Hinson should oppose Trump education cuts

Letters to the Editor: The Gazette, Friday, September 4, 2026

As a new school year begins, Cedar Rapids students are returning to classrooms, teachers are welcoming new classes and families are looking forward to opportunities ahead. However, the funding cuts in the Trump administration’s proposed FY2027 education budget consolidates 17 education programs, currently funded at roughly $6.5 billion nationally, into a $2 billion block grant. That’s a reduction of approximately $4.6 billion.

These programs support teacher development, mental health and school safety, after-school programs, literacy, magnet and community schools, and services for students experiencing homelessness.

Cedar Rapids would feel these cuts. Title II funding, which helps districts develop and support effective teachers and school leaders, would be rolled into the new block grant. It is estimated that CRCSD would lose approximately $1 million from that change alone.

This proposal would also eliminate Title III funding for English Language Acquisition. Meanwhile, federal Charter Schools funding would increase from $440 million to $500 million Budgets reflect priorities.

As our children return to school, our teachers shouldn’t have fewer resources, our students fewer opportunities and local taxpayers shouldn’t be asked to make up for federal cuts. Rep. Ashley Hinson represents thousands of public school students and educators. I encourage her to stand with them, reject these cuts and support strong federal investment in our public schools.

Keith Jacklin