‘Our kids will suffer’: Local lawmakers weigh in on mass layoffs at Department of Education

CHICAGO — Lawmakers and the Chicago Teachers Union are among those weighing in on the mass layoffs at the Department of Education, with hundreds of jobs slashed in the last 24 hours.

A senior department official said 1,315 Department of Education staffers will be let go and received the notification on Tuesday.  

The Education Department started President Trump’s second term with more than 4,000 employees, but even before Tuesday, hundreds had already been put on leave or had taken a buyout offer.  

Amongst the latest cuts, multiple reports state the regional office in Chicago is on the chopping block.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon told Fox News the layoffs are an effort to take the bureaucracy out of education and are the first step toward shuttering the department — which has been a goal of President Donald Trump ever since hitting the campaign trail.

Now, a complete shutdown cannot be done without Congress’ approval.

Local lawmakers have been weighing on Tuesday’s events, with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi saying, in part: “Weakening our education system not only shortchanges our children but also undermines our workforce and economy at a time when our global competitors are investing more—not less—in education.”

Senator Dick Durbin added, “more than 1,300 dedicated public servants are out of a job, our local schools will lose resources, and our kids will suffer. Once again, thanks to President Trump, billionaires win and families lose.”

The CTU also briefly mentioned the layoffs during their press conference Wednesday morning, as they continue to negotiate a new contract.

“We need to be close because last night, Number 47 wrecked havoc on the Department of Education…We have to protect public education and the children that need it most,” said CTU President Stacy Davis Gates.

Governor JB Pritzker describes the cuts as a failed test of leadership for the president.

The National Parents Union is also gearing up for a fight, condemning the proposed elimination of the Department of Education as a direct attack on the future of children.

WGN News also reached out to the Illinois Department of Education for a comment: