NEA responds to Trump administration's budget bill passage

Today, the United States Congress passed a budget bill proposed by the Trump administration. The legislation reduces funding for education, health care, and nutrition programs, which critics argue will disproportionately affect marginalized communities including Black, Brown, Indigenous groups, low-income families, working-class individuals, immigrants, veterans, seniors, and those with disabilities.

NEA President Becky Pringle issued a statement criticizing the budget as an attack on vulnerable populations. "This budget is a direct attack on the very people our public institutions are meant to lift up," she said. Pringle emphasized that instead of investing in education and future generations' well-being, the law grants substantial tax breaks to wealthy individuals at the expense of students and families.

Pringle described the situation as more than just a policy issue: "This isn’t just a policy failure—it is a moral disgrace." She accused former President Trump and congressional Republicans of undermining public schools and affecting students across rural, suburban, and urban areas through funding cuts.

The NEA president also highlighted additional impacts of the budget cuts: "They’re not just slashing budgets—they’re taking food away from hungry children by cutting SNAP. They’re stripping health care from millions by dismantling Medicaid."

In her closing remarks, Pringle promised action from educators and parents: “Educators and parents will not stand by in silence as Trump terrorizes our communities. We will speak out, organize, and fight back because we know what is at stake."

The National Education Association (NEA) represents over 3 million members including teachers across various educational levels as well as other public employees.