILLE, LA
$1,700
Jun 15, 2023
6
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$1,000
May 23, 2024
7
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$800
Nov 1, 2023
8
TONIO BURGOS & ASSOCIATES OF NEW JERSEY, LLC
OrganizationNEW YORK, NY
$500
May 18, 2023
9
CHUAN, JOHANNA
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualHONOLULU, HI
$3,400
Jun 9, 2024
10
MINATOISHI, LORRAINE REIKO
AEPACPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER
IndividualHONOLULU, HI
$3,300
Oct 21, 2024

Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]

ID: K000383

Top Contributors

10

1
2120 SEA ISLAND LLC
OrganizationRIVER FOREST, IL
$3,300
Oct 26, 2023
2
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$3,300
May 22, 2024
3
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$2,000
Mar 29, 2024
4
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$1,300
May 22, 2024
5
SMITH, BRAD
MICROSOFT CORPORATIONATTORNEY
IndividualBELLEVUE, WA
$6,600
Feb 13, 2024
6
SMITH, BRAD
IndividualBELLEVUE, WA
$6,600
Feb 20, 2024
7
DOWNEY, NANCY A.
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Sep 4, 2024
8
DOWNEY, NANCY A.
NOT EMPLOYEDRETIRED
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Aug 31, 2024
9
OTTEN, LESLIE B.
AMERICAN SKIING COMPANYOWNER
IndividualBETHEL, ME
$5,000
Oct 4, 2024
10
BEKENSTEIN, ANITA
NOT EMPLOYEDRETIRED
IndividualWAYLAND, MA
$3,300
Oct 24, 2024

Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]

ID: B001277

Top Contributors

10

1
OLSON, LYNDON
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualWACO, TX
$3,300
Dec 20, 2024
2
ALIX, JAY
ALIX PARTNERSFOUNDER
IndividualBIRMINGHAM, MI
$3,300
Oct 2, 2023
3
KIM, CHRISTINE M.
BBB LLCATTORNEY
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 31, 2023
4
ALIX, JAY
ALIX PARTNERSFOUNDER
IndividualBIRMINGHAM, MI
$3,300
Apr 15, 2024
5
ROURE, RITA
PAGNY - LINCOLN HOSPITALPHYSICIAN
IndividualGREENWICH, CT
$3,300
Apr 10, 2024
6
ROURE, RITA
PAGNY - LINCOLN HOSPITALPHYSICIAN
IndividualGREENWICH, CT
$3,300
Apr 10, 2024
7
CHAVEZ, TOM
KRUX INC.CEO
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Jul 13, 2024
8
CHAVEZ, TOM
KRUX INC.CEO
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Jul 13, 2024
9
JONES, JERRY C.
LIVERAMP INC.EXECUTIVE
IndividualLITTLE ROCK, AR
$3,300
Sep 19, 2024
10
NESSEL, ARIEL
NESSEL DEVELOPMENTOWNER
IndividualROSS, CA
$3,300
Jul 12, 2024

Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

ID: D000563

Top Contributors

10

1
MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
OrganizationMIAMI, OK
$1,700
Mar 29, 2024
2
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
May 17, 2024
3
MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
OrganizationMIAMI, OK
$800
Mar 29, 2024
4
KUJAWSKI, JOHN
SELF-EMPLOYEDATTORNEY
IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO
$5,000
May 28, 2024
5
KUJAWSKI, JOHN
IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO
$5,000
Jun 4, 2024
6
KUJAWSKI, JOHN
SELF-EMPLOYEDATTORNEY
IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO
$3,600
May 29, 2024
7
KUJAWSKI, JOHN
IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO
$3,600
Jun 4, 2024
8
BARKER, MARA MILLS
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,300
Dec 26, 2024
9
BARKER, MARA MILLS
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,300
Dec 26, 2024
10
CHOWDHURY, SHUVRO
BOWERY ENGINEENGINEER
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024

Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

ID: V000128

Top Contributors

10

1
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Jun 3, 2023
2
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Apr 25, 2024
3
BROE, PATRICK
FOUNDERBROE GROUP
IndividualDENVER, CO
$5,000
Sep 17, 2024
4
BROE, PAULA
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualDENVER, CO
$5,000
Sep 17, 2024
5
FUSTOK, OMAR
SELF EMPLOYEDHEALTHCARE
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$3,300
Dec 6, 2024
6
HUSAIN, NOMAAN K.
HUSAIN LAWATTORNEY
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$3,300
Dec 5, 2024
7
HUSAIN, NOMAAN K.
HUSAIN LAWATTORNEY
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$3,300
Dec 5, 2024
8
JAVED, MOHAMMAD SHAHID
TRUE INSURANCE SOLUTIONSREAL ESTATE
IndividualBEAUMONT, TX
$3,300
Dec 4, 2024
9
JAVED, MOHAMMAD SHAHID
TRUE INSURANCE SOLUTIONSREAL ESTATE
IndividualBEAUMONT, TX
$3,300
Dec 4, 2024
10
JAVED, MUHAMMAD TAHIR
RICELAND HEALTHCARECEO
IndividualBEAUMONT, TX
$3,300
Dec 4, 2024

Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]

ID: S001181

Top Contributors

10

1
TILT LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE LLC
OrganizationPLYMOUTH, MI
$250
Feb 6, 2024
2
HAWASH, NOUR
BLINK TECH INC.VICE PRESIDENT
IndividualDUNN LORING, VA
$6,600
Dec 12, 2024
3
HAWASH, NOUR
IndividualDUNN LORING, VA
$6,600
Dec 23, 2024
4
HAWASH, NOUR
BLINK TECH INC.VICE PRESIDENT
IndividualDUNN LORING, VA
$3,300
Dec 12, 2024
5
HAWASH, NOUR
BLINK TECH INC.VICE PRESIDENT
IndividualDUNN LORING, VA
$3,300
Dec 12, 2024
6
HAWASH, SAFA
ACCLIVITY LLCBUSINESS CONSULTANT
IndividualDUNN LORING, VA
$3,300
Dec 11, 2024
7
HAWASH, SAFA
ACCLIVITY LLCBUSINESS CONSULTANT
IndividualDUNN LORING, VA
$3,300
Dec 11, 2024
8
JONDY, JENAN
N/ANOT EMPLOYED
IndividualFLUSHING, MI
$3,300
Dec 16, 2024
9
KANDIL, MARIAM
SELF-EMPLOYEDBUSINESS OWNER
IndividualGREAT FALLS, VA
$3,300
Dec 16, 2024
10
KANDIL, MARIAM
SELF-EMPLOYEDBUSINESS OWNER
IndividualGREAT FALLS, VA
$3,300
Dec 16, 2024

Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]

ID: H001076

Top Contributors

10

1
WOODS, ANDREW L.
LIBERTY PARTNERS GROUPATTORNEY
IndividualFORT MYERS, FL
$4,300
Jun 29, 2023
2
WOODS, ANDREW L.
IndividualFORT MYERS, FL
$3,900
Jul 12, 2023
3
BEKENSTEIN, ANITA
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualWAYLAND, MA
$3,300
Oct 4, 2023
4
BEKENSTEIN, JOSH
NOT EMPLOYEDRETIRED
IndividualWAYLAND, MA
$3,300
Oct 4, 2023
5
HUNTER, DANIEL
SELF-EMPLOYEDPLAYWRIGHT & TEACHER
IndividualCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Dec 6, 2023
6
KLARMAN, SETH
THE BAUPOST GROUPCEO
IndividualBOSTON, MA
$3,300
Dec 18, 2023
7
SCHWARTZ, GABRIEL
DAVIDSON KEMPNERINVESTMENT MANAGER
IndividualBROOKLYN, NY
$3,300
Oct 16, 2023
8
SWINDELL, C. DAVID
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualBOSTON, MA
$3,300
Oct 10, 2023
9
KORN, WILLIAM T.
NSRARADIOLOGIST
IndividualWABAN, MA
$3,300
Mar 29, 2023
10
KORN, WILLIAM T.
NSRARADIOLOGIST
IndividualWABAN, MA
$3,300
Mar 29, 2023

Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

ID: B001288

Top Contributors

10

1
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$2,500
Dec 6, 2024
2
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Sep 13, 2023
3
ISEMAN, HENRY
PENTA MEDICAL RECYCLINGPRESIDENT
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$8,300
Apr 18, 2023
4
GELBWACHS, CHANA
BIG STILL LIQUORSPARTNER
IndividualLAKEWOOD, NJ
$6,600
Mar 26, 2024
5
LEIDER, YECHEZKEL
LEIDER ENTERPRISES INCDIRECTOR
IndividualLAKEWOOD, NJ
$6,600
Mar 26, 2024
6
GELBWACHS, CHANA
IndividualLAKEWOOD, NJ
$6,600
Mar 26, 2024
7
LEIDER, YECHEZKEL
IndividualLAKEWOOD, NJ
$6,600
Mar 29, 2024
8
WAGNER, KAREN E.
DAVIS POLK & WARDWELLATTORNEY
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Sep 13, 2023
9
WAGNER, KAREN E.
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Sep 26, 2023
10
ISEMAN, HENRY
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Apr 19, 2023

Donor Network - Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 52 nodes and 36 connections (53 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $114,600

Top Donors - Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]

Showing top 15 donors by contribution amount

1 PAC14 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 2 helped.

  • +Teachers Unionsconfidence 0.80

    The bill designates a week as 'Public Schools Week' and emphasizes the importance of public education, which could be seen as supportive of teachers unions and their efforts to promote public education (Whereas public education is a significant institution in a 21st-century democracy; Whereas Federal, State, and local lawmakers should prioritize support for strengthening the public schools of the United States).

  • +Labor Unionsconfidence 0.60

    The resolution's support for public schools and educators could be interpreted as broadly supportive of labor unions, given the role of unions in education (Whereas superintendents, principals, other school leaders, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents make public schools vital components of communities).

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.

Introduction

Moderate62.6%
Pages: 356-358

— 323 — Department of Education l Stopping executive overreach. Congress should set policy—not Presidents through pen-and-phone executive orders, and not agencies through regulations and guidance. National emergency declarations should expire absent express congressional authorization within 60 days after the date of the declaration. Bolstered by an ever-growing cabal of special interests that thrive off federal largesse, the infrastructure that supports America’s costly federal intervention in education from early childhood through graduate school has entrenched itself. But, unlike the public sector bureaucracies, public employee unions, and the higher education lobby, families and students do not need a Department of Education to learn, grow, and improve their lives. It is critical that the next Administration tackle this entrenched infrastructure. NEEDED REFORMS Federal intervention in education has failed to promote student achievement. After trillions spent since 1965 on the collective programs now housed within the walls of the department, student academic outcomes remain stagnant. On the main National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), reading out- comes on the 2022 administration have remained unchanged over the past 30 years. Declines in math performance are even more concerning than students’ lack of progress on reading outcomes. Fourth- and eighth-grade math scores saw the largest decline since the assessments were first administered in 1990. Average fourth-grade math scores declined five points, and average eighth-grade math scores declined eight points. Just one-third of eighth graders nationally are proficient in reading and math. Just 27 percent of eighth graders were pro- ficient in math in 2022, and just 31 percent of eighth graders scored proficient in reading in 2022. The NAEP Long-term Trend Assessment shows academic stagnation since the 1970s, with particular stagnation in the reading scores of 13-year-old students since 1971, when the assessment was first administered. Math scores, though modestly improved, are still lackluster. Additionally, the department has created a “shadow” department of education operating in states across the country. Federal mandates, programs, and proclama- tions have spurred a hiring spree among state education agencies, with more than 48,000 employees currently on staff in state agencies across the country. Those employees are more than 10 times the number of employees (4,400)10 at the federal Department of Education, and their jobs largely entail reporting back to Washing- ton. Research conducted by The Heritage Foundation’s Jonathan Butcher finds that the federal government funds 41 percent of the salary costs of state educa- tion agencies.11 — 324 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise CHART 1 Trends in Fourth- and Eighth-Grade Reading EIGHTH-GRADE READING, AVERAGE SCORES 270 265 263 260 260 255 1992 1994 1998 ’02’03 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2022 FOURTH-GRADE READING, AVERAGE SCORES 225 220 220 217 215 210 1992 1994 1998 2000 ’02’03 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2022 SOURCES: The Nation’s Report Card, “National Average Scores,” Grade 4, https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/ reading/nation/scores/?grade=4 (accessed March 17, 2023), and The Nation’s Report Card, “National Average Scores,” Grade 8, https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reading/nation/scores/?grade=4 (accessed March 17, 2023). A heritage.org

Introduction

Moderate62.6%
Pages: 356-358

— 323 — Department of Education l Stopping executive overreach. Congress should set policy—not Presidents through pen-and-phone executive orders, and not agencies through regulations and guidance. National emergency declarations should expire absent express congressional authorization within 60 days after the date of the declaration. Bolstered by an ever-growing cabal of special interests that thrive off federal largesse, the infrastructure that supports America’s costly federal intervention in education from early childhood through graduate school has entrenched itself. But, unlike the public sector bureaucracies, public employee unions, and the higher education lobby, families and students do not need a Department of Education to learn, grow, and improve their lives. It is critical that the next Administration tackle this entrenched infrastructure. NEEDED REFORMS Federal intervention in education has failed to promote student achievement. After trillions spent since 1965 on the collective programs now housed within the walls of the department, student academic outcomes remain stagnant. On the main National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), reading out- comes on the 2022 administration have remained unchanged over the past 30 years. Declines in math performance are even more concerning than students’ lack of progress on reading outcomes. Fourth- and eighth-grade math scores saw the largest decline since the assessments were first administered in 1990. Average fourth-grade math scores declined five points, and average eighth-grade math scores declined eight points. Just one-third of eighth graders nationally are proficient in reading and math. Just 27 percent of eighth graders were pro- ficient in math in 2022, and just 31 percent of eighth graders scored proficient in reading in 2022. The NAEP Long-term Trend Assessment shows academic stagnation since the 1970s, with particular stagnation in the reading scores of 13-year-old students since 1971, when the assessment was first administered. Math scores, though modestly improved, are still lackluster. Additionally, the department has created a “shadow” department of education operating in states across the country. Federal mandates, programs, and proclama- tions have spurred a hiring spree among state education agencies, with more than 48,000 employees currently on staff in state agencies across the country. Those employees are more than 10 times the number of employees (4,400)10 at the federal Department of Education, and their jobs largely entail reporting back to Washing- ton. Research conducted by The Heritage Foundation’s Jonathan Butcher finds that the federal government funds 41 percent of the salary costs of state educa- tion agencies.11

About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text. A score of 60% or higher indicates meaningful thematic overlap. This does not imply direct causation or intent, but highlights areas where legislation aligns with Project 2025 policy objectives.

Full Policy Text

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