First Look: Trump’s Leaked Education Budget Proves Problematic For Essential Programs

A glimpse of the Trump administration’s 2018 education budget proposal illustrates drastic changes to the federal education system. 

In documents obtained by The Washington Post, The Department of Education could experience more than a $9 billion cut. The proposal, which must be sent to Congress for approval, depicts a collection of the 45th president’s priorities alongside Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Although the final proposal isn’t expected to be released until next week, representatives from the Department of Education have shared “near-final” documents with the Post.

Senator Cory Booker, amongst others on social media, have slammed the administration’s education plan.  

“The Trump administration’s reported education budget is an abomination,” Booker said in a statement sent to PoliticusuSA.

“By dramatically slashing funding from important initiatives, such as after-school programs, teacher training, student loans, and the Office of Civil Rights, this budget will set students back, not put them ahead,” Booker continued.

Here Are Some Of The Biggest Takeaways From The Potential Proposal:

1. No funds for mental health, anti-bullying and physical education:

Under the proposal, no funds would be dedicated to student support and academic enrichment, which aids schools in paying for mental-health services, anti-bullying initiatives, physical education, Advanced Placement courses and science and engineering instruction.

2. Eliminating A Loan Forgiveness Program:

A program that forgives the debt of government and non-profit workers after 10 years would be eliminated, as Trump hinted at in a campaign speech last October. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) was created under George W. Bush in 2007, meaning the first crop of borrowers will be eligible for forgiveness later this year, Money writes. 

3. Holding Funding Flat For Historically Black Colleges/Universities:

Despite HBCU leaders having sought an increase in federal funding, the proposal would hold funding flat compared to spending levels over the first half of fiscal 2017.

4. Eliminating Perkins Loans For Low-Income Students:

The Post’s documents state that the spending proposal would maintain funding for Pell Grants for students in financial need, but would eliminate more than $700 million in Perkins loans for disadvantaged students. 

5.  A Drop In Funding And Staffers For The Civil Rights Office:

The President is seeking $106.8 million for the Civil Rights Office, which is unchanged from the funding level over the first half of fiscal 2017. But the proposed total is $1.7 million less than the office is now receiving. Under the proposal, nearly 40 positions would be slashed in the already diminishing staff positions in the department. 

6. Millions Lost In Child-Care Program For Low-Income Students: 

As New York Magazine writes, a $15 million program that provides child care for low-income parents in college would be eliminated. Other programs — such as the Obama administration’s Promise Neighborhoods, which is meant to support kids in needy communities — would remain, but see their funding slashed.

Visit The Washington Post to view the entire document.