DeVos: Education cuts 'alarming' but necessary

WASHINGTON — U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos defended the Trump administration’s proposed $9 billion cut to education on Tuesday, saying the planned 13% reduction in funding may seem shocking, but it’s necessary.

"I’ve seen the headlines, and I understand those figures are alarming for many," DeVos told lawmakers in an Appropriations subcommittee, according to her prepared testimony. The proposed 2018 budget, she said, refocuses the department on supporting states and school districts in their efforts to provide “high-quality education” to all students while simplifying college funding, among other efforts.

Overall, Trump plans to eliminate or phase out 22 programs that the administration says are “duplicative, ineffective, or are better supported through state, local, or private efforts.”

The administration wants to cut teacher training, vocational training and before- and after-school programs, among others. It also wants to eliminate subsidized loans and a new loan forgiveness program for students who commit to public service after college. Trump wants to funnel the savings into several school choice proposals — including a $250 million fund for expanding public funding of private-school vouchers.

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