Lansing Sun

The Michigan House has approved a resolution, led by State Representative Tim Kelly, calling for the closure of the U.S. Department of Education and a return of education authority to states, local communities, and parents.

Kelly’s House Resolution 55 was adopted Thursday, just hours before President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order instructing Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to begin steps toward closing the federal department. According to Kelly, requirements tied to federal funding hinder schools and educators from effectively teaching students.

“Michigan students should get a quality education that prepares them for lifelong success, but far too few kids are receiving the education they deserve,” Kelly said. “Throughout its 45-year history, the U.S. Department of Education has been part of the problem, not the solution — tying strings to critical education dollars, imposing a one-size-fits-all policy on millions of students across our country, and forcing teachers to ignore their students’ unique needs. And student performance is plummeting.

“Children in Saginaw or Saugatuck shouldn’t have their education dictated by bureaucrats sitting at desks in Washington, D.C., and big government at the federal level has only undermined students, parents, and teachers. President Trump is leading the way in returning resources and power back to states, communities, and families, and I strongly support his efforts. Congress should work with the president, abolish the federal Department of Education, and let schools get back to teaching students.”

Kelly stated that since its creation in 1979, the Department of Education has expanded federal involvement in education through regulations and uniform standards. The department's budget reached $268 billion in 2024; however, national student achievement levels remain low.

Recent data indicates that as of 2024 three-quarters of Michigan fourth graders are not proficient in reading skills while approximately four out of ten do not read at even a basic level. In math proficiency among fourth graders statewide stands at about four out of ten as well.

The Trump administration’s approach includes plans for continued distribution of funding and management of key programs through other federal agencies if the department closes. This would cover enforcement related to civil rights protections as well as educational supports for disabled students and Title I funding targeted at low-income schools.

“It’s time for Congress and President Trump to close the doors of the Department of Education because getting the federal government out of the way will allow states, communities, educators, and parents to unlock new doors so students can achieve their full potential,” Kelly said.