Rep. Gabe Vasquez Sends Letter Condemning Department of U.S. Department of Education's Staff Layoffs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) condemned the U.S. Department of Education's decision to lay off nearly 50% of its workforce, warning that the move threatens students, teachers, and families—especially in rural, Tribal, and underserved communities.

“New Mexico already ranks last in education, and taking a chainsaw to the federal Department of Education will only put us further behind,” said Vasquez. “The Administration’s gutting of the department is harmful to students in rural, Tribal, and underserved communities and to those with special needs.”

In the state’s 2nd Congressional District alone:

• Nearly 90,000 children rely on public schools.
• Over 21,000 children live below the poverty line.
• Almost 2,500 students experience homelessness.

Federal education funding accounts for 13.2% of all education dollars in the state, totaling $621.7 million. Schools depend on this funding for early childhood education, career training, and special education services—all of which are now at risk.

Vasquez acknowledged the frustrations many New Mexicans feel about the state’s failing education system but emphasized that dismantling the Department of Education without a clear plan only shifts the problem instead of solving it.

“I understand that many people are frustrated with how education is run, and I agree that we need change. But without a plan for reform, eliminating the department will only hurt our children and their families,” Vasquez said.

Vasquez vowed to fight for real education reform that prioritizes students and teachers while holding leadership accountable for improving outcomes. He called on Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to reverse the staffing cuts and work on meaningful reforms that actually help students succeed.

Others in New Mexico expressed their support for Congressman Vasquez’s quick response to the Trump administration's drastic action. 

“The National Education Association in New Mexico is so appreciative of Congressman Vasquez' quick actions in protecting New Mexico's students and public schools,” said Mary Parr-Sanchez, President of NEA-New Mexico. “The real victims of the massive funding cuts to the Department of Education will be our most vulnerable students. Gutting the Department of Education will send class sizes soaring, cut career technical education, take away special education services for students with disabilities, and gut student civil rights protections.” 

“The Department of Education’s support has been invaluable, but cuts to Title I and Language support programs put our students at risk. Federal funds have allowed us to open a Family Support Center and employ 300 staff across our district—resources our students and families rely on. Losing this funding would be devastating,” said Ignacio Ruiz, Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent. “I deeply appreciate Congressman Vasquez for fighting for our schools and standing up for New Mexico’s children when they need it most.”

"New Mexicans count on the Federal Government as a partner to educate the young people and families in our state and I'm frustrated by the administration's attempts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education,” said Tony Monfiletto, Director of the Instituto del Puente at Future Focused Education. “However, we are not deterred from our responsibility to build a state and local policy agenda backwards from the needs of our young people."

“Cuts to public education funding can have significant consequences, as the state already struggles with educational challenges, teacher shortages, and economic hardships among students. New Mexico has worked to increase teacher pay in recent years to address shortages. Funding cuts could reverse this progress, making it harder to attract, and retain qualified educators. Programs such as special education, bilingual education, and after-school programming could be reduced or eliminated, disproportionately affecting historically marginalized, and disadvantaged students. Southern New Mexico is home to a large immigrant, Spanish-speaking, and often rural population; cuts would hurt bilingual education, and migrant student support,” said Lori Martinez, Executive Director of Ngage. “We appreciate the efforts of Congressman Vazquez to oppose these changes that would profoundly impact New Mexico’s students.”

Link to the full letter is here.

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