Contact Congress today to address proposed cuts to critical education programs.
The Department of Education (DOE) faces a 50% staff reduction and potential dissolution under the new administration. Recent budget cuts in a continuing resolution have already reduced K-12 innovation and improvement funding by $88 million, with proposals for future cuts in a reconciliation bill – up to $330 billion - over the next decade for education programs (additional clarifications on cuts are available from ELCA Schools & Learning Centers). Critical offices including Civil Rights, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student loans, and data collection have been severely impacted. “Because children are God’s gifts to society and the Church as well as to parents, society through government also has responsibility and authority to provide for young people’s education,” says the ELCA social statement Our Calling in Education. Also, “All people share the need and responsibility to be educated in civil righteousness and the matters of earthly life,” which affirms our human dignity and contributes to community well-being. Our ELCA social teaching emphasizes that quality education must be accessible to all people regardless of socioeconomic status.
Additionally, consider learning more about our theological grounding on education with the newly published resource, “Vocation as a Balancing Act,” affirming Lutheran values in higher education. The publication is the Spring 2025 issue of Intersections, a publication by the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU).
During this Lenten Action Series reflecting on national budget priorities, contact your member of Congress to oppose these harmful cuts and advocate for robust educational support for all communities. Send a customized letter with your local experiences and convictions.
Thank you for adding your voice!
[Posted: 4/2/2025]
