NEW: Tim Sheehy Calls to Defund the Department of Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 15, 2024

CONTACT
rehm@mtdems.org

Sheehy: “We have a Department of Education, which I don’t think we need anymore [...] it should go away” 

Helena, MT – New reporting revealed that multimillionaire Tim Sheehy has repeatedly attacked our public school system and plans to abolish the Department of Education. 

Sheehy’s education plan would be a disaster for hardworking families because federal funding is vital for Montana’s education system:

• In Montana, nearly 90% of students attend public schools. Federal funding “accounts for roughly 12% of the funding per student.”
   

• Federal funding is necessary for students across Montana:
   

  • Federal dollars are “especially important in areas with smaller taxable values,” like Native American reservations in Montana.
     

  • Montana receives $40 million in federal funding to support students with disabilities.
     

• Federal loans allow students to attend college, as well as trade and technical programs, creating opportunities for young people across Montana. 

Sheehy’s plan would eliminate funding that Montana public schools rely on to support their students. If Sheehy gets his way, Montana students and families will suffer the consequences. His plan would threaten schools across Montana. 

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