(NewsNation) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul slammed President Donald Trump’s plan to get rid of the federal Department of Education, warning constituents that they could be hit with higher taxes if he’s successful.
If Trump moves to dismantle the department, the money public schools across the country receive could be slashed.
Hochul, as well as New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, say even those without school-aged kids could be affected, as people will have to backfill the federal funding gaps in state and local taxes.
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For those outside New York City, “your largest part of your local property tax bill is your school taxes,” Hochul said.
“If that money evaporates from the federal government, where are they going to go?” she asked. “This is going to hit homeowners and businesses, and I want them to be aware of this consequence.”
Trump responded on Truth Social by calling New York “the most corrupt state in the union.”
“That is why so many businesses and people are fleeing,” Trump said.
He ended with, “Make New York Great Again!”
Dismantling DOE by the numbers
States already take care of about 90% of school costs through taxes — leaving 10% for the federal government to take care of.
Rural districts, such as Pocahontas County in West Virginia, don’t get a huge amount of federal funding — but the district’s treasurer and director of finance say even a small cut would put the district in the red. EdWeek reports that the 893-student district gets about $1.05 million a year from Congress out of an operating budget of $21 million.
However, Trump insists that state and local districts should be the primary source of funding, policy and operations for schools.
As states wait for what the president will do, sources tell NewsNation that Trump is not expected to make any moves until Linda McMahon, his pick for education secretary, is confirmed.
Congress would need to approve the abolishment of the Department of Education, which takes care of Title 1 as well as assistance for low-income students such as free lunches and Pell Grants, among other programs.
In addition, Education Department funds would need to be redistributed.
