On Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey expressed her full support for President Donald Trump's initiative to significantly reduce the size of the federal government, specifically advocating for the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education. During her remarks, she stated, “I’m all for shrinking government where we can.”
Ivey emphasized the importance of state-level education governance, noting, “Truth be known, every state has an education department. I know we’ve got a good one and a state board of education and local boards that can handle education very well.” Her comments were made following a speech to the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday morning, where she addressed various issues affecting the state.
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced plans to lay off over 1,300 of its more than 4,000 employees, leading Alabama education officials to prepare for potential disruptions that could arise from the federal agency’s shutdown. This announcement has raised concerns among state leaders regarding the implications for public colleges and universities in Alabama, which heavily rely on federal funding.
In fiscal year 2023, approximately a quarter of the revenue for Alabama’s public colleges and universities, totaling about $1.98 billion, was sourced from government grants and contracts. Furthermore, Alabama’s K-12 schools received around $615 million in federal funding, which accounted for about 9% of the total $6.7 billion allocated for fiscal year 2024.
Despite concerns regarding the potential closure of the U.S. Department of Education, Alabama officials remain optimistic. They have stated that they do not anticipate a complete halt to federal funding, which is crucial for local schools. State Superintendent Eric Mackey commented, “Our schools depend on these funds, and as long as the funds continue to be made available for our schools, less federal regulation and burdensome paperwork we would welcome.”
In summary, Governor Kay Ivey's endorsement of President Trump's efforts to downsize the federal government, particularly the Department of Education, aligns with her belief in state autonomy over educational governance. As Alabama navigates potential changes in federal funding, state officials are focused on ensuring that local educational institutions continue to receive necessary financial support.
