Greenwich politicians face-off about cuts to education
- Guy
- Apr 1
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Connecticut Democrats including Greenwich resident, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, criticized the Trump administration's plans to close the U.S. Department of Education. They argue that the move, led by Linda McMahon, founder of WWE wrestling, also from Greenwich, is irresponsible. They say it will disproportionately impact early childhood education, special support programs, and food programs.
McMahon notified 22 Connecticut school districts (Greenwich was not one of them) this week (story here) that the remaining federal pandemic relief funds would expire immediately. This amounted to approximately $12 million in funds out of more than one billion in pandemic grants awarded to CT. She said that "extending deadlines for COVID related grants, years after the pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department's priorities." She re-confirmed that they will continue to support K-12 students with special needs, college student borrowers and others who rely on essential programs.
Nevertheless, Democrats are calling for regional and nationwide protests urging people to oppose the federal reforms.
Between the Lines: None of those opposed to the reforms addressed Connecticut's failing education system, including the student who graduated from Hartford High who couldn't read or the chronic 30% absenteeism at Bridgeport schools.
