Speaking of government incompetence, Washington has added no value to our schools after spending more than $1 trillion on K-12 education. Trump wisely wants to send the federal dollars directly back to the states and the red state governors are ready to go.

Iowa, which has been a leader in education reform under Governor Kim Reynolds, is asking for its federal aid to be consolidated into a single block grant with few federal strings attached. Reynolds says block grants would “give states the flexibility to stretch federal dollars further, rather than following the dictates of distant federal bureaucrats who don’t have the same visibility into our state’s needs.”

Last week, Oklahoma submitted a similar request, asking for permission to use its grant money to allow parents private school and charter school options. As many as a dozen other right-leaning states are planning to submit their own requests.

ALEC CEO (and UP board member) Lisa Nelson and ALEC’s national chair Patricia Rucker, a West Virginia state senator, explain how this will expand school choice options for families:

What began in West Virginia is now a reality in 15 states, with more to come. Already this year, Tennessee, Idaho, and Wyoming have passed universal education freedom programs. Lawmakers in Texas, South Carolina, and New Hampshire are making a strong push for universal education freedom this year as well.

By the end of 2025, we may see six more states join this incredible movement to empower parents and ensure all American students can access the best learning environment for their needs…

Dramatically shrinking the Department of Education will make our education system more responsive, efficient, and tailored to the needs of American students.