State Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) stands with other elected officials and community members outside of Renaissance High School on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.
DETROIT, Mich., Sept. 8, 2025 — Today, Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Renaissance High School as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s “Returning Education to the States Tour.” Prior to their arrival, community members protested, demanding that the federal government, Hall and the Republican-led Michigan House adequately fund public schools.
“Touring schools while cutting the funding, tools and services they depend on is not partnership, it’s neglect. If Secretary McMahon and Speaker Hall truly wanted to respond to students’ needs, they would start by ensuring congressional funds and passing a well-balanced state education budget. They would be protecting the programs students and families rely on everyday, not slashing them. Our students deserve more than empty words and political stunts, they deserve real investments. Michigan Republicans need to focus on making sure kids are fed and teachers are supported, not on ego-driven photo opportunities,” said state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park).
The U.S. Department of Education withheld billions in congressionally approved funds, cutting critical support for teachers, students with disabilities and underserved communities. Speaker Hall and House Republicans, taking a page from D.C.’s playbook, passed a budget plan that compounds these harmful cuts to school funding — including cutting the universal school meals program and mental health investments. These actions leave districts scrambling to provide basic services, from classroom instruction to school meals and mental health supports.
“This morning, a Trump cabinet official slipped into one of our high schools for a closed-door meeting about defunding public education. If they have their way, special education, after school programs, and even school lunches will be slashed. We will fight their efforts to take away resources from our kids and our communities,” said state Sen. Mallory McMarrow (D-Royal Oak).
###