In President Trump’s 80-minute State of the Union address to Congress, there was only one specific mention to education which was framed around continued economic prosperity. His focus was on career and technical education - “Let us open great vocational schools so our future workers can learn a craft and realize their full potential.” Unfortunately, no specifics were given.
The President introduced his plan for dealing with immigration policy supported by some Republicans but opposed by almost all Democrats. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is inextricably connected to education as approximately 250,000 students and 9,000 teachers are DACA recipients. There is uncertainty about the future for those students and teachers.
In the address, the President also unveiled a vague $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan. There were few policy specifics on infrastructure. While some had hoped that school construction would be a part of the plan, it appears that the Trump administration is not planning to make school construction a part of its proposal. The Democrats want the infrastructure plan to include funds and partnerships with states in order to modernize and repair schools, however, the Republicans do not support school construction and believe states and locals are responsible. Many are wondering how the President plans to fund this plan.
The following statement was released after the President’s address by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy De Vos: “America must do better to prepare our students for success in the 21st century economy. I join the President in calling on Congress to act in the best interest of students and expand access to more education pathways.”
The Democratic response to the State of the Union address was given by Joseph Kennedy III of Massachusetts. Kennedy characterized the Democratic Party as one that helps all, unlike the Republican Party who chooses only some. Kennedy stated, “So here is the answer Democrats offer tonight: we choose both. We fight for both. Because the strongest, richest, greatest nation in the world shouldn’t leave any one behind.”
President Trump’s State of the Union address is a missed opportunity for children and youth with exceptionalities, their families and the professionals who work on their behalf.
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