President Donald Trump (R) is inching closer to abolishing the Department of Education, a move that has garnered strong Republican support while facing staunch opposition from Democrats. However, Democrats are looking to counter the move, and the first effort is coming out of Texas. State Rep. Ana-Maria Rodriguez (D) has filed a bill to fund schools at the national level.
In Texas, lawmakers are having their own battle with education as Republicans push for school-voucher reforms while Democrats pushback against the effort, calling it a “voucher scam.”
Taking to social media to comment on the national discussion regarding education, state Rep. Rodriguez announced her new bill while also taking a swipe at the incumbent president, mentioning that he and “President Musk” are looking to dismantle protections for students.
In a video posted on X, state Rep. Rodriguez voiced concerns about the impact of President Trump’s plan, particularly for special needs children, stating that eliminating the Department of Education would strip away essential protections. She emphasized that Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s (R) push for school vouchers, combined with the incumbent president’s efforts, could severely harm Texas students.
All Texas kids deserve a good education, so today I filed HB2435—funding our schools at the national average.
Abbott, Trump, and President Musk push their voucher scams—Texans aren’t buying it.
Progressives fight for OUR Texas—where every student has a chance to thrive. #txlege pic.twitter.com/s5WPLF2ySx
— Representative Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos (@Ramos4Texas) February 5, 2025
“This is very important, especially for the parents of special needs children because the Department of Education allows protections for the children who are in most need,” the Texas Democrat said in the video.
“Abbott has declared an emergency item on privatizing our public schools. This along with the abolishment of the Department of Education is really gonna jeopardize those children, especially those who are in most need in our public schools.”
In response to the Republican effort, she has introduced HB 2435, a bill aimed at increasing school funding to match the national average, which she argues is crucial to keeping Texas schools competitive and well-resourced.
“Progressives in Texas are doing everything we can to fight this, which is why today I’m filing a bill to increase the basic allotment by 45% to be on par with national per student funding,” she explained.
“The fight is far from over, and together we can stop it.”
