2025 House Resolution 55

Whereas, The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution clearly states that powers that are not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or the people. Education is not enumerated as a responsibility of the federal government; and

Whereas, The creation of the United States Department of Education in 1980 has contributed to significant federal overreach into education through burdensome regulations and one-size-fits-all standards; and

Whereas, Despite 276 billion dollars in one-time spending for COVID-19 recovery efforts, and the Department of Education spending 268 billion dollars in the 2024 fiscal year, gaps in meeting educational needs continue to cause our students to suffer; and

Whereas, Student reading scores have been on a decline since 2019. In 2024, it was found that about 40 percent of 4th grade students are working below a basic reading level based on national standards, which is the largest percentage since 2002. This same report found that about one third of 8th grade students failed to meet national reading benchmarks, which is the largest percentage ever; and

Whereas, States and local communities possess unique knowledge of their students’ educational needs and are best positioned to develop the curriculum and policies that reflect their values and priorities. With over 1.3 million students enrolled in Michigan K-12 public schools, we have a responsibility to make sure our students are being set up for success; and

Whereas, President Trump has publicly expressed a desire to eliminate the Department of Education, and to rightfully put the states back in full control of education; and

Whereas, The elimination of the Department of Education is not only consistent with the spirit of the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, but it could also help facilitate taxpayer dollars being spent more efficiently and help students achieve better outcomes; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we support the devolution of power from the United States Department of Education to the states, and we urge the United States Congress to fully cooperate with these efforts; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Secretary of the United States Department of Education, the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.