Alabama’s Republican Governor Kay Ivey issued statements supporting President Trump’s efforts to reduce or remove the federal Department of Education. Alabama.com reports Ivey expressing full trust in Trump. She stated she’s “all for shrinking government where we can.” These statements agitated some citizens of Alabama, which recently ranked 45th in education. Federal funds provide a hefty chunk of the state’s educational budget, leaving many frustrated with the governor.
Alabama Residents Share Mixed Reactions to Governor Kay Ivey’s Support of Trump’s Education Cuts
The top comment on the Alabama subreddit post regarding this story states, “OK, MeeMaw, hit us with the plan to replace those federal dollars then.” This question rings out across many areas of Alabama, which relies heavily on federal funds for its education budget. That Alabama.com article suggests that around 10% of K-12 school funding and nearly 25% of higher education funding comes from the DOE. Alabama officials seem convinced that the money will flow without the government agency. State Superintendent Eric Mackey stated,
“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.”
Alabama’s state Department of Education ranks 39th in funding and 41st in school spending nationally. While other states certainly receive more federal funding, the DOE’s contribution carries a massive weight.
Cutting the Department of Education was one of the most controversial suggestions of the divisive Project 2025 plan. While Trump distanced himself from its tenants on the campaign trail, many of his decisions have followed its guidance. The Alabama governor was more than happy to support Trump’s policies, but there are already knock-on effects. The same day, Alabama.com reported a delay of $9 million in teacher salary reimbursements as a result of a glitch in a federal funding portal. This caused a brief panic among the school board. Most funds come through the state DOE, but they receive reimbursement from federal money. State officials saw messages noting the lack of staffing in Washington. These problems could continue as the DOE undergoes massive cuts. Superintendent Mackey noted, “We can float money for a day, two days, three days, but if it were a quarter, that would be a problem.”
Cuts to the DOE will affect funding, as the recent example shows. Governor Kay Ivey’s support of Trump’s policies raises a lot of questions and concerns from her constituency. While early examples of the plan’s negative impact seem apparent, Alabama citizens will have to wait and see how Trump’s cuts change their education system.
