CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the following statement in response to the federal administration taking steps to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education:

“Dismantling the Department of Education hurts early childhood education, children with disabilities, under-resourced and rural schools and basic protections for civil rights. This federal administration's actions are extremely dangerous and its effects will be felt by all.

“States cannot adequately fund the federal mandates placed on public schools without the help of the federal government. This, once again, shows the blatant ineptitude of those in charge of the department. Gutting our children's futures is despicable.”