Oklahoma lawmakers support the elimination of the Department of Education.

Oklahoma lawmakers are in favor of abolishing the Department of Education, as per President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promise to eliminate the department.

"Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern, the Republican Policy Committee Chair-elect, believes that more of our education should be at the state level rather than in Washington, D.C. This viewpoint aligns with the party's longstanding stance, as expressed by Ronald Reagan. Hern advocates for parents, teachers, and administrators to take on their responsibilities."

"Perhaps the one-size-fits-all approach is restrictive," said Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla. "There's no creativity and originality when you adhere to a single model."

He added that states should have complete control over education.

In November, Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters advocated for the elimination of the federal department and issued a directive to schools to prepare for this possibility.

The government has taken control of our education system, using taxpayer money to implement harmful policies and dictate what is taught in our schools, according to the memo.

The idea of abolishing the Department of Education has been gaining momentum since Trump campaigned for it. He stated that he would prioritize closing the department in Washington, D.C., and sending all education and education work back to the states.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed by Trump to streamline the federal government, approved a plan to eliminate the department.

He added that states should have complete control over education.

One GOP lawmaker wants to ensure that federal dollars continue to go to state and local schools, despite Oklahoma Republicans' support for disbanding the Education Department.

"If you can do that, how do you implement it?" Rep. Frank Lucas asked. "The state of Oklahoma primarily funds public schools, with local property taxes being an important element, but federal dollars also play a crucial role."

Ensuring that disabled programs and other resources are still accessible to local school districts, how do you address such issues while reading programs?

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., stated that he supports abolishing ED but requires federal funding, specifically federal Impact Aid.

"If you're going to eliminate the Department of Education, I'm not for eliminating Impact Aid because that's millions of dollars to Oklahoma schools that educate kids who wouldn't be here otherwise," he said. "I agree with the president about the bloated nature of educational bureaucracy and its misguided policies. However, I don't see how you can get 60 votes in the Senate to support such a move."