HR1299: HR1299 United States Department of Education; dissolve and restore educational authority to the states; express support

26 LC 39 4931 House Resolution 1299 By: Representatives Wade of the 9th, Tarvin of the 2nd, Efstration of the 104th, Gaines of the 120th, and Clark of the 100th A RESOLUTION Expressing support for dissolving the United States Department of Education and restoring1 educational authority to the states; and for other purposes. 2 WHEREAS, the United States Constitution establishes a federal system that reserves those3 powers not delegated to the federal government to the states and the people; and 4 WHEREAS, education is not a power delegated to the federal gov ernment and has5 historically been governed by states and local communities accountable to families; and 6 WHEREAS, the creation of the United States Department of Educat ion expanded federal7 involvement in education significantly, while academic achievement stagnated or declined;8 and 9 WHEREAS, national assessments and polling show troubling trends in student reading and10 math performance, as well as a lack of basic civic knowledge; and 11 WHEREAS, decades of increased federal spending and regulation h ave not improved12 outcomes for students, but have imposed burdens on states and their schools; and 13 H. R. 1299 - 1 - 26 LC 39 4931 WHEREAS, federal control has created administrative bloat and b ureaucracy that diverts14 resources away from classrooms and students; and 15 WHEREAS, states are the drivers of innovation in education, lea ding effective education16 reforms that expand choice and improve outcomes; and 17 WHEREAS, governors, state legislators, and local officials are directly accountable to18 parents and taxpayers for their decisions regarding education, providing clearer responsibility19 and responsiveness than unelected federal bureaucrats; and 20 WHEREAS, prioritizing the needs of students and families requires placing decision-making21 authority with those closest to the classroom; and 22 WHEREAS, Secretary McMahon has initiated significant organizati onal restructuring by23 reducing the United States Department of Education's workforce without adversely affecting24 educational services.25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that26 the members of this body affirm its responsibility to lead on education in a manner consistent27 with the United States Constitution and the principles of feder alism; support efforts to28 dismantle the United States Department of Education, returning authority over education29 back to the states; and encourage shifting core responsibilitie s of the United States30 Department of Education to other agencies, in both state and fe deral governments, that are31 better suited to execute them.32 H. R. 1299 - 2 - 26 LC 39 4931 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body express their resolve to seek33 every opportunity, in cooperation with other federal agencies, to regain control of 34 kindergarten through grade 12 schools in this state.35 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized36 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the37 Governor of Georgia, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,38 and the chairpersons of the appropriate House and Senate commit tees for consideration39 during the 2026 legislative session.40 H. R. 1299 - 3 -