Sen. Mike Rounds Proposes Department of Education Elimination

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has introduced the 'Returning Education to Our States Act', proposing to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and redistribute its functions to other federal agencies. This initiative has been met with strong opposition from the South Dakota Education Association and the state Democratic Party, who argue it could harm vulnerable students by dismantling crucial support programs like Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Rounds claims that local control of education is more effective than federal oversight, citing bureaucratic inefficiencies and rising costs associated with the Department. Critics point out that without a centralized agency, essential services for low-income and disabled students may be jeopardized. The bill is unlikely to advance in the current Senate, which is controlled by Democrats. Rounds anticipates reintroducing the legislation when Republicans hold a majority next term, aligning with President-elect Trump's education reform agenda.