U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono held a forum on Capitol Hill to address concerns about the Trump Administration and Republicans’ actions regarding K-12 public education programs nationwide. The event, titled “Robbing Our Students’ Futures: The Indefensible Attacks on Public Education,” featured testimony from educators and experts who discussed perceived threats to students and the public education system.
“President Trump is engaged in an all-out, coordinated attack on public education—from gutting the Department of Education’s workforce, to withholding the department’s funding, to establishing the first-ever national school voucher program, this administration has been working relentlessly to undermine public education and eliminate crucial programs students and families rely on,” Hirono stated.
Hirono emphasized that the forum was intended to inform students and families about potential risks posed by current policies. She committed to opposing these measures and ensuring access to quality public education for all children.
The discussion highlighted specific issues such as proposed budget cuts for fiscal year 2026, fiscal year 2025 impoundments, future rescissions, and school vouchers. Princess Moss, vice president of the National Education Association (NEA), also participated in the forum. The NEA is the largest labor union in the country with around 3 million members and is affiliated with the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association.
“As the Trump Administration continues to attack our nation’s public school students and educators, we must continue to organize, advocate, and mobilize for the public schools our students and neighborhoods deserve,” Moss said.
Moss further stressed that every student deserves qualified educators with adequate resources. She expressed gratitude towards Senator Hirono for her support of public schools.
