PHOENIX — Governor Katie Hobbs is raising alarms over the potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, warning that the move would threaten nearly $1 billion in annual funding Arizona relies on to support students statewide.
In a statement Thursday, Hobbs called the effort “deeply concerning” and stressed that Arizona students depend on federal resources like FAFSA, Pell Grants, and K-12 education programs funded by the department.
“Eliminating the Department of Education puts critical services at risk — from preschool and special education to career training and funding for schools on tribal lands,” Hobbs said. “We should be increasing our investment in public education, not creating uncertainty that harms Arizona students.”
What’s at Stake for Arizona:
Arizona receives more than $855 million in K-12 funding each year, including:
$345 million for Title I programs supporting low-income schools
$272 million for IDEA funding helping students with disabilities
$238 million in Impact Aid for schools serving children on tribal lands and military bases
Hobbs vowed to fight any effort that would jeopardize education funding and promised to protect these vital resources for students “from preschool through higher education.”
