Day of Action Demands No Federal Cuts to School Funding

 

March 4 is a Protect Our Kids Day of Action to defend public education, demanding that Congress say no to tax cuts for the ultra-rich and oppose slashing education funding

The New Haven Federation of Teachers will march from Gatheway Community College at 4:00 pm to the New Haven Green, joined by parents, caregivers, union members, students and neighbors to protect neighborhood schools and the services children and families depend on.

Connecticut Education Association (CEA) members across the state will wear red to support public schools and the need to restore and protect essential education funding.

Ongoing assaults on federal education funding threaten school districts facing budget cuts as they struggle to provide students the resources they need. At a CEA news conference at Manchester High School, teachers, parents, lawmakers, and community members shared powerful stories. Connecticut schools, stand to lose more than $321 million in federal granta that support low-income students, early childhood education, children with disabilities, and more.

“President Trump’s gutting of education spending will have devastating consequences for

Connecticut students, families, and teachers,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. “Slashing

this federal funding, much of which was already approved by Congress, will imperil crucial

programs that support students and keep kids on track. I will continue fighting these draconian

and short-sighted cuts so that every child in our state can continue to benefit from a top-notch

education.”

“These cuts are devastating for our students, their families, and our entire education system,”

said CEA President Kate Dias. “They disproportionately affect those who need the most help

and already face the greatest challenges—students in our poorest communities, those with the

greatest needs, and young learners entering the education system in Head Start programs.

Without these vital programs, we risk leaving behind a generation of students.”

Without federal funding, school districts will lose millions for critical services for students, and

will have to consider cutting essential programs, reducing staff, and limiting resourcs.

“ Now is the time to raise our voices, demand action from our leaders, and fight for the future our children deserve.” said Dias.