Resolution Supporting Devolution of Power from the U.S. Department of Education to the States

Policy Status

  • Type: Model Resolution
  • Status: Final
  • Date Introduced: March 11, 2025
  • Date Finalized: March 17, 2025

Issues

  • Education

    • Task Forces

  • Education and Workforce Development

    • Summary

    Since it began operations in 1980, the U.S. Department of Education has sought to impose burdensome regulations and one-size-fits-all mandates on the states. Despite tens of billions of dollars in annual spending, and a quarter-trillion dollars in one-time spending related to COVID-19 recovery efforts, the Nation’s Report Card shows decades of stagnant student test scores. This resolution expresses support for President Trump’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education and return education authority to the states, where it rightfully and constitutionally belongs.
    Draft

    Resolution Supporting Devolution of Power from the U.S. Department of Education to the States

    WHEREAS, the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and education is not enumerated as a responsibility of the federal government;

    WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Education’s creation in 1980 has led to significant federal overreach in education through burdensome regulations and one-size-fits-all mandates;

    WHEREAS, despite an annual budget of $60 billion and another $276 billion in one-time spending for COVID-19 recovery efforts, 4th and 8th grade reading scores remain roughly unchanged since the early 1990s when national measurements first began;

    WHEREAS, states and local communities possess unique knowledge of their students’ educational needs and are best positioned to develop the curriculum and policies that reflect their values and priorities;

    WHEREAS, President Trump has publicly expressed a desire to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and rightfully put the states back in charge of education;

    WHEREAS, the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education is not only a constitutional necessity, but will also cause taxpayer dollars to be spent more efficiently and lead to better student outcomes.

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the legislature of [State] supports federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and urges the United States Congress to fully cooperate with these efforts.