Congresswoman Angie Craig Demands Trump Administration Reverse Decision to Decimate Office of Special Education

Strategic Insights -

Rep. Angie Craig and 116 of her House colleagues have condemned the Trump Administration's decision to execute mass layoffs in the Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). The decision, made in October, threatens the rights of over 7.5 million students with disabilities across the country. Rep. Craig, a strong advocate for special education programs in Minnesota, has consistently led legislation to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The congresswoman has introduced several bills to support students with disabilities, including the Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act and the IDEA Full Funding Act.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Angie Craig and 116 House colleagues condemned the Trump Administration's decision to execute mass layoffs in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).
  • The decision threatens the rights of over 7.5 million students with disabilities across the country and will have a devastating impact on their families.
  • Rep. Craig has consistently led legislation to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) since she came to Congress.
  • Rep. Craig introduced the Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act to help schools recruit, train, and retain paraeducators and special education teachers.
  • The congresswoman introduced the bipartisan IDEA Full Funding Act to ensure Congress fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
  • Rep. Craig is also a cosponsor of the Protecting Students with Disabilities Act, which would prohibit the use of appropriated funds to eliminate or restructure any office with the Department of Education that administers or enforces programs under the IDEA.
  • Rep. Craig brought together special educators, paraprofessionals, and parents from Minnesota's Congressional District to form her inaugural Special Education Advisory Council.

Statistics:

  • Over 7.5 million students with disabilities across the country will be affected by the Trump Administration's decision to decimate the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).
  • 116 House members, led by Rep. Angie Craig, condemned the decision to execute mass layoffs in the OSERS.
  • Rep. Craig has introduced several bills to support students with disabilities, including the Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act and the IDEA Full Funding Act.
  • The Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act aims to establish a grant program to fund pipeline and credentialing programs for paraeducators and special education teachers.
  • The IDEA Full Funding Act would ensure that Congress fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Sources:

  • Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minnesota, news release, "Rep. Craig Demands Trump Administration Reverse Decision to Decimate Office of Special Education, Rescind Illegal Layoff Notices," October 20.
  • Report by Rep. Lucy McBath, "FB7847DE404DE1991436AFE41F91FB8EF592E1A3F283E979DF59890E0C161CD9.mcbath---congressional-letter-to-ed-omb-opposing-disability-special-education-rifs.pdf."