How Trump’s Executive Order Could Reshape America’s Schools: Andrew Handel on Rod & Greg
We’re really looking forward to working with our member lawmakers to help make education freedom a reality for families around the country.
In a significant policy move, the Trump administration has announced plans to dismantle the Department of Education, shifting responsibilities to the states.
ALEC Education & Workforce Development Task Force Director Andrew Handel appeared on The Rod & Greg Show on TalkRadio 105.9 KNRS to discuss the new Executive Order’s benefits.
“The states have been clamoring for this for decades, since the department was first created in 1979,” Handel said. “The states are ready, willing, and excited.”
President Trump’s plan, as explained by Handel, focuses on redirecting funds rather than reducing them.
“The amount of money going to the states is not going to change,” he noted. “Programs like Pell Grants, Title I funding, and special education funding are all core essential services that are not going anywhere.”
The administration aims to find efficiencies within the Department of Education, reallocating funds from administrative expenses to classroom resources.
“If you have a program spending $50 million on administrative expenses, reducing that to $10 million could free up $40 million for students,” Handel explained.
State educators often express frustration over federal funding requirements. “There are so many strings attached as to how we use the money and the programs we can implement,” Handel acknowledged. He argued that states should have the flexibility to tailor education policies to meet local needs. “What’s best for Utah might not be what’s best for Florida,” he said.
While legal challenges could arise, Handel remained optimistic about the policy’s longevity.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if there was a lawsuit, but the executive order clearly directs the Secretary of Education to act within her legal authority,” he said. “This is something voters want to see.”
“The administration will move as rapidly as they can,” Handel predicted. However, the ultimate decision rests with Congress.
“Senator Cassidy from Louisiana has already said he’ll introduce a bill to wind the department down,” Handel noted. “How quickly it moves through Congress will determine the timeline.”
As the Trump administration pursues this initiative, states will likely play a larger role in shaping education policy. Handel expressed confidence in the states’ ability to meet the challenge.
“We’re really looking forward to working with our member lawmakers to help make education freedom a reality for families around the country,” he concluded.